Australia

Fintech / Regtech

Commonwealth Bank to Arrange First Blockchain Bond

By Garima Chitkara | 14/08/2018

Developed by the World Bank, a A$100 million kangaroo bond, issued and distributed through blockchain, will open to investors later this month in Washington and Sydney.

Enforcement

ASIC Gets A$70mn, New Powers to Boost Enforcement Capabilities

By Garima Chitkara | 13/08/2018

Australia’s corporate regulator will embed supervisors in large financial institutions to monitor banks’ actions and decision making.

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APRA to Replace Outdated Financial Data Collection Platform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.

Fintech / Regtech

S. Korea FSS Pushes for Blockchain Use in Stock Transactions

By Editors | 06/08/2018

FSS is advocating for regulatory agencies and private companies to work together to enable stock trading through blockchain, noting progress in the US, UK, Japan and Australia to move forward on the technology.