Australia

Fintech / Regtech

New Zealand Regulators to Partner with Banks on Basic Account Access

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

A new industry-regulator pact aims to tackle financial exclusion after a consultation found near-universal support for action to improve access.

Fintech / Regtech

Australia Issues Draft Legislation for New Payments Licensing Framework

By Mark Johnston | 13/03/2026

The reforms establish a dual ASIC-APRA model, setting a AUD 200 million threshold for prudential oversight and introducing new safeguarding rules.

Fintech / Regtech

Australia's ‘Confirmation of Payee’ Service Hits 100m-Uses Milestone

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

The anti-scam system, part of a broader industry accord, is showing early success in preventing fraudulent and mistaken payments.

Australia Passes New Tax on Large Superannuation Balances

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

New legislation introduces an additional tax on retirement savings over AUD 3 million and boosts tax offsets for low-income earners.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ASIC Outlines 'Substance Over Form' Approach to Digital Asset Regulation

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

A senior Australian regulator argues for integrating digital assets into existing financial laws, rejecting the need for entirely bespoke frameworks.

Securities / Derivatives

APAC Securities Lending Shaped by Complex Local Regulation - Report

By Manesh Samtani | 11/03/2026

New report details how unique rules in Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia create a complex operational and regulatory landscape for securities finance.

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC Chair Warns Directors on Risk, AI After Landmark Star Ruling

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2026

Joe Longo has told boards they must actively interrogate information and set risk appetites for new technologies like artificial intelligence.

Enforcement

Sequoia’s Australia Unit Sues AFCA Over Fund Collapse Ruling

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2026

Financial advice firm InterPrac has launched a Federal Court challenge against an AFCA determination, questioning the authority's rules for complex cases.

Enforcement

ASIC Bans Another Adviser Over High-Risk Fund Advice

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2026

ASIC has banned a financial adviser for providing inappropriate advice on high-risk investments to superannuation clients, amid a wider probe.