It’s time to modernise, not abandon, the WTO

There is no shortage of opinion pieces heralding the end of the rules-based multilateral trading system but this means the World Trade Organisation needs to be modernised, rather than abandoned altogether.

The Chinese coal ‘ban’ sends a significant political message

The standoff over Australian coal imports through the Chinese port of Dalian sends a powerful political message that the authorities in Beijing can turn our imports off and on at will.

Dealing with the dragon

China’s recent disruption of Australian coal exports underlines the country’s need to diversify exports to Indonesia, India and other nations, rather than relying so heavily on just one trading partner.

Post capitalism – Life within environmental limits

Capitalism’s limitless growth on a finite planet means the economic system we take for granted could end soon. If so, transformative and sustainable change must come from grassroots action.

Removing broker commissions is a double-edged sword

The number of mortgage brokers providing a money-saving service to consumers could fall under changes recommended by the banking royal commission, according to Mark Humphrey-Jenner of UNSW Business School.

When guard dogs become pets – The problem of ‘regulatory capture’

The fallout from Australia’s recent banking scandals raise a wider question – Do our regulators act in the public interest, or in the interest of those they are meant to regulate?

A fresh approach to the transformation of the financial services sector

The report on Australia’s troubled financial institutions only scratches the surface of the problems they face. True business transformation requires a cultural shift to serve customers with respect, empathy and passion, but it’s the only way for companies to survive in an ever more competitve world.

Having a hobby can help you at work

Employees who enjoy sporting, learning and volunteering activities outside work are more likely to get a better night’s sleep and be more proactive in their job, according to Curtin University researchers.

Swift action required on banking criminality

Trust is hard to define, but it’s certainly difficult to build and its easily lost. With people’s trust in Australia’s banks at an all time low, strong action against wrong doers is required alongside tighter controls in the future.

Australia’s banks given a decade to change their ways

Banks given a decade of work to change their culture and governance and while some of the big hits failed to materialise, the banking royal commission’s final report still lays out serious challenges for the industry, according to experts from the UNSW Centre for Law, Markets and Regulation.

Fairer recruiting means better business

Diverse, inclusive businesses are more profitable, creative, and productive and overcoming unconscious biases during recruitment can help organisations find the best person for the job.

The surprising downsides to working at home

Working at home appears to have many advantages in this digital age, but as well as social isolation, home working can have other drawbacks too.