Australia

ASIC Flags 'Serious Improvement' for Private Credit Market

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/09/2025

ASIC’s upcoming report finds inconsistent practices in the AUD 200 billion private credit market, with proposals for reform expected within three months.

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC Clarifies Audit Rules for Mandatory Sustainability Reports

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/09/2025

ASIC has detailed assurance requirements for new climate reports, including auditor independence, liability, and a phased-in approach.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Urges Increased Vigilance for Child Exploitation Red Flags

By Editors | 16/09/2025

AUSTRAC details transaction patterns linked to child abuse and sextortion, reminding firms of their suspicious matter reporting obligations.

Market Infrastructure

RBA, APRA Detail Plans for Building 'Anti-Fragility' into Financial System

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/09/2025

RBA and APRA officials have outlined their approaches to bolster resilience against geopolitical and technological risks faced by the financial sector.

Enforcement

ANZ Agrees to A$240m Penalty for ‘Widespread Misconduct’

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/09/2025

ASIC has detailed "grubby" and unconscionable conduct by ANZ in a government bond deal and multiple "disappointing" retail failures.

Sanctions

Japan, New Zealand, UK Announce New Wave of Russia Sanctions

By Manesh Samtani | 15/09/2025

The targets include companies in Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and India. Japan and New Zealand now aligned with the G7 oil price cap.

Securities / Derivatives

ISDA Challenges Key Elements of ASX Futures Clearing Overhaul

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/09/2025

ISDA supports a dynamic default fund but strongly disagrees with proposals for sizing the fund and recovering losses after a default.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC’s Retreat in Entain Case Highlights Complexity of Compliance

By Nathan Lynch | 12/09/2025

AUSTRAC’s rare retreat in the Entain civil enforcement action highlights the AML/CTF Act’s complexity, writes Nathan Lynch.

ESG / Sustainability

ICJ’s Climate Opinion Has Given Australian FIs Another Thing to Worry About

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 10/09/2025

Institutions may need to pay greater attention to investment and litigation risk