Australian Banking & Finance articles from June 2008

Australian Banking & Finance archives from June 2008

Banks now in play: analysts, experts say the Westpac-St. George union has lit the fire of consolidation and will spur a raft of mergers and acquisitions within the banking sector.(NEWS)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gail Kelly and her Westpac team's move to swallow St.George with a takeover bid worth $19 billion has set the banking sector Might, with many of the smaller players fair game and in the sights of predators. ABN...

Commonwealth Bank sweep awards on night of nights: Ralph Norris is our best banker while a Gail Kelly-led Westpac receives the award for best bank at the 18th annual Australian Banking & Finance Magazine Awards.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Commonwealth Bank of Australia chief executive Ralph Norris was named Best Financial Services Executive at the 18th annual Australian Banking & Finance Magazine Awards on May 8. The other major award winner on...

Tick of approval for AMP loan.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(AMP Bank)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... In accepting the award, AMP Banking managing director Michael Lawrence said it was gratifying to be recognised by industry peers. "AMP Banking is pleased to be recognised by the banking and finance industry for our Basic Variable Rate...

Good on you, St.George.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(St. George Bank Ltd.)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] St. George's "Good with People, Good with Money" campaign launched nationally in March 2007 and was on air throughout the year, last airing in December 2007. TV was the main media but radio, experiential and outdoor...

Symond offers hope.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(John Symond of Aussie Home Loans)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This was the fourth time Aussie has won this award, and the second year in a row. In accepting the award, Aussie chief executive John Symond offered his thoughts on the current turbulence felt by the financial...

Heritage on the podium again.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(Heritage Building Society Ltd.)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... Heritage is back in the winners' circle, having taken out this award from 2002 to 2006. "This award means a lot to me and the 730 staff who work across the eastern seaboard of Australia diligently for our members," Heritage Building...

Police & Nurses 'proud' of win.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)
June 15, 2008... It is the second year in a row Police & Nurses Credit Society has won this award. "It's a proud achievement," Police & Nurses Credit Society chief executive Fred Huis said. With about 320 staff, a membership fast approaching 100,000...

Harte aims higher for CBA customers.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(Michael Harte of Commonwealth Bank of Australia)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... Michael Harte joined the Commonwealth Bank in April 2006 as Group Executive, Enterprise IT. In this role, he leads the development of the bank's technology function and the implementation of the bank's IT strategy. Harte has a first-class...

Aussie stands up in difficult times.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(John Symond of Aussie Home Loans)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... While accepting this award Aussie chief executive John Symond paid tribute to the players in the industry. "It's particularly difficult at the moment for the mortgage broking industry," Symond said. The launch of Aussie's national...

CBA website outshines the rest.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)
June 15, 2008... The Commonwealth Bank's website has an average of 100,000 visitors each day and close to three million unique visitors every month. "Michael Harte [CBA's CIO] and his team have been working on a major project for the Commonwealth Bank now...

Sustainability means something to everyone at Westpac.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)
June 15, 2008... "Sustainability is something we take as very important at Westpac," Peter Hanlon, Group Executive, Business Financial Services, said. "I think the important thing about sustainability at Westpac is it's not a program, it's not something...

NAB's business banking continues to excel.
June 15, 2008... First time winners, NAB's business bank is Australia's largest business lending and business deposit taker. It provides lending, deposit, transaction, custody, asset finance, financial planning and merchant services to more than 800,000...

BankWest promises more of its better deals.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)
June 15, 2008... In its home state of Western Australia, BankWest is a market leader with about one quarter of all bank advances and deposits. Nearly 660,000 customers are served through an extensive network of branches, agencies and electronic banking...

Craig thanks team for CFO award.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(David Craig of Commonwealth Bank of Australia)(chief financial officers)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... David Craig commenced as Chief Financial Officer of the Commonwealth Bank in 2006. He has more than 30 years of experience in financial management, strategy, mergers and acquisitions. "It's a real honour for me to be recognised this...

Norris makes it two in a row.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(Ralph Norris of Commonwealth Bank of Australia)
June 15, 2008... Despite the difficult times, Ralph Norris has maintained the Commonwealth Bank on the road of achievement. Norris' performance at the Commonwealth Bank is reflected in the interim financial result announced in February this year. The bank...

Westpac takes centre stage.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)
June 15, 2008... A new chief executive, outstanding results in difficult times, and now it seems an acquisition to create Australia's largest bank--it's all happening for Westpac. Aside from recently unveiling a ten per cent rise in first-half cash net...

Lucky seven for Macquarie Group.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)
June 15, 2008... Since 2002 Macquarie Group has kept this award in safe hands. This year's award makes it seven in a row. Departing managing director Allan Moss, in his last appearance representing Macquarie Group, said: "We feel very honoured at Macquarie...

Optus praises award winners.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)(Optus Business)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... John Simon, managing director of Optus Business, told the audience at the 18th annual Australian Banking & Finance Magazine Awards the company was proud to sponsor the awards. "This evening will recognise those who personify outstanding...

After a promotional video for the Charlton Group was played to the audience to get the awards underway, Charlton Group Chairman, Peter Charlton said: "Every time I see that I think Rupert Murdoch is quivering in his shoes.(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... After a promotional video for the Charlton Group was played to the audience to get the awards underway, Charlton Group Chairman, Peter Charlton said: "Every time I see that I think Rupert Murdoch is quivering in his shoes. If you can't promote...

Peter Charlton recalling the first annual awards: "Eighteen years ago at our first awards there were about six or seven gongs, Nick Greiner was the Premier, the curtain behind Nick caught fire, we didn't have a show, Nick was the first out the door, followed by the banks.(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... Peter Charlton recalling the first annual awards: "Eighteen years ago at our first awards there were about six or seven gongs, Nick Greiner was the Premier, the curtain behind Nick caught fire, we didn't have a show, Nick was the first out the...

Tony D'Aloisio: "Good evening.(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... Tony D'Aloisio: "Good evening. I'm just waiting for the ASIC video. I was also looking for the best regulator award. It wasn't there either. So I suppose I better speak about something meaningful." Tony D'Aloisio (when announcing the first...

John Symond (after Aussie picked up a second award).(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... John Symond (after Aussie picked up a second award): "I like it up here. This is good."

Fred Huis, CEO, Police & Nurses Credit Society, which is based in Western Australia.(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... Fred Huis, CEO, Police & Nurses Credit Society, which is based in Western Australia: "Western Australia must be a very attractive state because all of you are trying to open new branches there."

MC Samantha Armytage, when announcing Westpac as Sustainable Bank of the Year: "The award is being accepted tonight by Sally Herman, General Manager, Sustainability, Brand & Communications, Westpac".(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... MC Samantha Armytage, when announcing Westpac as Sustainable Bank of the Year: "The award is being accepted tonight by Sally Herman, General Manager, Sustainability, Brand & Communications, Westpac". She was unaware that Peter Hanlon, Group...

Eric Drok, CEO, ING Direct Australia: "I question, how long do you have to be in Australia not to be foreign?(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... Eric Drok, CEO, ING Direct Australia: "I question, how long do you have to be in Australia not to be foreign? How long do you have to take to become a true blue Aussie company?"

Macquarie managing director Allan Moss.(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... Macquarie managing director Allan Moss: "I retire in a couple of weeks and this is actually the last event which I will be representing Macquarie Group and the last industry event that I will be a part of the financial services industry."

Joseph Healy, Executive General Manager-Business & Private Banking, NAB: "I'm here this evening instead of my boss, John Stewart ... now my colleagues tell me I sound like John Stewart.(BEHIND THE SCREENS: SPECIAL AWARDS EDITION)
June 15, 2008... Joseph Healy, Executive General Manager-Business & Private Banking, NAB: "I'm here this evening instead of my boss, John Stewart... now my colleagues tell me I sound like John Stewart. So if I invite you to shut your eyes, you wouldn't feel...

Spectacular celebration of Banking Stars.(AUSTRALIAN BANKING AND FINANCE AWARDS)
June 15, 2008... The cream of the Australian banking and finance community gathered at Sydney's Hilton Hotel on May 8 to attend the 18th annual Australian Banking & Finance was named Best National Financial Institution. The following are some pictures from the...

Banks fighting for the trust of their customers: survey results show that banks must display attributes that not only deliver security, accuracy and professionalism, but also those attributes that deliver to customers' emotional expectations, such as respect.(EVENT REPORT--UNISYS BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE)
June 15, 2008... For the majority of Australian banks, their customers cannot agree that their bank meets the definition of a trusted enterprise, a new survey has found. The results of the Unisys Trusted Enterprise research were presented at a breakfast...

Unisys breakfast roundtable.(UNISYS BREAKFAST ROUNDTABLE--PICTORIAL)(Unisys Australia)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... More than 50 executives braved a chilly morning to attend a breakfast seminar in April hosted by Australian Banking & Finance Magazine and sponsored by Unisys. The audience was presented with some compelling research regarding consumer trust...

Moss delivers one more jump in profit before waving goodbye.(NEWS)(Allan Moss of Macquarie Investment Management)(Financial report)
June 15, 2008... Departing chief executive Allan Moss has left Macquarie Group in the best possible way, announcing a 23 per cent jump in full-year profit to $1.8 billion. Announcing the results on May 20, Moss said operating income increased 15 per cent...

No end in sight to market turbulence just yet: panel members at a recent luncheon in Melbourne discussed a variety of issues, including the current shake up in credit markets and predictions of when the worst will come to an end.(EVENT REPORT--RETAIL FINANCIAL SERVICES LUNCHEON)
June 15, 2008... Australian Banking & Finance Magazine hosted a Retail Financial Services Luncheon in Melbourne in early May, sponsored by Experian. Panel members on hand to discuss a number of issues included Ian Corfield, Chief Executive Retail, BankWest;...

Retail Financial Services Luncheon.(RETAIL FINANCIAL SERVICES LUNCHEON--PICTORIAL)
June 15, 2008... Australian Banking & Finance Magazine hosted a Retail Financial Services Luncheon and Panel Discussion in Melbourne recently. It was proudly sponsored by Experian. Attendees heard a number of speakers from leaders in financial services,...

What is up with Ahmed Fahour at the NAB?(BEHIND THE SCREENS)(Ahmed Fahour of National Australia Bank Ltd.)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What is up with Ahmed Fahour at the NAB? There has been lots of interviews and talk recently about why he doesn't want to be CEO. Is this Brer Rabbit? Or is he making out that he won't be CEO anyway? A lot of huff...

And while we're talking about Ahmed, the boss of NAB's Australian operations was in pretty "bad shape" at the announcement of the company's results on May 9.(BEHIND THE SCREENS)(Ahmed Fahour of National Australia Bank Ltd.)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... And while we're talking about Ahmed, the boss of NAB's Australian operations was in pretty "bad shape" at the announcement of the company's results on May 9. Ahmed was carrying a back injury which severely curtailed his movement. When he was...

They say timing is everything.(BEHIND THE SCREENS)(Paul Fegan of St. Georgia Bank)(Gail Kelly of Westpac Banking Corp.)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] They say timing is everything. St.George's Paul Fegan probably wouldn't agree more. When Gail Kelly was running the big green dragon it was all smooth sailing on the economic seas. Then it was goodbye Gall, hello...

And it got worse for Paul on the day of announcing St.George's results on May 6.(BEHIND THE SCREENS)(Financial report)
June 15, 2008... And it got worse for Paul on the day of announcing St.George's results on May 6. Despite being in the chair since November a St.George media release was issued describing him as the company's "acting CEO".

Ian Corfield, Chief Executive Retail, BankWest, at Australian Banking & Finance Magazine's Retail Financial Services Luncheon on those rumour's the bank's British parent HBOS is looking to sell the business unit: "We are not being sold.(BEHIND THE SCREENS)
June 15, 2008... Ian Corfield, Chief Executive Retail, BankWest, at Australian Banking & Finance Magazine's Retail Financial Services Luncheon on those rumour's the bank's British parent HBOS is looking to sell the business unit: "We are not being sold. There's...

Insurance outsourcing: India leads the way.(NEWS)
June 15, 2008... Insurance companies have traditionally been among the slowest adopters of outsourcing/offshoring. But in the past few years the market has changed as a result of shrinking margins, higher claims disbursement and increasing competition,...

We think excellence deserves to be rewarded.(Strategic Payments Services )(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... "Strategic Payments Services is proud to once again be associated with the Australian Banking & Finance Awards. Like the winners of these prestigious awards, our strategy is to provide excellence with the goal of being a leading, innovative and...

2008 guests of honour.
June 15, 2008... THE HON. MALCOLM TURNBULL Shadow Treasurer 2007 Julia Gillard Deputy Labor Leader John O'Neill AO Executive Director STW Group 2006 David Murray Chairman--Future Fund Board of Guardians, Twice...

The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull: Shadow Treasurer.(Guest Speaker)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Malcolm Turnbull was elected to the House of Representatives as the Federal Member for Wentworth following the federal election on October 9, 2004. Mr Turnbull was appointed Minister for the Environment and Water...

Tony D'Aloisio: Chairman, ASIC.(Guest Speaker)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tony D'Aloisio became ASIC Chairman on May 13, 2007 for a four-year term. Between November 22, 2006 and May 13, 2007, Mr D'Aloisio held the position of ASlC Commissioner. Mr D'Aloisio has extensive commercial and...

Ralph Norris: Commonwealth Bank.(Best Financial Services Executive)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ralph Norris joined the Commonwealth Bank as managing director and chief executive officer in 2005 and has led the organisation during one of its most successful periods. In 1991 he was appointed managing...

Westpac.(Best National Financial Institution)
June 15, 2008... Westpac began trading in April, 1817 as the Bank of New South Wales with a single office in Macquarie Place, Sydney. It changed its name in 1982. Westpac has branches and affiliates throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region...

Westpac.(Sustainable Bank of the Year)
June 15, 2008... Westpac Banking Corporation leads the Australian financial services industry in its commitment to managing its impact on the environment and to supporting initiatives with high environmental benefit. Westpac's environmental policy was...

NAB.(Best Business Bank)
June 15, 2008... A market leader in the provision of business banking services, NAB's business bank is Australia's largest business lending and business deposit taker. The bank provides lending, deposit, transaction, custody, asset finance, financial...

David Craig: Commonwealth Bank.(Best Chief Financial Officer)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] David Craig commenced as Chief Financial Officer of the Commonwealth Bank in September 2006. He is responsible for the overall financial and risk management frameworks of the Commonwealth Bank incorporating the...

Aussie.(Best Non-Bank Financial Institution)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since its establishment in February 1992, Aussie has grown to become Australia's leading mortgage broker, with operations spanning all mainland capital cities and major regional centres. Founder and Executive...

BankWest.(Best Regional Bank)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BankWest is a full service bank based in Perth, Western Australia. It is active in all market segments, and its lending is diversified between the business, rural, housing and personal markets, including the full...

ING DIRECT Australia.(Best Foreign Bank)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ING DIRECT began operating in Australia in 1999, pioneering branchless banking in this country. By doing business online and over the phone, they keep their overheads low and passed the savings onto their consumers...

Macquarie Group.(Best Investment Bank)
June 15, 2008... Macquarie was established in 1969 and has since become associated with a stream of major financial innovations that achieve significant benefits for clients and underpin the group's reputation as a market leader. Macquarie has seven...

Heritage Building Society.(Best Building Society)
June 15, 2008... Headquartered in Toowoomba, the heart of the Darling Downs, Heritage is Australia's largest building society with total consolidated assets approaching $7 billion. With a 132-year history, Heritage provides a full suite of retail and...

Police & Nurses Credit Society.(Best Credit Union)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With about 320 staff, a membership fast approaching 100,000 people and a total loans under management portfolio worth more $2 billion, Police & Nurses Credit Society is Western Australia's largest home-grown and...

Hall of Fame 1996-2007.
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] 2007 Allan Moss 2006 Gail Kelly 2005 Frank Conroy 2004 John Symond 2002 David Murray 2001 David Clarke 2000 Les Hosking 1999 Bob Joss 1998...

Michael Harte: Commonwealth Bank.(Best CIO/eBanker)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Michael Harte joined the Commonwealth Bank in April 2006 as Group Executive, Enterprise IT. In this role, he leads the development of the bank's technology function and the implementation of the bank's IT strategy....

AMP: Basic Variable Rate Loan.(Best New Product)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... This is a simple, straightforward loan with a great rate. It gives consumers a competitive interest rate and no monthly account management fees--and is a great choice for first homeowners. The main features of the Basic Variable Rate...

St.George: "Good with People, Good with Money".(Best Banking and Finance Promotion)(St.George Bank)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to St.George, the strategy behind the Baby campaign of the "Good with People, Good with Money" promotion was to reclaim the bank's position on service in a unique way. The bank's delivery of service is...

Commonwealth Bank: www.commbank.com.au.(Best Website)
June 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Commonwealth Bank announced the first stage of an upgrade to its website late last year. According to the bank, the changes enhanced the customer experience by simplifying the navigation process and delivering...

Aussie.(Best Mortgage Broker)(Aussie Home Loans)(Brief article)
June 15, 2008... The launch of the Aussie's national mortgage broking service in 2002 continued the group's evolution, history of innovation and adaptation to change in the home lending industry both in Australia and overseas. One of the most trusted home...

Sixteen years of sponsorship.(Optus)
June 15, 2008... Tonight, as we celebrate all our award winners, we congratulate and thank Optus on its sixteenth year as a continuous sponsorship partner of the Australian Banking & Finance magazine Awards. For sixteen years Australian Banking & Finance...

Changes across financial sectors continue at rapid pace: it seems to be plain sailing for Westpac in its pursuit of St. George while Insurance Australia Group's new chief Michael Wilkins has some challenges in front of him after suddenly replacing Michael Hawker.
June 30, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Can things get any easier for Gall Kelly compared to what seems to be plain sailing so far in her pursuit of St. George? Having released its merger implementation agreement it thrashed out with St. George just...

Suncorp teams up with Svmantec to secure data.(NEWS)
June 30, 2008... Diversified financial services provider Suncorp has chosen to partner with Symantec to secure its information, minimise data loss risk and reduce its storage and retrieval costs. Suncorp provides a variety of banking, insurance and wealth...

Nominate our best startups for 2008: nominations are now open for Australian Banking & Finance Magazine's second annual Best New Financial Start-ups in Australia Awards.(NEWS)
June 30, 2008... The awards celebrate the achievements of the industry's best breakthrough talent in the financial services sector. The awards are across the entire financial services industry including banking, finance, investment, broking, financial...

Major credit summit for New Zealand: on August 1 Australian Banking & Finance Magazine will host the inaugural Trans-Tasman Credit Summit --sponsored by MasterCard--bringing together some of Australia and New Zealand's most respected banking and financial executives to discuss the impact of today's global economic environment.(NEWS)
June 30, 2008... "At a major time of violent credit fluctuations the summit will address the major issues, aware of the need for business to grow through clear credit channels," said Peter Charlton, Australian Banking & Finance Magazine publisher. The...

Charting a course through the storm.(NEWS)
June 30, 2008... Six months ago, as the US subprime crisis had begun to roll through international markets, Australian banks remained sturdy despite turbulent waters. The latest interim profit announcements have confirmed that view. Even as international...

Bumpy ride for Basel II: Australian Banking & Finance Magazine looks at the implementation of the internationally-agreed banking regulations, what Australia can learn from other countries' experiences, and explores the question of whether Basel II in today's extreme volatility can inhibit events like what we've seen over the past year.(REPORT--BASEL II UPDATE)
June 30, 2008... The majority of the major banks in Australia have received so-called advanced Basel II accreditation from banking regulator, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). When it received accreditation in December last year,...

Melbourne growing in strength: the Victorian capital is building on its reputation for being an important financial services hub in Australia.(REPORT--VICTORIA FINANCIAL SERVICES)
June 30, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In a sign of the importance the financial services sector plays in Victoria, it was announced a couple of months ago that the Victorian Finance Industry Council would be formed to "enhance the growth and development...

Our top 50 insurers in Australia.(TOP 50 INSURERS 2008)
June 30, 2008... The past year has seen plenty of movement in the Australian insurance industry, which means new faces in our annual list of top insurers in Australia. One new face is Michael Wilkins, who took over the top job at Insurance Australia Group...

Credit preferred to loans in retail.(NEWS)
June 30, 2008... A Citibank survey of retail customers has found that credit cards are preferred to loans because of the loan application. The Citibank survey has shown that despite the higher interest rates on credit cards compared with loans, people...

FSU finds trust lacking.(NEWS)(Financial Services Union)(Survey)(Brief article)
June 30, 2008... The Financial Services Union has found that Australian individuals are sceptical of mergers in Australian banking. The FSU released the results of an online public opinion poll that surveyed 1000 Australians about the proposed merger. The...

ANZ exec departs.(NEWS)(Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.)(resignation of Chris Cooper)(Brief article)
June 30, 2008... The ANZ head of working capital has announced his resignation due to personal reasons. The bank executive was responsible for overseeing securities lending to failed stockbroking firm Opes Prime. Chris Cooper, was the head of ANZ's...

Fashion lifestyle + entertainment.(FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT)(Casa Barilla)(Brief article)
June 30, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dear Banking Friends, Winter is here and along with all the cozy habits that go well with hibernation, including staying warm, I'm keeping it "Green" by reducing my long hot steamy showers and heating to a...

It takes ten years to become an overnight sensation!(FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT)
June 30, 2008... Budding entrepreneurs will get a lift from the following. Every now and again it's necessary to acknowledge the famous words "it's taken me ten years to become an overnight success". Finding your niche is a journey that begins with identifying...

Brand new shopping phenomenon.(FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT)
June 30, 2008... What do you get someone who has everything? How do you say thank you with a gift that is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone? More importantly how do you manage all the birthday parties, Christmas lists, weddings, and parties all year round...

Multimedia delight.(FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT)
June 30, 2008... Music sets the mood and when I recently lost my iPod all I thought about was how my personality would be perceived by whomever came across it. Considering my varied tastes in music--from opera and rap to soul, funk and gospel--with the Micro...

The shower clean suit.(FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT)
June 30, 2008... The world's first merino wool non-iron suit that can be rinsed under a normal shower stream has been created in collaboration between The Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), The Woolmark Company (TWC) and pioneering Japanese suit retailer Konaka...

Take it or leave it.(FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT)
June 30, 2008... 'A Legal Guide to Dying--Baby Boomer Edition' by Author Paul Brennan is a tasteful and humorous tool and ebook that will help you navigate your way without feeling under siege when making a decision about your money and who will inherit it....

Secret men's business.(FASHION, LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT)
June 30, 2008... A typical urinal uses around 151,000 litres of water each year. When you do the sums that's a lot of water going down the drain. The Desert Cube is a new waterless product that's changing men's bathroom behavior. With the water supply turned...

Behind the screens.(NEWS)
June 30, 2008... At Australian Banking & Finance Magazine's Retail Financial Services Luncheon in Melbourne last month Mike Cutter, GE Money president and chief executive, told the audience that the purchase of the Wizard franchise, and its several GE...

Taking an enterprise-wide view of risk: the evolving role of the CRO.(NEWS)(chief risk officer)
June 30, 2008... The insurance industry is all about risk: managing, underwriting, mitigating, predicting and importantly, knowing how to use risk as a driver to profitability. The traditional focus has been to manage risk separately within individual 'silos'...