Dispatches: Macquarie to make more use of powerful balance sheet

Macquarie Group plans to use its powerful balance sheet to do more corporate lending deals to regain its competitive advantage. (The Australian)

The nature of staff departures from Australian funds management companies in the second quarter of this year has been "more concerning" than those in the first quarter, according to research house Standard & Poor's. (Money Management)

Of all the countries to mount a management takeover of our largest financial institution, New Zealand would be one of the least likely. Yet half of Commonwealth Bank's 12-strong senior management team, notably including chief executive and All Blacks fanatic Ralph Norris, hail from the Shaky Isles. (The Australian)

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has avoided a showdown with the powerful financial services industry by watering down key recommendations to overhaul the superannuation industry. (The Age)