Australia

    Custody & Infrastructure

    AUSTRAC, Home Affairs Dept Highlight Benefits of Blockchain

    By Editors | 18/02/2020

    The Department of Home Affairs and AUSTRAC say blockchain has the potential to significantly reduce compliance costs and the regulatory burden imposed on reporting entities.

    Conduct, Culture & Accountability

    APRA, ASIC Welcome Reforms on Superannuation Regulation

    By Editors | 17/02/2020

    ASIC will be focused on conduct issues involving superannuation trustees, while APRA will be focused on prudential supervision of trustee activities.

    Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

    ASIC Imposes Lifetime Ban on Macquarie Equities Adviser

    By Editors | 17/02/2020

    The adviser misrepresented the value of his client’s portfolio on 19 separate occasions, and engaged in trading without proper authority of the client.

    Custody & Infrastructure

    Australia Blockchain Roadmap Receives Mixed Response

    By Editors | 15/02/2020

    FinTech Australia chair Alan Tsen says the roadmap is disappointing, lacks vision and focuses on use cases that “felt like they’ve been written by a consulting firm space”.

    Conduct, Culture & Accountability

    ASIC Asks Superannuation Trustees to Improve Member Communications

    By Editors | 14/02/2020

    ASIC’s review of communications material from 12 superannuation funds found that some trustees are not always sufficiently focused on their members’ needs.

    Clearing & Post-Trade

    ASX is Transforming Entire Technology Stack, says CEO

    By Editors | 14/02/2020

    Managing director and CEO Dominic Stevens said ASX’s strategy is not just about replacing CHESS or upgrading the futures trading system; the bourse is transforming its entire technology stack.

    Cloud & Infrastructure

    Bill Passes to Enhance ASIC’s Fintech Regulatory Sandbox

    By Editors | 12/02/2020

    Under the amendments, firms will be able to test a wider range of new financial and credit products and services without a licence from ASIC, for a longer time.

    Conduct, Culture & Accountability

    Advice Remediation at Six Biggest FIs Reaches A$750m: ASIC

    By Editors | 12/02/2020

    NAB has paid over A$203mn to over 588,000 customers as compensation for non-compliant advice and fees-for-no-service misconduct.

    Conduct, Culture & Accountability

    RBNZ Launches Streamlined External Whistleblowing Policy

    By Editors | 11/02/2020

    “Whistleblowing is a critical avenue for those wanting to shine a light on wrongdoing within regulated entities,” said RBNZ head of supervision Andy Wood.

    Conduct, Culture & Accountability

    Australia Passes Bills to Enhance Consumer Protections, Strengthen ASIC

    By Editors | 10/02/2020

    The bills introduce a best-interests duty for mortgage brokers, ban unfair contract terms in insurance, and enable ASIC to more effectively enforce existing laws.

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