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Passing on the family farm can be one of the most difficult business and personal decisions a farming family will face. In this episode of talkBIG, Katie Timms is joined by Ross Paterson, RSM’s National Agribusiness Leader, to explore succession planning, family wealth and the future of the family farm. Ross shares insights from his work with farming families and his personal experience buying into his own family’s farming enterprise. From managing different expectations and funding sibling buyouts to building trust, planning for retirement and recognising that “fair” does not always mean “equal”, this conversation examines what families need to consider when deciding who owns the farm next.  They discuss: Why succession is about more than wills and legal documentsHow rising farm values are changing family conversationsThe role of trust and alignment in a successful transitionWhy fair does not always mean equalFunding sibling buyouts without compromising the businessHelping the current generation plan confidently for retirementWhy families should begin these conversations earlySubscribe to talkBIG and share the episode with your network. #talkBIG #Agribusiness #FarmSuccession #SuccessionPlanning #FamilyBusiness #IntergenerationalWealth #AustralianAgriculture Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Could fraud be hiding in your organisation without you realising it? In this episode of talkBIG, host Katie Timms is joined by fraud and forensic expert Andrew Connelly to explore how fraud actually occurs inside businesses, why it's often missed, and what leaders can do to identify warning signs before significant damage is done. Drawing on his experience in law enforcement, forensic accounting and fraud investigations, Andrew shares practical insights into common fraud schemes, behavioural red flags, emerging AI-enabled threats, and the controls businesses can implement to reduce risk. Whether you're a business owner, finance leader, board member or risk professional, this episode provides practical guidance to help build a more fraud-aware and resilient organisation. Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the cybercrime landscape, and businesses that don't adapt their cyber defences risk being left exposed. In this episode of the talkBIG podcast, RSM Australia's Katie Timms sits down with cyber security expert Ashwin Pal to unpack how AI-powered cyberattacks work, why they're so effective, and what your organisation can do to stay protected. Ashwin draws on 27 years of cyber security experience across the Asia Pacific region to break down the rise of AI-enabled threats like deepfakes, sophisticated social engineering, and automated vulnerability exploitation. He also revisits the now-infamous case of a USD$25m deepfake fraud, where criminals impersonated a company's chief financial officer to authorise fraudulent transfers. It is a stark reminder of just how convincing these attacks have become. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: How AI is supercharging phishing, social engineering, and deepfake attacksWhy people, not technology, remain the biggest vulnerability in most organisationsThe people, process, and technology framework for building stronger cyber defencesWhy role-specific cyber awareness training matters more than everHow AI-powered defensive tools, including anomaly detection, predictive analysis, and liveness tests, are helping middle-market organisations fight backThe risks of MFA bombing and mobile device vulnerabilitiesHow often you should review your cyber strategy (hint: at least once a year)Practical, easy-to-follow tips for mums, dads, and retirees to stay safe onlineWhat the future holds as AI continues to developWhether you're a business leader, a risk professional, or simply someone wanting to protect yourself and your family online, this conversation delivers clear, practical insights you can act on today. Cybercrime isn't slowing down, but with the right knowledge and strategy, you can navigate these risks with confidence and protect your business, your reputation, and your future. ABOUT TALKBIG talkBIG is RSM Australia's business, finance, and economics podcast, helping you save, create, and protect your wealth. Each month, our experts unpack timely business topics with clear, actionable insights to make financial education accessible and engaging. Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes explores the complex world of early wealth transfer with experts Grace Bacon and Taryn Ellerington. Discover the strategic advantages and pitfalls of gifting assets during your lifetime. Grace, a seasoned financial advisor, explains how rising property prices and longer lifespans make early giving more common, helping families support children into the property market. Meanwhile, estate lawyer Taryn reveals the hidden risks of loss of control and relationship disputes that can turn a generous gift into a legal nightmare.  Learn about the benefits of gifting early, critical legal structures to protect your wealth, and the importance of open communication to prevent misunderstandings. Tune in to gain insights on creating a living legacy that benefits your loved ones and preserves your peace of mind. Key highlights: Early gifting requires a structured estate plan to avoid disputes and unintended consequences.Gifting during a lifetime allows parents to shape wealth use and foster meaningful connections.Early gifts can create family disputes; legal agreements and transparency are essential.Align gifting with future needs to prevent resource depletion and maintain independence.Lack of communication turns generosity into a gamble, risking family relationships.Tailored gifting strategies prevent financial setbacks and align with broader goals.Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

In this episode of talkBIG, Andrew Sykes explores the critical role of data governance in AI with experts Srdjan Dragutinovic and Gerard Sayers from RSM Australia. Discover how effective governance transforms AI into a strategic enabler, preventing risks like bias and reputational damage.  Learn practical steps to align governance with your strategy, ensuring AI success and innovation. Tune in to gain insights on embedding governance into your AI initiatives for a competitive edge.  Key Highlights: Good governance transforms AI from a compliance chore into a strategic enabler that accelerates innovation while managing risks.Traditional frameworks are ill-equipped for unstructured and shadow data driven by AI.AI's speed amplifies risks like bias, making proactive ethical planning essential.Clear ownership and AI literacy within the organization are crucial for effective governance.AI-specific regulation is evolving; proactive alignment with emerging standards is key.Automated AI systems require active human oversight to ensure ethical and effective outcomes.Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

As we start a new year, it’s a perfect opportunity to take stock and ask yourself: are your finances truly supporting your ambitions and life goals? In this episode, talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes is joined by RSM's financial experts, Grace Bacon and Robert Zammit, to explore practical strategies for future-proofing your finances and setting up your super for a comfortable retirement. What steps should you take now to ensure your money is working as hard as you are in 2026? From setting financial goals to modern retirement trends and estate planning essentials, our experts share their wisdom to help you navigate life’s ups and downs and hopefully come out ahead.  Key takeaways: You need to find the balance between the financial and the personal to achieve a happy retirement. Everyone has different comfort levels, so it's hard to say what you need for a 'comfortable' retirement.Risks associated with retirement include supporting adult children, market fluctuations, and health-related expenses.Modern retirement often includes retirees working part-time or in consulting roles to stay connected and engaged with the community.There are many strategies for managing mortgages and retirement savings, but it's important to consult with a professional to discuss your individual circumstances. There are multiple benefits to starting your financial planning early, rather than late. Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

In this episode of the talkBIG podcast, host Andrew Sykes is joined by superannuation expert Katie Timms to break down the latest changes to Division 296 and what they mean for your retirement savings. Earlier proposals to tax unrealised gains on super balances over $3 million sparked widespread concern, but the government has now shifted to a tiered tax structure that targets actual income instead.  The discussion covers: -The move away from taxing unrealised gains to a fairer, income-based approach -How the new tiered tax system works for balances over $3 million and $10 million -The impact on self-managed super funds, farmers, and those with illiquid assets -Ongoing uncertainties around capital gains tax relief and administrative costs -Practical advice for planning ahead of the July 2026 start date  Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and what to watch for as further superannuation changes unfold. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on Australia’s evolving tax landscape Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

As technology makes it easier than ever to track employee activity, businesses are grappling with how to balance productivity with privacy. In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes is joined by BAL Lawyers director Bill Pardy and RSM Australia’s Director of People & Culture Rebekah Mark to unpack the legal, ethical and cultural implications of monitoring remote teams. Together, they explore how surveillance affects trust, what employers are legally required to consider, and how organisations can create transparent, high-performing remote workplaces without compromising employee wellbeing. What you’ll learn in this episode: The rise of surveillance technology in remote work environments and its implications.How to balance productivity with privacy in the workplace.The legal and ethical considerations of monitoring employees.The impact of surveillance on employee trust and organisational culture.If you want to grasp how workplace surveillance impacts remote work dynamics, this episode is filled with essential insights you can't afford to miss. Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

As revenue from the fuel excise continues to drop, Australia’s proposed solution is to make up the difference with a new tax for electric vehicle drivers. In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes is joined by RSM Australia’s National Head of Tax Sam Mohammad and RSM Australia’s Sustainability Lead Nicole Mohan to explore the impacts of this controversial policy. Together, they debate the fairness of a road user charge that only applies to electric vehicles, how this might impact Australia’s sustainability goals and whether there are other ways to transition away from a fuel excise. What you’ll learn in this episode: The rationale behind Australia's proposed road user charge for electric vehicles and its potential to replace declining fuel excise revenue.The fairness and equity considerations of the road user charge, including its impact on different income groups and regions.How the road user charge aligns with Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target and the importance of its careful design.The challenges of implementing a road user charge, including vehicle usage tracking and privacy concerns.Tune in to understand how this policy could impact both individual and corporate road users and how it might shape the future of transportation in Australia. Experts in this episode: Sam Mohammad, National Head of Tax, RSM Australia Nicole Mohan, National Sustainability Lead, RSM Australia  Andrew Sykes, Canberra Managing Partner, RSM Australia Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

How do US tariffs and trade wars affect Australia’s economy? In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes is joined by economists Joe Brusuelas and Devika Shivadekar, along with corporate finance expert Craig Amos, to unpack the global ripple effects of US trade policy. From Trump’s tariffs to shifting trade agreements, they explore how these policies impact Australia’s mining and resource sector, gold markets, and long-term growth. What you’ll learn in this episode: Which Australian industries are hit hardest by US tariffsWhy gold demand is booming—and its role in the resource sectorHow tariffs disrupt global supply chains and investment flowsWhy economic diversification is vital for Australia’s futureThe geopolitical forces reshaping global tradeIf you want to understand how international trade battles shape Australia’s economy, this episode has the insights you need. Watch now to learn what tariffs, trade wars, and global tensions really mean for Australia’s place in the world economy. Experts in this episode: Craig Amos,  Partner, National Resources, Mining and Energy Leader, RSM Australia Joe Brusuelas, Chief Economist, RSM US Devika Shivadekar, Economist, RSM Australia Andrew Sykes, Canberra Managing Partner, RSM Australia Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE: https://www.rsm.global/australia/insights/podcasts/talkbig-podcast#subscribe  See more from our talkBIG series: https://www.rsm.global/australia/insights/podcasts/talkbig-podcast  Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rsms-talkbig-podcast/id1587839521  Amazon music: https://music.amazon.com.au/podcasts/b65be160-f764-4c7e-83ea-5f3b48e84779  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cA2ocKrICgYMCZxMQ8N3U  Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Everything you need to know about division 296 tax on superannuation What is division 296 and why is it sparking such significant debate and concerns among superannuation holders?  Announced by the Australian Government in 2023, division 296 is proposed legislation set to enforce additional tax on earning from superannuation balances exceeding $3 million [AUD]. With both realised and unrealised gains potentially being taxed, the legislation has sparked huge debate due to concerns about fairness, valuation challenges, and its potential impact on retirement planning.  As the legislation continues to face hurdles in Parliament, its potential impact on retirement strategies and future generations remains a hot topic. In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes joins expert Katie Timms, a Partner in the RSM Superannuation team, to discuss the complexities of this new tax and what it might mean for Australian’s retirement plans.     Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Join special guest Kim Seeling Smith and host Andrew Sykes as they embark on a thought-provoking discussion about the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the business landscape. From the future of work to navigating the increasing pace of change, this episode focuses on preparing individuals and organisations to face the changes that lie ahead.  The hosts explore the idea of partnering with AI, emphasising the need to always keep a human in the loop, and calling for organisations to upskill and redeploy their workers, taking them on the journey . They candidly address the realities of automation, pointing out that routine tasks are often the most vulnerable, yet simultaneously opening doors to exciting new opportunities and roles in the workplace. Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Too many Aussie businesses aren't ready for a cyber attack. In this episode of talkBIG, we unpack the latest findings on Australia's cyber readiness.  Take a close look at how ready Australian companies really are to tackle cybersecurity threats, dig into the main attack methods that cybercriminals use and discuss why it’s so important for companies to understand their vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Tune in now.  Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

How will the Federal Budget impact you? The Federal Budget 2025-26 is set to be handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on 25 March, shaping economic policy and priorities in a pivotal election year. What will the key announcements mean for businesses, investors, and individuals? Join us for an in-depth webinar featuring our leading economist, tax experts, and finance advisers. They will break down the key measures, assess their implications, and explore the broader economic and policy landscape as we approach the federal election. Discussion highlights: ✅ Economic outlook and policy direction in an election year ✅ Tax and finance measures impacting businesses and individuals ✅ Key opportunities and risks to prepare for Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Do you remember Neopets? 🌟 If you spent time online between 1999 and 2005, chances are you had a Neopets account or knew someone who did. In this episode of talkBIG, we’re exploring the fascinating world of Neopets, the online game that became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s. Join host Andrew Sykes as he chats with Peter Xi, a Partner from RSM Australia's Tax Advisory division, and Dominic Law, the new CEO of Neopets.  They’ll dive into the business side of online gaming, discuss the cultural impact Neopets had on a generation, and share some exciting plans for the future of the game! 🎮💖  Whether you grew up with Neopets or you’re simply curious about the gaming industry, this episode offers a fun mix of nostalgia and insights that you won’t want to miss.  Text us your questions! Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.