Australia

Structural Regulation

Australia Launches New Portal for Foreign Investment Applications

By Editors | 29/05/2025

The new online portal aims to streamline the processing of foreign investment applications and increase transparency.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Westpac Pilots “First of its Kind” Anti Scam AI Tool

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/05/2025

AI synthesises information from customer phone conversations in real-time to highlight key indicators to enable bankers to respond more effectively

Reporting & Disclosures

ASIC to Take “Pragmatic” Approach to Enforcing Climate Disclosure Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 29/05/2025

Commissioner Kate O’Rourke discussed ASIC’s phased approach to enforcement and efforts to ease the burden on smaller entities.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Freezes Assets Linked to Cryptocurrency Theft

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

AUSTRAC has frozen property and funds tied to alleged cryptocurrency theft following a tip-off from the Luxembourg FIU.

Anti-Money Laundering

New Zealand Issues AML/CFT Guidance for Online Marketplaces

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

The guidance outlines the new AML/CFT requirements that will apply to online marketplaces that directly handle payments or act as intermediaries.

Market Data & Technology

ASX Launches New Colocation Service for Market Participants

By Thisanka Siripala | 26/05/2025

ASX said the new service has the potential to benefit an underserved market segment, such as buy-side firms and smaller brokerage firms.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Puts Consumer Lease Industry on Notice Following Review

By Thisanka Siripala | 26/05/2025

ASIC finds evidence of customer harm despite consumer lease reforms. Providers are also shifting to alternative credit products.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

ACCC Publishes Final Report of Job Scam Fusion Cell

By Thisanka Siripala | 25/05/2025

The fusion cell’s work resulted in the removal of over 29,000 scam accounts and the blacklisting of 836 crypto wallets.

Structural Regulation

Australian Super Tax Reform Faces Pushback Despite Election Win

By Manesh Samtani | 24/05/2025

The government’s plan to increase tax on high superannuation balances is meeting with resistance.