Australia

Enforcement

Mounties Lawsuit Shines Spotlight on Financial Crime Advisers

By Nathan Lynch | 10/10/2025

AUSTRAC’s civil claim against Mounties for alleged AML/CTF breaches has sent a quiet shot across the bows of external consultants, writes Nathan Lynch.

Sanctions

Australia Proposes New Sanctions Framework for Afghanistan

By Editors | 09/10/2025

The proposed autonomous regime targets the Taliban for human rights abuses and would impose asset freezes and travel bans on designated individuals and entities.

Enforcement

APRA Disqualifies Ex-Neobank Directors in First Use of FAR

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/10/2025

APRA has banned two former directors of the failed Xinja Bank for misleading the regulator over the bank's capital position, marking the first disqualifications under the FAR.

Capital / Liquidity

Australia to Tighten Rules for Managed Investment Schemes

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 08/10/2025

The government has asked ASIC to review financial requirements for MIS operators following investor losses in the Shield and First Guardian funds.

Enforcement

ASIC Flags Widespread Auditor Independence Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 08/10/2025

A targeted ASIC review found almost a third of auditors examined were in likely breach of rules, with many adopting a 'tick-box' approach and failing to self-report.

Market Infrastructure

Australia to End ASX Listings Monopoly with Cboe Approval

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 08/10/2025

ASIC has approved Cboe Australia’s application to list companies, introducing direct competition for IPOs in Australia for the first time.

APRA Directs Super Platforms to Lift Product Governance Standards

By Mark Johnston | 08/10/2025

APRA has ordered superannuation platform trustees to urgently lift standards after a review found significant failures in investment governance, onboarding and monitoring.

Market Infrastructure

Fast Payment Pricing a Balancing Act for APAC Regulators: BIS Paper

By Manesh Samtani | 07/10/2025

A new BIS paper highlights the trade-offs between driving adoption and ensuring long-term viability, with varied pricing approaches seen across Asia.

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC Sues Fund Manager Fiducian Over ESG Governance Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/10/2025

ASIC alleges that Fiducian Investment Management Services failed to validate its ESG claims and ignored investor complaints for years.