Are Australia's business lobby groups past their peak?

More than 30 years after the launch of the BCA, Australia's peak business groups are confronting a challenging new reality, as the old certainties of Australian corporate life fall away around them.

'Hard decisions' ahead for banking royal commission

The former senior judge who steered the landmark HIH Royal Commission has applauded the choice of Kenneth Hayne to lead the government's banking inquiry, but warned that "hard decisions" would need to be made on which issues to examine during its 12 month run.

'It can destroy you': Bank victims hope justice is coming

After years of campaigning for victims of fraud and misconduct in the financial services sector Susan Henry says she was "just stunned, frankly" when she heard a royal commission was finally going ahead.

New bank accountability laws should be extended: inquiry

New laws holding bank executives to greater account for scandals and misconduct should be broadened to cover other financial services operators, as well as to conduct causing harm to consumers, a senate committee has urged.

No 'Vegetables' please: Giant wants ground rules for AGMs

They can be powerful tools for corporate accountability, but – as demonstrated by Japan's "Vegetable Holdings" – shareholder proposals can also go wrong without proper ground rules.

RAMS founder pleads not guilty to fraud charges

• UPDATED

Sydney businessman John Kinghorn has pleaded not guilty to fraud offences after being charged by the AFP following a "complex" eight-year investigation.

Shareholders want power to 'escalate' issues

A group representing some of the nation's biggest superannuation funds says shareholders need greater powers to ensure their concerns are heard at company AGMs - including on environmental and social issues.

Fiery US watchdog has 'A-team' geared up for Rio stoush

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has been reinvigorated by an influx of whistleblower tips.

Shareholder resolutions - saving the planet, or just hot air?

This AGM season several large companies will have to face increasingly awkward questions from investors looking well beyond the numbers.