AUSTRALIA

    AML / KYC

    Former Macquarie Consultant Jailed for Money Laundering, Tax Evasion

    By Manesh Samtani | 13/08/2018

    Anthony Castagna and his accountant cousin Robert Agius conspired to have money paid by Macquarie for consulting funneled through offshore entities in Vanuatu to evade tax in Australia.

    Enforcement

    Fees-for-no-service Remediation to Top A$850mn – ASIC

    By Manesh Samtani | 09/08/2018

    CBA has paid or offered compensation over A$118 million so far, with over A$25 million more provisioned for future compensation.

    Fintech / Regtech

    Financial Regulators Consult on ‘Global Sandbox’ Approach

    By Manesh Samtani | 09/08/2018

    HKMA, MAS, ASIC among 12 regulators seeking views from interested parties on new Global Financial Innovation Network initiative, including its role, tools and where it should prioritise activity.

    Market Infrastructure

    APRA to Replace Outdated Financial Data Collection Platform

    By Garima Chitkara | 07/08/2018

    Australia’s prudential regulator says its current data collection system requires a significant overhaul to match current flows of digitised data and regulatory requirements, plans to release tender for new solution by end of month and implement new system by end of 2019.

    Securities / Derivatives

    ASIC Finalises Review Of Exchange Traded Products

    By Garima Chitkara | 06/08/2018

    ASIC review concludes that the ETP market is performing well in general, however, some concerns were raised on spread management and market maker concentration.

    Market Infrastructure

    Australia Finds Banking Oligopoly Detrimental To Consumers

    By Garima Chitkara | 06/08/2018

    The Productivity Commission report urges for more competition in Australia’s banking sector – a recommendation re-enforced by Treasurer Scott Morrison in a speech to industry executives.

    Enforcement

    ASIC Approves ABA Banking Code of Practice

    By Garima Chitkara | 01/08/2018

    New banking code expands legal protections for small business borrowers and retail customers; signatory banks have until July 2019 to implement the Code, but some are expected to be compliant earlier.

    Enforcement

    ASIC Imposes Lifetime Ban on Former Westpac Banker

    By Editors | 28/07/2018

    Former premium banking relationship manager shared personal client information with external third parties, and “knowingly or recklessly” submitted false supporting documents to help clients obtain home loans.

    Market Infrastructure

    Australia Consults on Second Tranche of CCIV Bill

    By Mark Pufpaff | 23/07/2018

    The bill covers winding up administration for corporate collective investment vehicles, and director liabilities for contraventions of the law, among others.

    Enforcement

    ASIC to Boost Regulatory Reporting Requirements to Deter Misconduct

    By Manesh Samtani | 22/07/2018

    Deputy chair Peter Kell said ASIC wants increased volume and granularity of data reporting as it seeks to combat misconduct and improve consumer outcomes in financial services.

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