Govt did not consult super funds on early release strategy There was no consultation with major superannuation fund organisations about the Government’s plan to allow people early access to their superannuation, prompting funds to urge that it be a closely-monitored avenue of last resort. For more.

Early access to super capped at $10,000 for 2019-20 The Government will allow financially-stressed individuals to access tax-free of up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21. For more.

Times like now call for good advice Tough times and the prospect of hardship access to superannuation has emphasised the need for good financial advice, according to MLC Wealth. For more.

FSC welcomes temporary super measures The Government’s income support package to help Australians in financial hardship brought by COVID-19 has been welcomed by the FSC that stressed that super should not be the default response to providing income over the short-term. For more.

No income/asset tests for early release of super There will be no income or assets tests for individuals who are eligible for early release of superannuation, which was announced on Sunday as a part of the government’s broader second stimulus package, according to Heffron. For more.

Strategic time for tech and biotech Tech and biotech stocks and index trackers that are contributing to help mitigate the current COVID-19 crisis are strategic pickups right now. For more.

Resiliency will be key for best small and mid-cap stocks According to Bell Direct, there will be a chance to pick up some key small and mid-cap stocks at better prices as the economy bounces back, but some may not make it through. For more.

Deloitte warns of COVID-19 bribery spike Deloitte has warned of a potential spike in bribery and corruption due to COVID-19. For more.

Advisers shine amid COVID-19 but is Frydenberg aware of the glow? Financial advisers have been the subject of some highly negative publicity over the past decade but their good works have been seen to shine as they help clients navigate the uncertainties generated by coronavirus COVID-19. For more.

InFocus: If ever there was a need for good advice then it’s now Mike Taylor writes that the services of experienced financial advisers have never been in greater demand as clients attempt to come to terms with the market volatility being driven by COVID-19. For more.

Who lays claim to the throne? Last year had two double-digit five Crown fund management groups, but were they able to retain that position this year? For more.