Australia

New Zealand Reports on First Year of New Conduct Regime

By Editors | 04/10/2015

The Financial Markets Authority has issued the first annual report under the new Financial Markets Conduct Act, highlighting progress in delivering a modern and flexible approach to regulating financial services.

ASIC Consults on Preserving Eight Class Orders

By Editors | 02/10/2015

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has released two consultation papers proposing to remake eight class orders that are due to expire over the next three years.

New Zealand Consults on Disclosure Duties of Charities

By Editors | 27/09/2015

New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority has issued a consultation paper on whether charities issuing debt securities should be subject to standard disclosure obligations.

New ASIC Funding Proposal May Hurt Stockbrokers

By Editors | 26/09/2015

The Stockbrokers Association of Australia has warned that proposals to increase industry funding of the corporate regulator may impose greater costs on brokerage firms, prompting more industry rationalisation and stifling innovation.

APRA Consults on Points of Presence Statistics

By Editors | 25/09/2015

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has released a consultation package proposing to either streamline or cease the Points of Presence statistics and data collection.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Aussie Banks Force Bitcoin Operators Out of Business

By Editors | 25/09/2015

Australia’s major banks are closing accounts of bitcoin companies, citing compliance risks resulting from tougher anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing rules.

Australia Consults on Lower Income Consumer Credit

By Editors | 25/09/2015

The Australian government is requesting comment from the public on small amount credit contract laws to ensure that the regulatory framework strikes the right balance between consumers and lenders.

Bank of Queensland Investigated by ASIC over Compliance Failures

By Editors | 23/09/2015

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has concerns over its risk management and compliance systems.

ASIC Sees Opportunities with Blockchain Technology

By Editors | 21/09/2015

Australian Securities and Investment Commission chairman Greg Medcraft says the emergence of blockchain technology has the potential to change the existing financial system.