Financial Standard

FEATURE | Platforms | The investment supermarket

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   The government wants stronger regulatory power over platforms following the collapse of Shield and First Guardian. The industry says more regulation isn't needed, but better execution of the rules already in place. Where's the line?

Count rebrands Oracle to Count Wealth

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Count Financial has rebranded Oracle Group as a new retail brand Count Wealth, after announcing the acquisition earlier in the year.

GDG delivers 36% jump in FUM

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Generation Development Group has reported strong growth to the year ending June 30.

Macquarie chair provides 'cautious' outlook at AGM

ELIZA BAVIN   Macquarie Group has provided its first quarter update at its AGM, with outgoing chief executive Shemara Wikramanayake describing trading conditions as "satisfactory".

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KARREN VERGARA   The "Great Australian Dream" has been superseded by the pursuit of the "Great Australian Lifestyle" as a new measure of success underscored by financial security, a new survey finds.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

Middle East conflict, inflation continues to weigh on confidence

MATTHEW WAI   Although consumer confidence has increased slightly according to ANZ's index, weaker personal finance and the economic outlook continue to halt confidence.

IMF downgrades Australian outlook

ELIZA BAVIN   The International Monetary Fund has downgraded the outlook for Australia while the RBA's Sarah Hunter has signalled another cash rate hike could be on the cards.

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.

ASIC simplifies guidance to improve capital raising activity

MATTHEW WAI   ASIC is simplifying the sell-side regulatory guidance in a move to spike capital raising activity, in line with its simplification effort which commenced in September 2025.

Former chief financial officer at Rest returns in new role

VINNY VUCAGO   Rest is welcoming back its former chief financial officer as its inaugural chief commercial officer.

Acclaim Wealth makes C-suite appointment in newly created role

MATTHEW WAI   Acclaim Wealth has promoted its head of adviser services into a newly created C-suite role to reflect the company's continued growth and focus on enhancing service delivery to its national adviser network.

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.

Fight between SMC and FSC on super rages on

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   The Super Members Council (SMC) has called out the Financial Services Council (FSC) on making selective claims about performance and costs of 'platform' super funds compared with performance-tested mainstream MySuper funds.

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.