RSM's talkBIG Podcast

RSM Australia

talkBIG is RSM's business finance and economics podcast, helping you save, create and protect your wealth. This podcast delves into real-life stories and inspires listeners to talk and think BIG. This is edutainment at its finest, suited for financial geeks or newbies. Tune in and subscribe to get your hit of personal and business money talk.

  1. Aug 6

    How AI is rewriting the rules of cybercrime (and how to fight back)

    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.

  2. May 11

    Should you pass on your inheritance before you die?

    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.

  3. Jan 27

    Smart moves for your finances this new year

    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.

  4. 10/30/2025

    Unpacking Australia’s proposed electric vehicle road user charge

    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.

About

talkBIG is RSM's business finance and economics podcast, helping you save, create and protect your wealth. This podcast delves into real-life stories and inspires listeners to talk and think BIG. This is edutainment at its finest, suited for financial geeks or newbies. Tune in and subscribe to get your hit of personal and business money talk.