Australia

Market Infrastructure

ACCC Opens Inquiry into High Markup Currency Conversion Services

By Editors | 03/10/2018

The inquiry will examine why major companies in Australia, including the big four banks, seem to be able to consistently charge high prices, said ACCC chair Rod Sims.

Enforcement

Australian Financial Sector Condemned in Royal Commission Interim Report

By Manesh Samtani | 01/10/2018

The report says financial institutions have had free reign to pursue their own interests at the expense of customers and regulators have been ineffective in policing their behaviour.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Strengthens Cooperation with FinCEN

By Garima Chitkara | 28/09/2018

Agencies in both countries will share information on terrorist financing and serious financial crime under a regulatory MoU.

Market Infrastructure

ASX Announces JP Morgan Launch of Agency Clearing Service

By Editors | 27/09/2018

Australian-domiciled clients will be able to keep AUD and NZD cleared derivatives within a single clearing house and legal construct, while leveraging local ASX infrastructure.

Fintech / Regtech

Australia Consults on Regulatory Framework for Stored Value Facilities

By Garima Chitkara | 26/09/2018

Regulators considering a tiered approach, whereby facilities providers with larger amounts of stored value would be subjected to higher regulatory requirements.

Enforcement

ASIC Report Reveals ‘Unacceptable Delays’ by FIs in Handling Breaches

By Manesh Samtani | 26/09/2018

Institutions take over 4 years to identify breaches, over 2 months to start an investigation into identified breaches, and 2.5 months to lodge breach reports with ASIC.

Fintech / Regtech

APRA Updates Guidance on Cloud Computing Use by Regulated Entities

By Manesh Samtani | 25/09/2018

Information paper acknowledges improvements in the ability of regulated entities to manage cloud computing risks, while also detailing observed weaknesses and areas of concern.

Market Infrastructure

ASIC Details Areas for Improvements in ASX Governance

By Editors | 18/09/2018

The ASX Group has undertaken an extensive work programme aimed at improving technology governance and operational risk management.

Enforcement

ASIC Pursues Civil Penalty for ANZ Disclosure Breach

By Manesh Samtani | 17/09/2018

ANZ failed to disclose in its 2015 capital raising that underwriters Citi and Deutsche took up one-third of its share placement.