Financial Standard

Advisers bolster client book amid compliance burden: CoreData

KARREN VERGARA   Financial advice practices are serving more clients, charging higher fees and reporting record levels of satisfaction with their licensees, despite the weight of compliance, according to CoreData.

FS Power50 voting opens

VINNY VUCAGO   Voting for Australia's most influential financial advisers in the 2026 Financial Standard Power50 is now open, with 122 advisers shortlisted for the annual ranking.

Bell Financial Group profit surges 133%

VINNY VUCAGO   Bell Financial Group has reported a 133.3% increase in first half net profit after tax (NPAT) to $21.7 million, supported by stronger market conditions and increased trading activity.

L1 Group backs former analyst's hedge fund venture

KARREN VERGARA   L1 Group has launched a new hedge fund venture, PXC Advisors, with the help of a former investment analyst at the helm.

Life CCC unveils FY27 priorities

MATTHEW WAI   The Life CCC has laid out its priorities for the current financial year, including providing the necessary support required for the upcoming implementation of the revised Life Code.

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.

New platform provides guidance for retirees

MATTHEW WAI   A new artificial intelligence (AI) platform has launched to fill a gap that is persisting for retiring members seeking purpose in the retirement phase.

Challenger launches retirement research institute

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Challenger has launched the Institute for Lifetime Income, an advocacy and insights platform focused on improving financial and longevity literacy.

Albanese pushes Trump on tariff exemption

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked US President Donald Trump to consider a full exemption on tariffs for Australia, or at the very least no increase from the current 12.5% subject on Australian exports to the US.

RBA on hold but keeps door open for more hikes

ELIZA BAVIN   The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the door open for further tightening despite keeping the cash rate steady at 4.35%.

Macquarie puts KPMG audit under formal review

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Macquarie Group chair Glenn Stevens said the investment giant is formally inquiring into KPMG's capability to deliver its audit, as well as the conduct of the audit itself, at the latest parliamentary inquiry into the consulting firm.

ASFA defends super as 'policy success' amid Bragg criticism

VINNY VUCAGO   The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has pushed back against criticism of the compulsory system saying it has delivered significant gains for retirement security and reduced pressure on the federal budget.

CareSuper hires from AustralianSuper, Rest

MATTHEW WAI   CareSuper has welcomed two senior investment directors from other super funds to strengthen its investment capability.

LGT Wealth Management appoints chief tech officer

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   LGT Wealth Management has appointed Willem Strydom as its new chief technology officer.

NZ Super updates sustainable investment policy

MATTHEW WAI   The Guardians of NZ Super has published an updated set of Sustainable Investment policy documents, using a new standalone framework to describe the policies, standards and procedures that underpin its sustainable investment activities.

AI advice boom highlights urgent need for affordable advice: SMC

VINNY VUCAGO   Australians are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to understand their superannuation and retirement options, but new research suggests many remain reluctant to rely on AI alone for major financial decisions.

Centuria, ResetData advance AI data centre rollout

VINNY VUCAGO   Centuria Capital Group and AI infrastructure business ResetData have partnered with CDC Data Centres to develop AI data centre infrastructure.

Zerocap expands insto crypto trading capabilities

MATTHEW WAI   Zerocap, the Smorgon family-backed crypto currency investment platform, has announced a new partnership to scale its institutional crypto and FX trading capabilities.

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.