Financial Standard

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.

ASIC bans former NextGen Financial Group directors

KARREN VERGARA   ASIC banned two former NextGen Financial Group directors from working in financial services for three years for failing to comply with Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) determinations.

VanEck targets tech thematics with trifecta launch

MATTHEW WAI   VanEck is bringing three ETFs to life for local investors to access thematic investments across several emerging technology sectors, including what it says is "Australia's first dedicated quantum computing ETF."

EQT AB lifts Perpetual bid to $22.50 a share

KARREN VERGARA   EQT AB has again upped its takeover bid for Perpetual, raising the offer price to $22.50.

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KARREN VERGARA   The "Great Australian Dream" has been superseded by the pursuit of the "Great Australian Lifestyle" as a new measure of success underscored by financial security, a new survey finds.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

ASX chief financial officer retires

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   ASX chief financial officer Andrew Tobin will retire from his role after four years with the market operator.

Apostle taps former Platinum AM chief

MATTHEW WAI   Apostle Funds Management has appointed a new chief executive following the departure of managing director Mitchell Gunman earlier this year.

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.

Fund managers unsure about expenditures on AI

MATTHEW WAI   While budgets for artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities continue to grow across the fund management industry, many aren't sure if they are spending the right amount, new Clearwater Analytics research found.

Next Capital nabs Fujitsu's data centre platform

MATTHEW WAI   Australian private equity firm Next Capital is set to acquire the local data centre business of Fujitsu to create a new independent national data centre platform.

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.