AUSTRALIA

Capital / Liquidity

RBNZ Confirms Plans to Open ESAS to Nonbanks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/03/2025

The Exchange Settlement Account System will first open to licensed non-bank deposit takers in NZ, then to other entities that meet the access criteria.

Enforcement

RBA, ASIC Take “Unprecedented” Action over ASX CHESS Outage

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/03/2025

ASX is ordered to engage an independent expert to undertake a technical review of its core technology infrastructure.

Market Infrastructure

New Zealand’s CoFI Regime Enters Into Force

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/03/2025

The CoFI regime requires banks, insurers, and non-bank deposit takers to establish, implement, and maintain effective fair conduct programmes.

AML / KYC

Gatekeepers on Edge as AUSTRAC Prepares New AML/CTF Regime

By Nathan Lynch | 31/03/2025

Nathan Lynch discusses the work AUSTRAC is doing to prepare DNFBPs for a July 2026 deadline to comply with their new AML/CTF obligations.

Enforcement

NZ Probing Whether NZBA Commitments Constitute Cartel Activity

By Mark Johnston | 28/03/2025

New Zealand investigates whether banks’ net-zero pledges under the Net-Zero Banking Alliance violate anti-cartel laws.

ACCC Opens Consultation on Draft Merger Process Guidelines

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The draft guidelines explain the processes the ACCC will use when assessing acquisitions under the new merger regime.

Market Infrastructure

Australian Regulators Keep Door Open for Bond, Repo CCP

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The CFR said regulatory intervention is not yet needed but it supports the industry exploring the introduction of central clearing in the Australian bond and repo markets.

Fintech / Regtech

AusPayNet Launches Industry Code for e-Conveyancing Payments

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

AusPayNet says the new industry code will enhance security, standardise and provide efficiency to e-conveyancing payments.

ASIC Issues Updated Guidance on Holding Virtual Meetings

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The updated guidance sets out ASIC’s expectations on holding virtual meetings and includes the option to use telephone lines and webcasts.