Barings has appointed a new head of Asia Pacific to succeed Duncan Robertson, who will retire after almost two decades with the firm.

Lazard Asset Management has announced the launch of a new global equity fund, expanding its qualitative offering for Australian investors.

Melbourne-based investment manager Woodbridge Capital has appointed an origination director for south-east Queensland, strengthening its foothold in the region as part of its national expansion strategy.

HUB24 has announced it is developing a lifetime retirement solution with Australian life insurer TAL to expand its suite of retirement offerings for financial advisers.

ASIC has launched legal action in the Federal Court against SQM Research and Interprac Financial Planning, citing alleged failures related to the Shield and First Guardian fund collapses.

While interest in private markets continues to grow, a panel of industry professionals have argued that data and reporting challenges in this sector are limiting accessibility for financial advisers.

MST Financial has announced the completion of its acquisition and integration of FIIG Asset Management from AUSIEX, bolstering its leadership team in the process.

After introducing its first active ETF to the Australian market earlier this year, BlackRock is now preparing to launch its first actively managed, income-focused ETF by the end of November.

Evidentia Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Generation Development Group, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire consulting firm Encore Advisory Group.

Ascalon Capital and Evergreen Consultants have penned a merger to bring together their respective strengths to support the firms’ clients and the financial adviser landscape.