The cost of uncertainty as FASEA exam extension stalls again Adviser morale and advice business valuations are taking a hammering as uncertainty continues to surround extending the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority exam timetable. For more.

Consumer group urges uncompensated advice clients get second bite Financial advice clients who miss out on being compensated via class actions should not have their rights extinguished and should be allowed to pursue other compensation routes, including external dispute resolution. For more.

Rising costs the biggest worry for managers Asset managers are most concerned about managing rising costs and driving bottom line performance, according to Northern Trust’s survey. For more.

Financial services seek mental health training the most Financial services, government, and energy were the top industries that sought mental health and wellbeing training sessions over the last three months with 80% for financial services. For more.

One-in-six SMEs could close due to COVID-19 As many as one-in-six small-to-medium sized enterprises could close as a result of the economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ruthven Institute. For more.

What would a Biden victory mean for the US/China trade war? While Joe Biden is rising in the polls to take over from President Donald Trump in November 2020, his election would be unlikely to calm the tensions in the US/China trade war. For more.

Maple-Brown Abbott appoints ESG analyst Maple-Brown Abbott Global Listed Infrastructure has appointed an ESG analyst and senior research analyst. For more.

US/China at risk of tech war The US and China are not only at risk of a trade war, but more likely a technology war, according to RWC Partners. For more.

Fidelity launches fund focused on ‘unexplored’ waste and water sector Fidelity International has launched its latest sustainable fund, focusing on water and waste management, in response to client demand. For more.

Bell AM teams up with Swiss private bank Bell Asset Management has entered into strategic partnership with Swiss private bank, Union Bancaire Privee, to expand its offering to investors across Australia, Asia and the EMEA region. For more.

Has COVID-19 impacted the relationship between fund managers and research houses? Oksana Patron examines the relationship between fund managers and research houses and whether it has been affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. For more.

FPA's adviser registration proposal resonates but what will it cost? Mike Taylor writes that the Financial Planning Association may well have identified a key element of the future of the financial advice industry but no one should overlook the costs and who will pay. For more.