Financial Standard

Advisers should rethink portfolio construction: La Trobe

VINNY VUCAGO   La Trobe Financial has urged advisers to broaden portfolio construction beyond traditional equity and bond allocations, arguing that slowing productivity, persistent inflation risks and changing market dynamics require greater focus on real assets and private credit.

Advice complaints see biggest increase in FY26: AFCA

MATTHEW WAI   Despite only accounting for less than 10% of the total complaints lodged, investment and advice complaints have seen the steepest increase in FY26, data from AFCA shows.

Betashares launches diversified ETF suite

VINNY VUCAGO   Betashares has expanded its core investment range with the launch of four diversified exchange traded funds.

Coinbase launches perps for wholesale investors

MATTHEW WAI   Coinbase Australia is launching perpetuals contracts (perps), with three different options ranging from cryptocurrency, equity, and commodity assets, available to eligible wholesale investors.

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KARREN VERGARA   The "Great Australian Dream" has been superseded by the pursuit of the "Great Australian Lifestyle" as a new measure of success underscored by financial security, a new survey finds.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

S&P reaffirms Australia's AAA credit rating

VINNY VUCAGO   Australia has retained its AAA sovereign credit rating form S&P Global, with the ratings agency citing the nations sound fiscal position, modest public debt and strong institutional settings despite heightened global uncertainty.

ASIC suspends AFSL of GFA Capital Markets

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   ASIC has suspended the Australian financial services licence (AFSL) of GFA Capital Markets (GFA) for five months after finding multiple client money, reporting obligation and compliance failures.

Nomura AM shuffles global listed real estate team

KARREN VERGARA   Nomura Asset Management Australia has restructured its global listed real estate team amid the exit of its lead James Maydew, who also served as the local chief executive.

Guardians farewells head of asset allocation

MATTHEW WAI   The Guardians of NZ Super has named a new head of asset allocation to replace Charles Hyde, who is leaving to take up a role abroad.

Cbus rolls out death benefit nomination changes

KARREN VERGARA   Cbus will roll out changes to death benefit nominations, which include scrapping nominations that expire in three years.

IFS recovers record $250m in unpaid super

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Industry Fund Services (IFS) has recovered a record $250 million in unpaid superannuation in the 2025-26 financial year, bringing its total recoveries to $2.5 billion since the service commenced.

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.