Australia

KYC & CDD

New Zealand Regulators to Partner with Banks on Basic Account Access

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

A new industry-regulator pact aims to tackle financial exclusion after a consultation found near-universal support for action to improve access.

Payments & Settlements

Australia Issues Draft Legislation for New Payments Licensing Framework

By Mark Johnston | 13/03/2026

The reforms establish a dual ASIC-APRA model, setting a AUD 200 million threshold for prudential oversight and introducing new safeguarding rules.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Australia's ‘Confirmation of Payee’ Service Hits 100m-Uses Milestone

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

The anti-scam system, part of a broader industry accord, is showing early success in preventing fraudulent and mistaken payments.

Structural Regulation

Australia Passes New Tax on Large Superannuation Balances

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

New legislation introduces an additional tax on retirement savings over AUD 3 million and boosts tax offsets for low-income earners.

Custody & Infrastructure

ASIC Outlines 'Substance Over Form' Approach to Digital Asset Regulation

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

A senior Australian regulator argues for integrating digital assets into existing financial laws, rejecting the need for entirely bespoke frameworks.

Trading & Investment

APAC Securities Lending Shaped by Complex Local Regulation - Report

By Manesh Samtani | 11/03/2026

New report details how unique rules in Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia create a complex operational and regulatory landscape for securities finance.

AI Risk & Governance

ASIC Chair Warns Directors on Risk, AI After Landmark Star Ruling

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2026

Joe Longo has told boards they must actively interrogate information and set risk appetites for new technologies like artificial intelligence.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Sequoia’s Australia Unit Sues AFCA Over Fund Collapse Ruling

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2026

Financial advice firm InterPrac has launched a Federal Court challenge against an AFCA determination, questioning the authority's rules for complex cases.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Bans Another Adviser Over High-Risk Fund Advice

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2026

ASIC has banned a financial adviser for providing inappropriate advice on high-risk investments to superannuation clients, amid a wider probe.