The super funds taking the multi-billion dollar hits from early release Superannuation fund members returning to access the $10,000 second tranche of the Government’s hardship early release superannuation regime have dominated the latest Australian Prudential Regulation Authority data which also confirms which funds are seeing multi-billion dollar outflows. For more.

ASIC faces parliamentary scrutiny The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is facing tough questioning around how it has handled a number of issues amid the disruption of COVID-19. For more.

Australia taking ‘meaningful steps’ to integrating ESG in super Some 81% of for-profit superannuation funds had some form of responsible investment commitment, according to the Principles for Responsible Investment. For more.

Dividend slash prompts focus on total return investing Investors need to rethink their ideas towards investing for total return as the outlook for dividends remains troubled, according to Ophir Asset Management. For more.

Asia Pacific RE investors shift to China and South Korea COVID-19 has forced Asia Pacific real estate investors to reallocate from Australia and Japan towards China and South Korea, according to a not-for-profit investors’ association. For more.

Nike swoosh-like rebound more likely than V-shaped A Nike swoosh-like recovery is more likely to replace a V-shaped bounce back scenario, according to Janet Yellen, former chair of the US Federal Reserve and an adviser to Magellan. For more.

New payment bill will protect small business: IPA A new bill before parliament, which would require large businesses to publish policies on payment times, will help protect small business cashflows, according to the Institute of Public Accountants. For more.

APRA confirms second tranche early release surge The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has confirmed a surge in second tranche early release applications, with many members lining up for a second dip. For more.

ME Bank CEO resigns Long-serving ME Bank chief executive, James McPhee has resigned just months after the brouhaha over client redraw facilities. For more.

Westpac appoints CFO Former ANZ chief financial officer, wealth, Michael Rowland has been appointed as Westpac CFO, commencing later in the year. For more.

Justice or profit? Oksana Patron examines what the current regulations around Australia’s growing class action industry mean for litigation funders and lawyers and whether or not they serve to deliver justice over profits. For more.

A different ball game Fixed income is known for its reliable defensive characters, Chris Dastoor writes, but is it still the best option during the COVID-19 economic recovery as equities rebound? For more.