Financial Standard

Acclime acquires Melbourne's Polar 993

MATTHEW WAI   Acclime, a provider of corporate, governance, advisory and fund services across Asia Pacific and global markets, has signed an agreement to acquire the independent trustee and fund administration business from Melbourne.

Platforms are not solution providers: AZ NGA

MATTHEW WAI   AZ NGA group chief executive Paul Barrett warned platforms should stay in their lane rather than overstep to improve financial adviser productivity, reiterating that it is the advice business' responsibility to do so.

HSBC Australia sells $36b retail loan book to Blackstone

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   HSBC Australia will sell its portfolio of local home loans and personal loans valued at $36 billion to Blackstone.

Nesta pulls $247m mandate from Northern Trust over climate stance

VINNY VUCAGO   UK research and innovation foundation Nesta Trust has transferred £120 million ($247m) of assets from Northern Trust Asset Management to Amundi after the US manager withdrew from major global climate initiatives, highlighting the growing commercial consequences of fund managers stepping back from climate commitments.

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KARREN VERGARA   The "Great Australian Dream" has been superseded by the pursuit of the "Great Australian Lifestyle" as a new measure of success underscored by financial security, a new survey finds.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

PC calls on government to 'redouble' efforts to close the gap

ELIZA BAVIN   The Productivity Commission has released its 2026 annual Data Compilation Report, tracking Australia's performance towards the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Mixed inflation data keeps August RBA meeting a 'live' one

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Australia's Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.8% in the 12 months to June, down from 4% in the 12 months to May 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

NSW director disqualified over $7m SMSF scam

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   The Federal Court has permanently disqualified former director Larry Dawson from managing corporations after finding he defrauded investors on their self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF) investments.

ASIC simplifies compliance with beneficial ownership reforms

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   ASIC has simplified compliance with its beneficial ownership reforms that will improve transparency about who ultimately owns, controls or has significant economic exposure to listed entities in Australia.

State Super names former super chief as chair

VINNY VUCAGO   State Super has appointed a former superannuation chief executive as chair of its board, effective September 1.

Warakirri names head of wholesale

MATTHEW WAI   Warakirri Asset Management has appointed a head of wholesale to lead the expansion of its market presence and relationships with consultants, key dealer groups and platforms.

Emerging markets, private assets lift NGS Super FY26 performance

KARREN VERGARA   Emerging markets, commodities and maturing private assets took the shine away from equities, helping deliver nearly 12% p.a. for NGS Super members over the last financial year.

Labor commits to compulsory super for under-18 workers

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

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.