AUSTRALIA

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Calls on Inactive Remittance Firms to De-register

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/08/2025

AUSTRAC has told inactive remittance firms to cancel their registration or be forced out, citing risks that dormant businesses can be bought and used by criminals.

AML / KYC

Proliferation Financing: Winding Back the ‘Doomsday Clock’ Across APAC

By Nathan Lynch | 07/08/2025

APAC businesses face a daunting task complying with the new FATF proliferation financing rules, but help is at hand, writes Nathan Lynch.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Sets Out Sweeping Reforms to Bolster Small Bank Competition

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/08/2025

The Council of Financial Regulators released a report outlining measures to enhance banking sector competition, including a tiered regulatory system and streamlined approvals.

Enforcement

ASIC Probing Collapse of Three Managed Investment Schemes

By Manesh Samtani | 06/08/2025

An investigation is underway into the failure of several managed investment schemes that has left over 12,000 Australians facing significant retirement losses.

Enforcement

APRA Imposes Capital Add-On on Insurer Keyinvest

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/08/2025

APRA says KeyInvest must hold an extra AUD 5.5 million in capital and overhaul its board following a review that found deficiencies within its risk management framework.

Australia Proposes to Extend CSLR Levy Across Wider Financial Industry

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/08/2025

Consultation paper proposes ways to deal with the financial advice sub-sector exceeding its statutory sub-sector levy cap by AUD 47.3 million.

Securities / Derivatives

ASX Launches "Peak Electricity" Futures Contracts for Four States

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 02/08/2025

The contracts are designed to offer more targeted hedging and trading tools that specifically cover peak electricity usage times.

Enforcement

“Pokies” Operators in the Crosshairs as AUSTRAC Targets Dirty Money

By Nathan Lynch | 01/08/2025

AUSTRAC has shifted its enforcement focus to the “pokies” sector, as the Australian crackdown on casinos drives dirty money into pubs and clubs, writes Nathan Lynch.

ESG / Sustainability

Australian Bodies Launch Initiative to Support Climate Reporting

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/07/2025

A new partnership aims to help Australian businesses prepare for upcoming mandatory climate and sustainability disclosure requirements.