ELIZABETH MCARTHUR   Zurich has launched a new on demand, self-serve portal for life insurance, superannuation and investment clients.KANIKA SOOD   A former Beacon Financial Group financial adviser was handed a permanent ban by ASIC.

KANIKA SOOD   Perennial Value Management's small caps team has launched an active ETF with an ESG strategy, with eInvest as the distributor.KANIKA SOOD   New research by UBS found wealth management giants could lose more than 30% of their platform profits even if they undertake "radical cost surgery".

KARREN VERGARA   A major tobacco company is eyeing the life insurance industry by launching products that offer discounts for customers that quit smoking or switch to alternatives.KARREN VERGARA   Life insurers are ramping up efforts to improve pricing and underwriting efficiencies with the help of startups to make it possible, a new insurtech study shows.

HARRISON WORLEY   The Australian Tax Office has provided guidance on how self-managed superannuation funds might be affected by the Protecting Your Super reforms.ELIZABETH MCARTHUR   The Alliance for a Fairer Retirement System is arguing Labor's refundable franking credits proposal does not target the wealthy but impacts low income earners instead.

BENJAMIN ONG   While the TWI (Tariff War One) had Trump holding all the aces, this now is reversing in Beijing's favour.BENJAMIN ONG   The A$ depreciation, the elimination of political and policy uncertainty (at least over the next three years) and the (expected) resurrection in the property market should be enough to restore confidence and growth in the Australian economy.

KARREN VERGARA   The numerous weaknesses exposed in APRA's prudential inquiry into the Commonwealth Bank are apparent among life insurers and superannuation funds.ELIZABETH MCARTHUR   ASIC has banned a financial adviser who stole clients' superannuation savings.

KARREN VERGARA   A boutique Australian equity fund manager has hired a former AMP Capital executive as its investment director to oversee its distribution efforts.ELIZABETH MCARTHUR   A small-cap fund manager has recruited from Challenger to fill the newly-created position of head of distribution and investment operations.

KARREN VERGARA   The savings of retirees can't keep up with the skyrocketing costs of goods and services, a retirement index shows.HARRISON WORLEY   Research house Rice Warner has moved to temper expectations the Coalition's victory in the Federal election will ensure stability in the superannuation system.

KANIKA SOOD   The global funds network that has transacted for over 1100 funds in its Australian network has gone live with blockchain-powered infrastructure.ELIZABETH MCARTHUR   Australia's big banks are well placed to defend their position against fintechs hoping to disrupt the industry, according to a new report from Moody's.

KANIKA SOOD   Mining magnate Andrew Forrest and wife Nicola have donated $655 million to their philanthropic foundation.KANIKA SOOD   The Sydney boutique has partnered with an advisory firm to launch a new fund that will invest in Asian credit.