AUSTRALIA

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Warns Crypto, Remittance Firms of Possible Regulatory Action

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/02/2025

AUSTRAC has issued alerts, a precursor to potential regulatory action, to over 50 crypto exchanges and remittance service providers.

ESG / Sustainability

New Zealand Issues Guidance on GHG Assurance Reports

By Thisanka Siripala | 17/02/2025

The guidance clarifies that only the GHG emissions disclosures within CREs’ climate statements are mandated for assurance by 31 Dec 2025.

ASIC Updates Guidance on No-Action Letter and Relief Applications

By Thisanka Siripala | 14/02/2025

ASIC said it has improved and simplified its guidance regarding relief and no-action letters by centralising related guidance and amending outdated references

APRA Clarifies Lending Guidance to Boost Property Construction

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 14/02/2025

APRA clarified that its 2017 guidance should not be taken to mean that banks should only finance property construction after it is 100% pre‑sold.

Crypto / Digital Assets

FMA Offers Regulatory Clarity for E-Money and Payments Firms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 14/02/2025

The FMA said there is “no specific licence” for e-money institutions or payments service providers in New Zealand but a range of regulatory obligations still apply.

Fintech / Regtech

NZ Inland Revenue Department Consults on Open Banking

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/02/2025

New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department is seeking information on open banking to develop a roadmap for potential use and adoption.

AML / KYC

Australia Passes “World-leading” Scams Prevention Legislation

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/02/2025

The law will introduce mandatory obligations for banks, telcos and social media platforms to prevent, detect and disrupt scams

Fintech / Regtech

CBA, Telstra Expands Fraud Detection Collaboration

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2025

CBA and Telstra’s expanded pact will implement a new anti-scam technology to help protect customers from identity theft.

Market Infrastructure

Australian Banks Agree to Pause Rural Branch Closures

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2025

Banks to pause rural branch closures until 2027 and also make their services available via Australia Post.