Australia

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

APRA Disqualifies Former Xinja Chair Under Accountability Regime

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/05/2026

The six-year ban follows an investigation into undisclosed ‘side agreements’ that misrepresented the failed neobank’s capital position, marking the third such action against its former executives.

Structural Regulation

Australia Orders Chinese Investors to Divest Rare Earths Stake

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/05/2026

The order is the latest in a series of government interventions to protect a critical minerals company from foreign control on national security grounds.

Reporting & Disclosures

ASIC Sets Financial Reporting, Audit and Sustainability Focus for 2026–27

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/05/2026

ASIC will focus on asset impairment, auditor independence, and the first wave of sustainability reports in its upcoming surveillance activities for the new financial year.

Reporting & Disclosures

ASIC Flags Key Deficiencies in First Mandatory Climate Reports

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/05/2026

ASIC has published early observations on the first mandatory sustainability reports, highlighting several areas where entities are falling short of new requirements.

Tokenisation

Australia Outlines Roadmap for Wholesale Tokenised Markets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/05/2026

The RBA and DFCRC have released findings from Project Acacia, proposing a new multi-agency programme to address regulatory uncertainty and foster innovation in tokenised finance.

Emerging Prudential Risks

Private Credit Boom in APAC Prompts Fears of ‘Circular Risk’

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 18/05/2026

The boom is increasing banks’ indirect exposure to the same corporate borrowers they once financed directly.

Supervision & Enforcement

ASIC Appeals AUD 7 Million Penalty in Cigno, BSF Case

By Editors | 18/05/2026

ASIC has appealed a civil penalty against two firms and their directors, arguing it is insufficient for deterrence and seeks clarification on key legal points.

Structural Regulation

ASX Appoints Euronext Veteran Anthony Attia as New CEO

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/05/2026

ASX has named a new chief with deep European market infrastructure experience to lead its transformation efforts.

Structural Regulation

Australia Boosts ASIC Funding for Managed Funds Oversight After High-Profile Collapses

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 14/05/2026

ASIC will receive new funding to enhance supervision of managed investment schemes, following recent high-profile collapses and a review of the sector.