Will COVID-19 get in the way of FASEA exam extension legislation? Advisers are concerned that the increasing focus on COVID-19 and the Government’s related economic stimulus package will delay passage of the legislation necessary to extend the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority exam regime timeframe. For more.

AMP downplays Moody’s downgrade AMP has signalled that it is not unduly fussed by a ratings downgrade issued by ratings house, Moody’s. For more.

AMP Life and AMP Capital fined AMP Life and AMP Capital have been fined $275,500 and $250,500 respectively, in relation to trade reporting rules. For more.

Biotech and healthcare funds unable to escape global sell-off Despite the world rushing to find a vaccine for COVID-19, biotech and healthcare funds have not been able to maintain their former strong returns. For more.

Three factors to consider when selecting cheap stocks DNR Capital has shared three tips for investors looking for cheap opportunities in blue-chip stocks presented by the COVID-19 sell-off. For more.

IRESS acquires O&M Systems IRESS, the financial services software provider, has acquired UK-based O&M Systems, which provides pension and investment data comparison tools to financial advisers. For more.

Financial advisory firm moves contactless UK advisory business deVere Group has moved to a contactless advice service for those clients who are social distancing because of COVID-19. For more.

Investment group cancels all investor briefings Investment and funds management group, 360 Capital Group, has cancelled all investor briefings scheduled for March and April. For more.

ASIC hits CFS on MySuper charges The corporate watchdog allege Colonial First State Investments Limited sent misleading or deceptive communications to members of the FirstChoice Fund. For more.

FASEA exam doesn’t get passing grade The industry has now had four rounds of FASEA exams, but Chris Dastoor writes advisers – particularly those who have passed – are still as confused and unhappy about the process as ever. For more.

Three decades and a Masters degree, but no exam pass Despite three decades of experience in the industry and a Masters degree approved by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA), Leigh Anoos couldn’t pass the FASEA exam. For more.

What happened to the previous double-digit Crown fund managers? IPAC Asset Management had 12 five Crown funds last year, while Macquarie Investment Management had 10, but how did they do this time around? For more.