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The Australian Business Review
 

Good morning,

Thousands of Cbus members could be forced to contribute their life savings to pay millions of dollars in ­penalties for the ­industry fund’s alleged mis­handling of money owed to ­grieving families and disabled people, it has emerged, as ASIC launches a deep dive into the sector.

Meanwhile, Endeavour Group's biggest shareholder, billionaire Bruce Mathieson, has lashed out at the board and management of the embattled pubs and bottle shops giant, describing its performance as a “disaster” and that its leaders were moving too slowly to arrest declining sales.

And Australia’s complex web of regulations unnecessarily hinder consumers in their quest for justice and saddle businesses with compliance costs, says ASIC chair Joe Longo, who has launched a new simplification task force. 

Perry Williams
Business editor
The markets


Making news this morning
1
RBA rate cuts could be later than expected, CBA boss warns
CEO Matt Comyn says global geopolitical tensions are creating uncertainty as higher rates continue to weigh on consumer demand after Australia’s biggest bank reported flat quarterly cash earnings of $2.5bn.
2
Aristocrat raises bets on US online gaming
Aristocrat Leisure is best known for making poker and slot machines, but says there is also plenty of room for digital market gains in North America.
3
Trump election bump or boom?
The US stock market has soared after the election, but the full extent of the confidence boost sparked by the overwhelming victory for Republicans may come as a surprise.
Editor's picks
MARGIN CALL
Pyne leaves no stone unturned
Is there some dirty pool being played by Pyne and Partners over naval lobbying contracts, as it seems odd to approach a client’s most serious competitor to ask for a meeting.
By YONI BASHAN, NICK EVANS
PERSONAL FINANCE
Saving without sacrifice: Build your bank balance without killing fun
Spending money on enjoyment should not be seen as wasting it, and a good mindset and plan can help you save at the same time.
By ANTHONY KEANE
Commentary
The ‘big switch’ driving CBA’s mega milestone
By ERIC JOHNSTON
Associate Editor
There are big forces helping Commonwealth Bank to defy gravity and quietly move up the pecking order to be the 11th biggest bank in the world.
Cbus’ sway on housing policy needs exposure
By ANDREW BRAGG
Contributor
It’s clear Cbus, under the ownership of the disgraced CFMEU, has been a key adviser to this government in developing its housing policy. We should be told why.
DataRoom
EQT’s Metlifecare drawing interest from at least one buyer
At least one buyer is circling the EQT-owned New Zealand retirement villages operator, Metlifecare.
KKR in talks to offload laser clinics operator
Private equity giant Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is understood to have entered talks with possible suitors for Laser Clinics Australia, targeting a deal worth more than $1bn.
AMP may seek deal with Insignia once business has settled
AMP is keen to buy wealth management rival Insignia Financial when it is in a position to conduct mergers and acquisitions.

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