Australia

Australia Unveils Sweeping Audit and Consultancy Reforms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/02/2026

The reforms include a 100-fold increase in fines for promoting tax exploitation schemes and a plan to merge key standards bodies.

Enforcement

Australia Fines Foreign Investors A$14 Million Over Critical Minerals Breach

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

This is the first case brought by a government leader under Australia's foreign investment laws since their introduction in 1975.

Australia, UK, US Target Iran with Sanctions Over Protester Crackdown

By Manesh Samtani | 03/02/2026

The coordinated measures impose asset freezes and travel bans on officials and entities for human rights abuses and sanctions evasion.

Australia Appoints Sarah Court to Serve as Next ASIC Chair

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

Sarah Court, a seasoned litigator known for a tough enforcement record, will take the helm in a milestone move for the regulator.

Australian Mortgage and Finance Brokers Urged to Review Ads

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

The move by the MFAA follows an ASIC review into misleading digital and social media content, including the rise of "finfluencers".

Securities / Derivatives

ISDA Spotlights Constraints on Using Derivatives in Pension Funds

By Manesh Samtani | 03/02/2026

New paper details restrictive rules in China and India, while noting widespread use of swaps and forwards in Australia and South Korea.

ESG / Sustainability

ASX Constitutes New Advisory Group on Corporate Governance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/01/2026

The new advisory body, chaired by former central bank governor Philip Lowe, will overhaul governance principles for Australia's listed market.

Enforcement

Federal Court Fines Australian Unity Fund A$7.1m for DDO Breaches

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/01/2026

Fund manager penalised for failing to ensure a product was suitable for retail investors, in a key test of Australia's design and distribution obligations.

Fintech / Regtech

AUSTRAC Pioneers AML/CTF Compliance "Starter Kits" for Gatekeeper Professions

By Nathan Lynch | 30/01/2026

The starter kits deliver practical, step-by-step AML/CTF compliance tools and help level the playing field for smaller gatekeeper businesses, AUSTRAC's Daniel Mossop says.