Australia

Anti-Money Laundering

Gatekeepers on Edge as AUSTRAC Prepares New AML/CTF Regime

By Nathan Lynch | 31/03/2025

Nathan Lynch discusses the work AUSTRAC is doing to prepare DNFBPs for a July 2026 deadline to comply with their new AML/CTF obligations.

Sustainable Finance

NZ Probing Whether NZBA Commitments Constitute Cartel Activity

By Mark Johnston | 28/03/2025

New Zealand investigates whether banks’ net-zero pledges under the Net-Zero Banking Alliance violate anti-cartel laws.

Structural Regulation

ACCC Opens Consultation on Draft Merger Process Guidelines

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The draft guidelines explain the processes the ACCC will use when assessing acquisitions under the new merger regime.

Clearing & Post-Trade

Australian Regulators Keep Door Open for Bond, Repo CCP

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The CFR said regulatory intervention is not yet needed but it supports the industry exploring the introduction of central clearing in the Australian bond and repo markets.

Payments & Settlements

AusPayNet Launches Industry Code for e-Conveyancing Payments

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

AusPayNet says the new industry code will enhance security, standardise and provide efficiency to e-conveyancing payments.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Issues Updated Guidance on Holding Virtual Meetings

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The updated guidance sets out ASIC’s expectations on holding virtual meetings and includes the option to use telephone lines and webcasts.

KYC & CDD

RBNZ Publishes Research Spotlighting Barriers to Bank Account Access

By Thisanka Siripala | 26/03/2025

A survey found that a third of frontline staff report being unable to open a bank account for a customer often or very often.

Supervision & Enforcement

ASIC Secures Court Victory in Unlawful Fees Case Against Payday Lender

By Thisanka Siripala | 26/03/2025

The court found that Sunshine Loans breached Australia’s credit laws by charging a fee to borrowers who sought to alter their loan repayment terms.

Anti-Money Laundering

Gambling Sector Remains in AUSTRAC’s Gunsights, As Court Looms for Star

By Nathan Lynch | 26/03/2025

AUSTRAC will continue to target gambling companies where “the risk has been large and the responsibility has been negligent.”