Australia

ESG / Sustainability

ASX Launches First Environmental Futures Contracts

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2024

Three new environmental futures contracts will allow market participants to price and hedge emissions reduction risks, ASX said.

Enforcement

ASIC Launching Dedicated Criminal Investigation Team

By Editors | 30/07/2024

The team will help speed up insider trading investigations and increase the number of cases that are referred for prosecution.

Crypto / Digital Assets

New Zealand DIA Issues New AML-CFT Guidance for VASPs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/07/2024

The guidance clarifies that the travel rule does not apply to transfers to un-hosted/self-hosted wallets, but that customer due diligence is still required.

AML / KYC

Australia: Industry Body Launches ‘Online Scams Code’ for Tech Firms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/07/2024

The Code was introduced by DIGI as a “proactive initiative” to fast-track consumer protection measures ahead of mandatory codes being introduced in Australia.

New Reporting Requirements for Super Funds Take Effect in Australia

By Editors | 27/07/2024

ASIC also now has the power to enforce compliance by super funds with accounting and auditing standards, akin to the powers it exercises over listed companies.

Securities / Derivatives

New Zealand FMA Issues Guidance on Protecting Client Assets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/07/2024

The guidance note applies to financial service providers that hold or deal with client money or property on behalf of clients, including stockbrokers and custodians.

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.