AUSTRALIA

Enforcement

ASIC Sues Former Blockchain Global Director Over ACX Exchange Collapse

By Editors | 01/06/2025

ASIC sues ex-Blockchain Global director over alleged mismanagement leading to ACX Exchange collapse and A$20mn in customer losses.

New Zealand FMA Seeks Feedback on Streamlining Licence Conditions

By Editors | 30/05/2025

The consultation seeks feedback from industry participants on potential overlap, areas for clarification, and the ongoing relevance of existing conditions.

AML / KYC

New Zealand Issues Guidance on Customer Risk Ratings

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/05/2025

The DIA’s guidance is intended to help reporting entities establish customer risk-rating systems as required under domestic AML laws.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Orders Compliance Audits for Two Australian Casinos

By Editors | 30/05/2025

The auditors will assess each casino’s compliance with AML/CTF laws and regulations. AUSTRAC will decide on further action based on the findings.

Australia Launches New Portal for Foreign Investment Applications

By Editors | 29/05/2025

The new online portal aims to streamline the processing of foreign investment applications and increase transparency.

AML / KYC

Westpac Pilots “First of its Kind” Anti Scam AI Tool

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/05/2025

AI synthesises information from customer phone conversations in real-time to highlight key indicators to enable bankers to respond more effectively

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC to Take “Pragmatic” Approach to Enforcing Climate Disclosure Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 29/05/2025

Commissioner Kate O’Rourke discussed ASIC’s phased approach to enforcement and efforts to ease the burden on smaller entities.

Enforcement

AUSTRAC Freezes Assets Linked to Cryptocurrency Theft

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

AUSTRAC has frozen property and funds tied to alleged cryptocurrency theft following a tip-off from the Luxembourg FIU.

AML / KYC

New Zealand Issues AML/CFT Guidance for Online Marketplaces

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

The guidance outlines the new AML/CFT requirements that will apply to online marketplaces that directly handle payments or act as intermediaries.