AUSTRALIA

Market Infrastructure

Australia Explores Benefits of Central Clearing for Bond, Repo Markets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/07/2024

The CFR says changes in the size and structure of the Australian bond and repo markets may have strengthened the case for introducing central clearing.

Securities / Derivatives

ASIC Files Lawsuit Against COFCO for Wheat Futures Manipulation

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/07/2024

ASIC alleged that COFCO manipulated contracts by placing orders shortly before the market close, creating an artificial daily settlement price.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HSBC Australia Blocks Payments to Crypto Exchanges

By Editors | 26/07/2024

The decision was made in light of data showing that Australians lost up to A$171mn in investment scams in 2023.

Australia Consults on CGT Regime for Foreign Residents

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 25/07/2024

The foreign resident capital gains tax regime and capital gains withholding regime are both being amended.

Sanctions

Australia Imposes First Sanctions Against Israelis in West Bank

By Editors | 25/07/2024

Seven Israelis and a youth group were sanctioned for their involvement in violent attacks against Palestinian communities.

Market Infrastructure

ASIC Establishes Special Unit to Examine Valuations in Private Markets

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 25/07/2024

The dedicated unit will address transparency concerns in private markets, aiming to ensure fair practices and investor protection.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Consults on Draft Legislation to Reform Merger Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/07/2024

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the reforms will make Australia’s merger approval system faster, stronger, simpler, more targeted and more transparent.

Capital / Liquidity

APRA Revises Liquidity Requirements for Smaller Banks

By Manesh Samtani | 24/07/2024

Mutual banks and credit unions will have to value liquid assets on a mark-to-market basis, taking into account unrealised losses.

Enforcement

ASIC Charges Four in Telegram ‘Pump and Dump’ Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/07/2024

Four individuals coordinated to select penny stock targets and announced those targets in a public Telegram group named the ‘ASX Pump and Dump Group’.