AUSTRALIA

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Issues Guidance on Tipping Off Offence Effective 31 March

By Thisanka Siripala | 21/03/2025

From 31 March 2025, disclosing certain information that could prejudice an investigation will become a criminal offence.

Australia Mandates Payday Superannuation Contributions

By Mark Johnston | 21/03/2025

To boost retirement security and simplify payroll processes, employers need to align superannuation payments with salaries by 2026.

New Zealand FMA Adopts “Outcomes-Focused” Regulatory Approach

By Thisanka Siripala | 20/03/2025

The FMA is seeking to be more “proportionate” and “impactful” in its regulatory efforts, rather than “getting bogged down by minor compliance matters.”

AML / KYC

New Zealand’s Latest Risk Assessment Will Trigger AML/CFT Programme Reviews

By Nathan Lynch | 20/03/2025

New Zealand’s latest National Risk Assessment should act as a trigger for organisations to review their risk assessments, internal systems and controls, writes Nathan Lynch.

Enforcement

Australian Court Orders Active Super to Pay A$10.5m for Greenwashing

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/03/2025

This is ASIC’s third successful greenwashing case, sending a “strong message” to companies that their sustainable investment claims need to reflect their true position.

AML / KYC

ASIC’s Action Against Star Directors Sends Warning Shot Across Bows — And Boards

By Nathan Lynch | 18/03/2025

The case against 11 of Star casino’s directors highlights the pressure on boards to understand, mitigate and manage AML/CTF risks, writes Nathan Lynch.

AML / KYC

New Zealand FIU Publishes National Risk Assessment

By Thisanka Siripala | 18/03/2025

While banking remains the highest-risk sector. Money transfer services, VASPs and DNFBPs also highlighted as vulnerable.

Enforcement

ASIC Takes Action Against 17 SMSF Auditors Over Compliance Breaches

By Thisanka Siripala | 18/03/2025

The affected auditors oversaw funds managing more than AUD 1 trillion in assets across 638,000 SMSFs.

Australia to Guarantee ANZ Operations in Pacific Islands

By Thisanka Siripala | 18/03/2025

ANZ will invest an additional AUD 50 million to help address a decline in the number of foreign banks willing to serve the region.