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Cliona O’Dowd joined The Australian in 2016 and writes on financial services. She was previously the editor of business news and commentary website Business Spectator. Before moving into journalism she spent a number of years working in the financial services industry in Dublin and London. She holds a master’s degree in European public affairs and law.

@ClionaODowd

Cliona O'Dowd

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WealthWealth

Man broker stock market crash crisis concept angry, grumpy investor, generic, business

Two-month super fund blackout for HESTA members

Over 1.1 million HESTA super fund members won’t be able to switch investments or have contributions processed for two months. Here’s why.

Cliona O'Dowd

EXCLUSIVEBusiness

Chefs Scott Pickett and Matt Moran with Gordon Ramsay and Janine Allis on the set of Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars on Channel 9.

Where the cash from First Guardian went

Falcon Capital, under investigation by ASIC, pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into companies associated with director David Anderson.

Cliona O'Dowd

ClimateBusiness

This photograph shows a wind turbine generator of a windfarm in Aumelas, west of Montpellier on March 12, 2025. Simon Popy, prÃ©sident de France Nature Environnement is suing EDF Renouvelables for the exploitation of wind turbines in a Natura 2000 area, which destroy kestrel falcons while this bird species is protected. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)

Active Super fined $10.5m for greenwashing

The super fund has warned any penalty above $2.5m would see members pay at least 30c on the dollar from their retirement savings.

Cliona O'Dowd

EXCLUSIVEBusiness

Director Paul Chiodo from Melbourne-based property developer Chiodo Constructions

$1bn tied up in funds linked to Chiodo

The corporate regulator will seek to wind up a second fund after Melbourne property developer Paul Chiodo was raided by authorities.

Cliona O'Dowd and Angelica Snowden

InvestingFinancial Services

State Street Global Advisors’ Vice President and ETF Model Portfolio Strategist, Sinead Schaffer. Picture - Supplied

Advisers using managed accounts to grow client base

More advisers are directing client money into managed accounts but some in the industry question the benefits.

Cliona O'Dowd

EXCLUSIVEBusiness

22/09/20 Sam Sicilia is the CIO at Hostplus. Aaron Francis/The Australian

‘There’s enough checks and balances on super funds’: Hostplus

Hostplus chief investment officer Sam Sicilia has pushed back against criticism heaped on industry funds over a lack of leadership accountability.

Cliona O'Dowd

Fixed incomeWealth

Investment dangers Double explosure with businesss charts and financial district of megapolis city

Fundies line up as investors chase ‘defensives’

The lure of defensive investments is well timed for the many managers rolling out reams of new income-focused strategies. But some are riskier than others.

Cliona O'Dowd

Payday loansBusiness

MONEY ISTOCK - Stressed young woman holding head in hands, feeling desperate about financial problems, dismissive notice, failed test. Depressed businesswoman shocked by bank loan rejection, domestic bills. Picture: Istock

ASIC puts payday lenders on notice

The corporate watchdog has sounded the alarm on payday lenders shifting vulnerable customers up to higher-value loans that provide fewer consumer protections, a day after lashing the super industry.

Cliona O'Dowd

GovernanceBusiness

Joe Longo, ASIC chair, Mary Delahunty, ASFA CEO, Heather Cohen, AustralianSuper victim

‘I got sent down rabbit warrens’: AusSuper sued for claim delays

ASIC is suing AustralianSuper for taking too long to process 7000 death benefit claims, with one one widow saying she only received her payment after making a formal complaint to the regulator.

Cliona O'Dowd, Giuseppe Tauriello, Glenda Korporaal and David Ross

Paul ChiodoLegal Affairs

Property developer’s home raided over $480m fund ‘mismanagement’

An ASIC investigation into Melbourne property developer Paul Chiodo and a ‘significant shortfall’ in investor funds has ramped up, with new documents revealed.

Angelica Snowden and Cliona O'Dowd

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/cliona-odowd/page/2