AUSTRALIA

Australia Concludes Review of Credit Reporting Framework

By Thisanka Siripala | 02/12/2024

The review resulted in 37 recommendations, including the introduction of a separate licensing regime for credit reporting bodies to ensure accountability.

Fintech / Regtech

Australia Passes Law Introducing New Rules for BNPL Services

By Thisanka Siripala | 02/12/2024

BNPL providers must adhere to requirements under the the National Consumer Credit Protection Act. ASIC will be tasked with regulating the sector.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Passes Law Giving ACCC Enhanced Merger Approval Powers

By Thisanka Siripala | 01/12/2024

The law introduces a mandatory notification system for mergers above certain thresholds and the ACCC will be the decision maker on approvals.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Fines 16 Firms for Failure to Submit Compliance Reports

By Editors | 30/11/2024

The infringement notices were issued for failure to submit 2023 annual compliance reports. The firms had a history of non-compliance.

Market Infrastructure

Australian Parliament Passes First Tranche of Privacy Law Reforms

By Editors | 29/11/2024

The reforms expand the OAIC’s powers, giving it monitoring, investigative and inspection powers and the ability to issue infringement and compliance notices.

Enforcement

New Zealand’s Kiwibank Fined for Breaches of Fair Trading Act

By Nithya Subramanian | 29/11/2024

The Commerce Commission has penalised Kiwibank for overcharging 35,000 customers a total NZD 6.8 million.

AML / KYC

Australian Parliament Passes Historic AML/CTF Amendment Bill

By Thisanka Siripala | 29/11/2024

The bill extends AML/CTF obligations to lawyers, accountants, TCSPs, real estate professionals, and dealers in precious metals and stones.

Sanctions

New Zealand Targets Russian, Iranian Actors With New Sanctions

By Editors | 29/11/2024

The sanctions target those involved in the deployment of chemical weapons against Ukraine and the provision of Iranian weapons to Russia.

Capital / Liquidity

APRA Establishes New “Specialist Geopolitical Risk Team”

By Thisanka Siripala | 28/11/2024

The “specialist geopolitical risk team” is collaborating with other regulators to examine how global shocks may reach Australia and impact the financial system.