Australia

Australia Proposes Automatic Approval Pathway for Foreign Investors

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/11/2025

The government has launched consultations on a dual-track reform to create an automatic approval pathway for low-risk investors while strengthening enforcement powers.

ESG / Sustainability

ASX Proposes Rule Change to Avoid Mandatory Suspensions for Late ESG Reports

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/11/2025

ASX has launched a consultation to prevent automatic trading halts for companies that miss deadlines for new mandatory sustainability reporting.

Securities / Derivatives

ASIC Secures Record 14-Year Sentence for Ponzi Scheme Operator

By Editors | 03/11/2025

A Perth businessman has been jailed over a multi-million-dollar fraud in what ASIC has called one of its most serious investigations.

Australia to Establish New Financial Reporting Body

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/10/2025

A new body to be called “External Reporting Australia” will replace the AASB, AUASB, and FRC to create a more flexible standard-setting framework.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Fines Crypto ATM Firm Over AML Failures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/10/2025

AUSTRAC has fined Cryptolink for reporting failures and imposed a binding undertaking as calls grow for a ban on the high-risk sector.

Securities / Derivatives

ASIC Consults on Remaking of 2015 OTC Derivatives Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/10/2025

ASIC will remake its derivative clearing rules ahead of a 2026 sunset date, adding relief for risk reduction exercises while letting swaption relief expire.

Enforcement

Personal Liability: The New Weapon in Financial Crime Enforcement

By Nathan Lynch | 31/10/2025

Regulators across the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly targeting individuals as a critical weapon in their crackdown on financial crime.

Enforcement

ASIC Bans Ex-Director for 'Fees for No Service' Reporting Failure

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/10/2025

ASIC has banned Brendan Rodwell for two years for failing to ensure his firm reported misconduct by a corporate authorised representative.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Consults on 'Special Regulator' Framework for Payments

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/10/2025

The Treasury has released draft regulations for public comment, proposing to name ASIC, APRA, ACCC and AUSTRAC as potential payments regulators.