Merger conjecture back on around FPA and AFA The Financial Planning Association’s announcement of job losses and an organisational restructure driven by declining adviser numbers has reawakened calls for a merger between the two organisations. For more.

FPA announces its new shape – fewer jobs, more advocacy The Financial Planning Association has sought to reposition itself as an advocacy body unveiling a 'Strategic Roadmap' and confirming job losses. For more.

Financial planning organisations – what should happen? The Financial Planning Association’s restructure has reawakened talk of a merger with the Association of Financial Advisers. What do you believe should happen? For more.

Stop making excuses not to merge says APRA Too many superannuation fund trustees have been looking for excuses not to merge rather than getting on with the process in the best interests of their members, according to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. For more.

Over 3,000 COVID-19 complaints to AFCA More than 600 complaints were in relation to superannuation and the delays in early release, according to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. For more.

Interim receivers appointed over assets of unregistered MIS Interim receivers have been appointed to Chris Marco, AMS Holdings, and AMS as a trustee for the AMS Holdings Trust after a lack of material returns generated for investors and a shortfall in excess of $200 million between assets held by the defendants and amounts owed to investors. For more.

FASEA exam worth a second go Despite the declining pass rate of the FASEA exam, it is common for advisers to pass when they re-sit, according to the FPA. For more.

Schroders favours Aussie equities Schroders has been adding exposure to Australian equities after cutting its equity weighting prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more.

Expect further action from China over tariffs: Fitch China’s decision to impose tariffs on Australian barley could lead to a deterioration in Australian/China relations, specifically for coal-exporting companies. For more.

Focus on balance sheet strength during turbulent times Focusing on those high-quality companies with strong balance sheets has helped small-cap managers during the pandemic. For more.

WealthO2 appoints CTO Matthew Done has been appointed as chief technology officer by the financial services software company. For more.

More than just portfolio managers As a part of its new series, Money Management speaks to financial planning groups and asks them to share their views on the industry in a new environment. This month, MM interviewed John Woodley, chair and executive director of Fitzpatricks Private Wealth. For more.

Unsteady market fuels flight to long/short funds As the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic rattle the nerves of investors, writes Jun-Bei Liu, many are turning their attention to long/short equity strategies in a bid to capture the benefits of a falling market. For more.