It's safe to say 2019 can't come fast enough for corporate Australia. A year that promised so much – renewed economic growth, the return of risk taking and deal making, an improving earnings outlook – has turned into a dumpster fire, with the royal commission exposing systemic cultural problems, leading executives facing jail and short-sellers feasting on companies with poor disclosure.

With a federal election around the corner, and community sentiment strongly against the business community, 2019 might not provide much relief for the top of the town.