AUSTRALIA

Enforcement

Westpac Faces Class Action for Irresponsible Lending

By Editors | 26/02/2019

Westpac has vowed to fight the claim, saying it takes its responsible lending obligations very seriously. But it could face a multi-million-dollar settlement if other borrowers join the class action.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Trials Reporting Automation through Smart Contracts

By Editors | 26/02/2019

The proof of concept project commenced in December 2018 and aims to help reporting entities automate the reporting of international funds transfers to AUSTRAC.

Enforcement

Australia Passes Law Enhancing Whistleblower Protections

By Editors | 22/02/2019

The law expands the whistleblower definition, extends protections for those who report misconduct, and requires companies to have a whistleblower policy.

Enforcement

ASIC Finalises HSBC’s 2016 Enforceable Undertaking

By Editors | 21/02/2019

Under HSBC Australia’s remediation programme, the bank offered about A$690,000 in compensation to 104 clients who may have received inappropriate advice.

Enforcement

Australia Expands Remit of New Financial Complaints Authority

By Editors | 21/02/2019

As the Royal Commission considered misconduct cases dating back to 1 January 2008, AFCA’s remit will be expanded to enable reviews of eligible complaints over the same period.

Enforcement

ASIC Issues Update on Implementation of Hayne Recommendations

By Editors | 20/02/2019

ASIC is considering over 40 enforcement cases, a number of which involve misconduct by large financial institutions, their employees or subsidiary companies.

Market Infrastructure

Big Four Auditors Face Parliamentary Scrutiny in Australia

By Editors | 18/02/2019

Amid an ongoing ACCC probe into the big four auditing firms, a parliamentary committee is asking for a review of the audit market to explore conflicts of interest and market dominance issues.

Enforcement

Senate Passes Bill Empowering ASIC to Pursue Harsher Penalties

By Editors | 15/02/2019

The bill increases the maximum prison penalties ASIC can pursue to 15 years, and raises the caps on civil penalties for individuals and corporations.

Capital / Liquidity

RBNZ ‘Open-Minded’ on Bank Capital Requirements

By Manesh Samtani | 15/02/2019

KPMG’s John Kensington says the proposal to raise bank capital requirements could stress the lending market. RBNZ’s Adrian Orr defends the plan, but vows to remain “open-minded”.