Australia

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Touts New Data-Sharing Model in Financial Crime Crackdown

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

A public-private taskforce used a new data typology and pooled bank data to identify suspects, signalling evolving compliance expectations for financial institutions.

Enforcement

ASIC Secures A$14m Penalty Against Crypto Firm BPS Financial

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

Court finds that the 'Qoin Wallet' issuer operated without a licence and made misleading claims, setting a key precedent on penalty calculations.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ASIC Flags AI, Cyber, and Superannuation Failures as Key 2026 Risks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

ASIC highlights growing threats from technology, poor superannuation fund operations, and increased market risk in its key issues outlook.

Enforcement

Australian Fund Manager Jailed for 6 Years in Insider Trading Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/01/2026

The case is the first major outcome for ASIC's new specialist insider trading team, which was established in late September 2024.

Enforcement

Australian Financial Advisor Jailed for AUD 1 Mln Client Fraud

By Editors | 26/01/2026

Paul Anthony Torre was sentenced to six years for stealing from clients' retirement funds.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Orders External AML Audit into Fintech Giant Airwallex

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/01/2026

AUSTRAC cited concerns over transaction monitoring and potential criminal exploitation, including for online child sexual abuse payments.

Fintech / Regtech

Australia Confirms Deferral of Major AML/CTF Reforms

By Nathan Lynch | 22/01/2026

Home Affairs is consulting on transitional rules to delay IVTS reporting, stagger independent evaluations, and ease compliance burdens for Tranche 1 and 2 entities.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Binance Restores AUD Bank Transfers After Two-Year Regulatory Freeze

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

The exchange has re-established direct banking channels in Australia after a suspension prompted by a payments partner and regulatory scrutiny from ASIC.

Securities / Derivatives

ASIC Crackdown Secures A$40m in Refunds for Retail CFD Investors

By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

A regulator's review of 52 issuers found significant compliance breaches, leading to refunds for more than 38,000 retail investors and sector-wide changes.