Australia

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

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.

Anti-Money Laundering

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.

Payments & Settlements

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.

Reporting & Disclosures

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.

Reporting & Disclosures

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.

Market Risk

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.

Clearing & Post-Trade

Australia Grants Clearing and Settlement Facility Licence to Clearstream

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/07/2025

ASIC granted the licence and the RBA has set out expectations for Clearstream to improve settlement arrangements and stakeholder engagement in the Australian market.

Cryptocurrency

Australia Sees Launch of First Bitcoin-Backed Mortgage Product

By Editors | 18/07/2025

Fintech firm Block Earner has launched the product after a federal court found its crypto loans did not require a financial services licence, a decision now being appealed by ASIC.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Publishes Regulatory Priorities for 2025-26

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/07/2025

AUSTRAC has outlined its 2025-26 priorities, saying it will focus on bringing 'Tranche 2' professions into the regulatory net and cracking down on crypto and cash risks.