Australia

Enforcement

ASIC Investigates Predatory Practices in Debt Management Sector

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/07/2025

ASIC will review around 100 licensed firms amid concerns that vulnerable consumers are being harmed by predatory industry practices.

Securities / Derivatives

ASX Proposes Major Overhaul of Futures Clearing Default Fund

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/07/2025

ASX is proposing to introduce monthly dynamic resizing, where clearing participants with higher tail risk make larger contributions.

Fintech / Regtech

Proposed Bill Seeks to Force New Zealand Businesses to Accept Cash

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/07/2025

A new members' bill proposes to force most businesses to accept cash for transactions up to NZD 500, prompting debate from industry groups.

ESG / Sustainability

Australia Proposes Amendments to Strengthen Modern Slavery Act

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/07/2025

Government consultation outlines a new enforcement framework, including financial penalties for non-compliance and expanded mandatory reporting requirements for large companies.

AML / KYC

1MDB Fugitive Jho Low Allegedly in Shanghai Using Forged Australian Passport

By Manesh Samtani | 21/07/2025

Investigative journalists claim the fugitive financier is living in a luxury mansion and working for entities linked to the Chinese government.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Proposes Regulatory Framework for Cash Distribution System

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/07/2025

Australian regulators would gain new powers to oversee pricing, manage crises, and ensure service continuity in the cash-in-transit sector.

ESG / Sustainability

Australia Completes Overhaul of Carbon Credit Transparency Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/07/2025

The Clean Energy Regulator has completed a multi-stage overhaul of its carbon credit register to boost market integrity and transparency.

ESG / Sustainability

Australia Consults on Product Labels to Combat Greenwashing

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/07/2025

Australia's government is seeking feedback on potential rules for the implementation of sustainable investment product labels to curb misleading claims.

New Zealand KiwiSaver Funds See 'Dramatic' Shift to Higher Risk: FMA

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/07/2025

The FMA says the proportion of retirement funds in high-volatility category have quadrupled to over 40 percent since 2021, driven by multiple factors.