Australia

Sanctions

Australia Issues New Sanctions Guidance for Gatekeeper Professionals

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/03/2026

New guidance outlines due diligence and reporting obligations for ‘gatekeeper’ professions, with strict liability offences effective from July 2026.

Fintech / Regtech

ASIC Issues Consumer Guidance on AI Use for Financial Advice

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/03/2026

ASIC has published consumer guidance on the risks of using AI tools for financial information, highlighting that the tools are not licensed.

APRA Consults on New Retirement Data Reporting Framework for Super Funds

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/03/2026

APRA has proposed new reporting standards to collect detailed data on retirement products, advice, and member outcomes from 2027.

Market Infrastructure

Australian Treasury Details Five-Pillar Agenda to Tackle Productivity Slump

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/03/2026

A new government submission details a multi-pronged strategy, including significant financial sector and digital reforms, to address Australia’s productivity weaknesses.

Enforcement

Australian Court Declares Macquarie Breached Law Over Shield Fund Monitoring

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/03/2026

The court found that Macquarie Investment Management failed to adequately monitor the collapsed Shield Master Fund, but it will avoid a penalty because of compensation paid to investors.

AML / KYC

New Zealand Clarifies Legal Privilege Rules for AML Reporting

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/03/2026

New guidance outlines when legal professional privilege does not apply to suspicious activity reporting, creating new record-keeping duties for law firms.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Flags Heightened Financial Risks, Tightens FI Oversight

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/03/2026

Regulators are stress-testing firms and have activated new lending limits, with a sharp focus on operational resilience and ASX governance.

Fintech / Regtech

ASIC Launches Public Complaints Data Portal for FIs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/03/2026

The new interactive dashboard allows public comparison of firms’ complaint handling, aiming to boost transparency and flag emerging industry issues.

Capital / Liquidity

ASIC Proposes Tougher Capital Rules for Fund Managers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/03/2026

ASIC has launched a consultation to increase net tangible asset requirements for responsible entities, citing recent scheme collapses and market changes.