Financial Standard

The advice opportunity for medical professionals: NAB

MATTHEW WAI   Research from NAB Private Wealth highlighted that despite an exceptional income potential transpiring for medical professionals, they have one of the "shortest" windows to build wealth, making professional advice a key component to building long-term wealth.

Advisers lean on AQF7 to meet education standards: Rainmaker

MATTHEW WAI   A new report indicates that Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) 7 qualifications are the most common forms of qualification among financial advisers, held by 85% of the population.

Pengana threatens legal action against PIA

KARREN VERGARA   Pengana Capital Group is threatening legal action against Pengana International Equities (PIA) - the Wilson Asset Management-led board LIC - after shareholders overwhelmingly backed a buy-back it objects to, alleging among other things, "material conflicts of interest" were not disclosed in the lead up to the shareholder vote.

Morningstar predicts platforms to pull Centuria Bass Credit Fund

KARREN VERGARA   Amid a ratings downgrade and possible governance issues concerning the Centuria Bass Credit Fund (CBCF), Morningstar predicts the property debt fund will be pulled from major investment platforms and unlikely receive new inflows.

Corporate hybrid issuance surges: Report

VINNY VUCAGO   Corporate hybrids are re-emerging as a significant segment of the Australian dollar credit market, with QIC saying the asset class is benefiting from regulatory reforms, growing investor demand and changing rating treatment.

Final report into Life Code makes 85 recommendations

MATTHEW WAI   The final report of an independent review of the Life Insurance Code of Practice has been finalised, proposing some 85 recommendations across aspects of mental health, customer vulnerability, claims handling, and sales practices.

Aussies ditch 'Great Australian Dream,' pursue 'Great Australian Lifestyle'

KARREN VERGARA   The "Great Australian Dream" has been superseded by the pursuit of the "Great Australian Lifestyle" as a new measure of success underscored by financial security, a new survey finds.

FEATURE | Retirement | A layer of confidence

MATTHEW WAI   Retirement is often the most vulnerable and least exciting phase for Australians, yet it can also become a fulfilling period for those who plan in advance and seek reliable sources of income. Matthew Wai writes.

Jobs data surprises on the upside, rate hike on the cards

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Employment jumped by a substantial 76,300 jobs in June, above the market consensus of 15,000 jobs creation, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Trump slugs Australia with new 'forced-labour' tariffs

KARREN VERGARA   US President Donald Trump will slug trading partners, including Australia, with new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on the premise of pressuring foreign governments to strengthen bans on "the importation of goods produced with forced labour."

ASIC ramps up action against SMSF auditors

VINNY VUCAGO   ASIC has stepped up enforcement against self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) auditors, acting against 64 practitioners during the 2025-26 financial year amid concerns over compliance and professional standards across the sector.

Aussie Olympian's brother sentenced over crypto scam

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   The brother of Australian breakdancing Olympian 'Raygun' has been sentenced 12 months' imprisonment for his role in a global cryptocurrency scam.

Apex Group head of super to depart

MATTHEW WAI   Apex Group managing director for superannuation will leave his post in September, joining its technology partner in a C-suite capacity.

AustralianSuper appoints co-heads of Australian equities

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   AustralianSuper has appointed Andrew Smith and Luke Smith as co-heads of Australian equities, effective immediately.

Labor commits to compulsory super for under-18 workers

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Labor has unanimously supported extending superannuation to under-18 Australian workers.

Aware Super acquires $226m real estate investment

VINNY VUCAGO   Aware Real Estate has expanded its Sydney CBD office portfolio, acquiring a 50% stake in 100 Market Street for approximately $226 million in a move that strengthens its exposure to prime commercial real estate.

Block Earner launches crypto-backed loan platform

MATTHEW WAI   Block Earner has launched Australia's first crypto-backed lending platform, which utilises Fireblocks' institutional-grade custody technology to safeguard clients' assets.

Padua expands advice portal with AUSIEX partnership

VINNY VUCAGO   Padua Solutions has expanded its Padua Advice Portal, naming AUSIEX as its exclusive broking partner as the advice technology provider looks to streamline advice generation, implementation and compliance for financial advisers.

Family businesses turn to external chief executives: Deloitte

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   While family members will largely remain at the helm of family businesses post-succession, a Deloitte Private report anticipates a meaningful shift globally, with more businesses preferring outside professionals to step into the chief executive roles.

MST Financial broadens services to Alder & Partners

KARREN VERGARA   MST Financial has broadened its services for Alder & Partners Private Wealth Management, providing "institutional-grade investments" across managed accounts, asset allocation and research.