Australia

Australia Revamps Super Taxes for High Earners, Boosts Low-Income Support

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/10/2025

The government has delayed and redesigned a controversial tax on large superannuation balances and will increase a tax offset for low-income workers.

Market Infrastructure

ASIC Warns of 'Significant' Gaps in Offshore Outsourcing Controls

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/10/2025

A review by ASIC has found serious weaknesses in how financial advice licensees and fund managers oversee offshore providers, exposing consumers to harm.

Australia Introduces Bill to Combat Mandate Payday Superannuation

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/10/2025

New legislation introduced to parliament will require employers to pay superannuation on payday from 1 July 2026, targeting billions in unpaid retirement funds.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Unveils Draft Payments Law to Regulate Stablecoins, Digital Wallets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/10/2025

The new framework will bring a wide range of payment service providers under a core licensing regime, levelling the rules for banks and tech firms.

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.