Australia

AML / KYC

Australia's Open-Source CDD Could Be Model for Asia-Pacific

By Nathan Lynch | 25/03/2026

AUSTRAC’s starter kits legitimise open-source CDD for small reporting entities, marking a possible solution for developing countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

Market Infrastructure

Australian Regulators Flag ‘Elevated’ Global Risks, Stress Crisis Readiness

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/03/2026

Australian regulators are on high alert over geopolitical tensions, focusing on crisis readiness, cyber resilience, and prudent lending.

ESG / Sustainability

APRA: Widening Insurance Protection Gap Creates Systemic Risk for Banks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/03/2026

Stress test maps out how a growing pool of uninsured homes directly elevates credit default and collateral risk within bank mortgage books.

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.