Financial Standard

Federal Court lifts Merhi's travel ban

KARREN VERGARA   Former financial adviser Ferras Merhi is now free to travel as the Federal Court lifted travel restraint orders imposed one year ago.

Nominations open for the 2026 Power50

STAFF WRITER   Nominations for the 2026 Financial Standard Power50 are now open as we recognise the country's most influential advisers who continue to raise the standards for the profession and provide outstanding service to clients and the wider community.

FY26 ASX listings sat below five-year average

MATTHEW WAI   Although ASX recorded its strongest listings in the financial year ending 30 June 2026 since FY22, the latest figure remained below the five-year average of 101, with the number of total listed entities continuing to fall.

Australian Ethical adds $1bn to FUM in three months

MATTHEW WAI   The ethical manager wrapped up the financial year with a strong performance, gaining almost $1 billion in FUM to $14.5 billion from the March quarter.

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.

Treasury releases adverse genetic test results ban draft regulation

KARREN VERGARA   Treasury is seeking feedback on draft regulations that ban the use of adverse genetic test results in life insurance, which come into effect on October 8.

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KARREN VERGARA   The "Great Australian Dream" has been superseded by the pursuit of the "Great Australian Lifestyle" as a new measure of success underscored by financial security, a new survey finds.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

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.

Inflation cools, RBA facing 'uncomfortable trade-off'

ELIZA BAVIN   While inflation has cooled, it remains stubbornly above the Reserve Bank's target range, putting the central bank in a tricky position, experts say.

ASIC cancels AFSL of Australian Fiduciaries

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   ASIC has cancelled the Australian financial services licence (AFSL) of Queensland-based Australian Fiduciaries, which is currently in liquidation.

Treasury expects regulators to do the heavy lifting

MATTHEW WAI   Treasury has released new Statements of Expectations for APRA and ASIC, with an emphasis on how the regulators should promote a more sustainable and secured financial ecosystem.

NGS Super names head of strategy

MATTHEW WAI   NGS Super has appointed a former ASFA committe member as head of strategy, as the fund aims to strengthen its retirement offering.

Eiger Capital co-founder flags retirement

KARREN VERGARA   Stephen Wood, the co-founder of small-caps specialist Eiger Capital, which has more than $895 million in funds under management, has announced his retirement.

UniSuper backs tech despite AI caution

VINNY VUCAGO   UniSuper has reaffirmed its conviction in the global technology sector after delivering another year of double-digit returns in its Balanced option.

AusFood Super looks to revitalise member engagement

MATTHEW WAI   The $3.5 billion super fund has partnered with InvestStream to launch RetireSmart+, becoming the first super fund to bring an AI-powered engagement experience to some 66,000 members.

SS&C axes jobs, shifts roles offshore

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   US software services giant SS&C Technologies has slashed 170 Australian roles in the operations, technology and delivery teams.

HeirWealth launches AI integration

VINNY VUCAGO   HeirWealth has launched a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server allowing financial advisers, accountants and family offices to query consolidated client wealth data through artificial intelligence assistants such as ChatGPT and Claude.

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.

Australia welcomes 25k to millionaires' club: UBS

KARREN VERGARA   Australia's club of millionaires jumped by 25,000 last year thanks to booming property values and fat superannuation balances, according to the latest UBS Global Wealth Report.