ANZ is aiming to clean up its financial planning with new measures that include firing planners who give customers inappropriate advice and removing all sales incentives from its bonus structures.
Australians shares have opened comfortably higher thanks to strong gains in some commodities and after US stocks were buoyed by the release of US employment data.
The Australian dollar has made some small gains on the back of stronger US stocks that were supported by weaker than expected US jobs and wages growth.
Oil prices rose about two per cent on Friday, with US crude hitting its highest in more than three years, as global supplies remained tight and the market awaited news from Washington on possible new US sanctions against Iran.
Gold prices rose slightly on Friday as the US dollar backed off its highs, initially rising after US jobs data was weaker than expected. However the data was still strong enough to support the case for more interest rate increases.
Local tech company Parkd has appointed Robert Freedman to its board, while former KPMG partner Andrea Hall has joined Automotive Holdings Group as a non-executive director and Panoramic Resources has announced the appointment of Nick Cernotta to its board.
Startup hub The Growth Box has shut its doors in recent weeks, less than a year after opening, with project proponent the Malaga & Districts Business Association facing an uncertain future after 26 years in operation.
PODCAST: Mark Beyer and Mark Pownall discuss Belmont Park apartments, Lithium projects, Fringe Festival, Chris Sutherland, and BN's special report on universities.
Kwinana has been selected as the site for what is likely to be the fourth lithium refinery in Western Australia, with investment in the boom sector estimated to exceed $4 billion in the next few years.
The Building Commission has issued a warning to consumers about the financial status of registered building contractor ArchiApps, after receiving information prompting concerns over the company's capacity to pay its debts.
Former Rising Stars award winner Harrier Human Capital has continued its rapid national expansion, winning a $15 million recruitment contract with AGL Energy.
AMP has revealed almost 16,000 of its customers paid fees for financial advice they did not receive, while arguing it "strenuously denies" recommendations it face criminal charges over the scandal.
The Australian stock market has opened a touch higher after most base metals prices rose in offshore trade, and Wall Street put in another mixed performance.
Oil prices rose on Thursday, boosted by OPEC production cuts and the potential for new US sanctions against Iran, but gains were limited by growing US crude inventories.
Gold prices gained on Thursday, one day after the US central bank reassured investors that increases to interest rates would be gradual and as the US dollar softened, with geopolitical uncertainties also providing support.
Perth continues to take out the title of Australia's most affordable capital city when it comes to buying houses and apartments, driven by lower property prices and low interest rates, a report released today has found.
Programmed managing director Chris Sutherland has talked up WA's economic prospects, while challenging alarmism about artificial intelligence and labour trends at a Success & Leadership breakfast this morning.
Bassendean-based Highway Construction and Central Earthmoving have secured road construction contracts worth about $29 million, while Sheffield Resources has awarded a number of contracts at its mineral sands project near Broome.
A new business backed by Quadrant Private Equity and the Perth-based family of Timezone founder Malcolm Steinberg has completed the purchase of Ardent Leisure Group's bowling and entertainment division.
