AUSTRALIA

Capital / Liquidity

New Zealand Banks Call on Lawmakers to Reconsider Capital Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2025

New Zealand’s large banks have asked lawmakers to consider whether the capital rules set by the RBNZ are too onerous.

AML / KYC

Australia Directs ACMA to Implement New Standard to Prevent SMS Scams

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2025

The new standard will require telcos to check whether SMS messages sent using a sender ID correspond with the legitimate registered sender.

Securities / Derivatives

NZX Proposes to Relax ‘Prescribed Person’ Trading Rules

By Thisanka Siripala | 07/03/2025

NZX proposes to narrow the scope of the obligations to only NZX-quoted securities, addressing concerns that they currently apply too broadly.

ESG / Sustainability

APRA Launches Review of Prudential Governance Framework

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/03/2025

APRA proposes a lifetime default tenure limit of 10 years for non-executive directors of banks, insurers, and super funds.

Fintech / Regtech

AUSTRAC to Expand AI Use in Intelligence, Regulatory Operations

By Thisanka Siripala | 07/03/2025

AUSTRAC is currently developing and piloting uses of AI which will in the future expand usage patterns and domains.

Fintech / Regtech

Australia’s Banking Revolution: Leveraging AI in a Sheltered but Evolving Market

By Bradley Maclean | 06/03/2025

Australia’s near-term trajectory in AI adoption hinges on strategic actions that address existing gaps while positioning the sector for sustainable growth.

Market Infrastructure

ASX Consults on Release 1 of CHESS Replacement Project

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/03/2025

ASX will implement a new FIX Gateway and FIX messaging for trade registration, cancellation, and end-of-day price reporting.

Market Infrastructure

NZX Set to Introduce Third-Party Clearing in Derivatives Market

By Thisanka Siripala | 05/03/2025

Clearing Participants will be able to clear and settle trades on behalf of other trading firms, allowing greater flexibility in the derivatives market.

ACCC Issues Guidance on Merger Reform Transition

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/03/2025

The guidance is to help businesses considering a merger in 2025, ahead of Australia’s new merger regime coming into effect from 1 January 2026.