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A boutique advisory firm owned by the family trust of banned stockbroker Adam Blumenthal has emerged as an aggressive player at the smaller end of the ASX, and it's creating a stir among market participants.

Oakley Capital Partners’ latest deal, struck this month, has become a talking point in market circles according to Capital Brief, as the firm stands to receive up to $1.35 million in cash and equity for a $1.7 million capital raise for ASX-listed resources explorer Resolution Minerals Ltd. 

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Market movers

Ramelius Resources shares surged Wednesday after Macquarie upgraded its rating and price target, as $2.4 billion Spartan deal sets up 95% production growth by FY30.

The quick sync

• EY to dissolve Asia-Pacific structure and fold financial services into regional hubs, putting hundreds of Australian jobs at risk in global shake-up. (AFR)

• Citi scrambles to plug analyst gap after Goldman poached its top gun, with more shake-ups looming in Australia's banking research turf war. (Capital Brief)

• A top banker suspected of having child porn was quietly paid out and protected by Gresham, with the scandal buried for years until a whistleblower forced it into the open. (AFR)

• Donald Trump eyes rapid copper tariffs, sparking global scramble and record US price surge. (Bloomberg)

Trading floor

M&A

• Microequities Asset Management has acquired a stake in edtech company Global IT Factory, marking the firm's first external capital raise. (AFR)

• Igneo hires RBC for potential $2b+ sale of NZ energy firm Clarus. (The Australian)

• Swoop Aero's assets have been sold to Kite Aerospace, leaving its high-profile investors with no returns. (AFR)

Capital Markets

• Tuas posted a $3.6m profit as subscriber growth drove its turnaround. (Capital Brief)

• Paladin scrapped guidance after weather disrupted Langer Heinrich's ramp-up. (Capital Brief)

• 360 Capital Mortgage REIT is launching an $11.1m rights issue to fund new and existing loans. (AFR)

• RBA’s upcoming rate focus is more influenced by Trump’s policies than the federal budget. (Capital Brief)

• Discord plans IPO with Goldman and JPMorgan, possibly this year. (Bloomberg)

• Australia's monthly CPI rose 2.4% in February, slowing faster than expected ahead of the RBA's April rate decision. (Capital Brief)

• ATI Global targets 2027 IPO after shareholder approval. (AFR)

• X appeals liability for a child safety notice issued before its rebrand, but a judge had rejected its argument. (Capital Brief)

• Lottery Corporation may push for NZ lotto privatization while keeping profits for charity. (The Australian)

• Bellevue Gold halts trading amid possible guidance cut. (Capital Brief)

• Koala Furniture eyes $100m IPO, valuing it at up to $300m, with U.S. expansion in focus. (The Australian)

• Peter Dutton opposes Labor’s $17b tax cuts, sparking speculation he will announce his tax plan in his budget reply speech. (Capital Brief)

• WiseTech seeks IB help to fill board seats after director exodus. (AFR)

• UK inflation drops to 2.8%, but BoE warns of a rebound. (Capital Brief)

• Alibaba partners with BMW to develop AI for Chinese cars. (Bloomberg)

• Labor to enforce Australian content quotas for streamers. (Capital Brief)

• ANZ to release full culture and risk report after backflip. (AFR)

• BYD plans to double overseas EV sales in 2025, avoiding tariffs with local production. (Capital Brief) (Reuters)

• Carma plans IPO, inspired by the success of US-based Carvana. (AFR)

• A major data breach in NSW courts' online registry is under investigation, with authorities working to identify affected users. (Capital Brief)

• AustralianSuper exits WiseTech over Richard White’s return. (Capital Brief)

• The Atlantic published US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Signal texts revealing precise Yemen strike details, sparking security concerns. (Capital Brief)

• Virgin Australia resumes IPO push, introducing new CEO as Bain Capital eyes strong valuation. (The Australian)

• Rippling and Deel’s fierce competition in global HR tech escalated into an alleged corporate espionage scandal, highlighting the high stakes in the sector. (Capital Brief)

• US Fed’s Kashkari urges patience, warning Dondald Trump's tariffs could stall spending before they lift inflation. (Reuters)

VC

• Quantum computing start-up PsiQuantum is raising $1.2b, valuing it at US$6b, benefiting Australia and Blackbird Ventures. (Capital Brief)(AFR)

• Jeanswest enters administration again, closing 90 stores but may keep online sales running. (Smart Company)

People moves

• Worley’s CFO, Tiernan O’Rourke, is retiring from full-time ASX-listed company roles to focus on private-sector consulting. (Capital Brief)

• Tony Robinson's board appointment at COG Financial Services has triggered shifts in its shareholder register, setting the stage for potential changes. (AFR)

• HCF CEO Sheena Jack allegedly sidelined and later dismissed a potential leadership rival, Nalini Prakash, before an internal investigation was concluded. (AFR)

The watercooler