Australia

    Enforcement

    AIA New Zealand Faces Penalty for Misleading Customers

    By Ranamita Chakraborty | 01/08/2021

    AIA’s remediation process is complete and it has reviewed its systems and processes to make sure the breaches did not recur.

    AML / KYC

    AUSTRAC Consults on AML/CTF Rule Amendments

    By Editors | 31/07/2021

    The amendments allow FIs to carry out ACIP on a customer after an account is opened, provided the initial deposit is the only transaction made at opening.

    Enforcement

    Australia: BT, Asgard Fined for Charging Fees for No Service

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2021

    Westpac will pay A$3mn in civil penalties for BT Funds Management and Asgard Capital Management in proceedings commenced by ASIC in August 2020.

    Market Infrastructure

    ASX Launches Compression Service for OTC Derivatives

    By Ranamita Chakraborty | 30/07/2021

    In recent years, demand for compression services has risen as market participants look to lower capital costs associated with balance sheet-intensive derivatives.

    Market Infrastructure

    NZ FMA Issues Cyber Resilience Guidance for Financial Advisers

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2021

    Under New Zealand’s new financial advice regime, many individuals and entities have not previously been subject to compliance obligations for cybersecurity.

    Enforcement

    ASIC Files Suit Against AMP Over Superannuation Fees

    By Editors | 30/07/2021

    AMP companies are said to have charged advice fees to more than 1,500 customers despite being notified they were no longer able to access the relevant advice.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Australia: Industry Body Seeks Greater Clarity on Crypto Regulation

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2021

    Blockchain Australia has asked for safe harbour to be provided to ensure regulatory action will not be taken against crypto businesses where the law is unclear.

    Market Infrastructure

    ASX to Replace Standard Definitions for Interest Rate Swaps

    By Editors | 29/07/2021

    From 4 October, all OTC interest rate derivatives contracts will be treated as if they incorporated the new 2021 ISDA Definitions.

    Market Infrastructure

    ASIC Faces Pushback for Higher Financial Advice Levies

    By Ranamita Chakraborty | 29/07/2021

    The FPA says the formula ASIC uses to estimate the industry funding levy for financial planners is not equitable or sustainable and must be reviewed immediately.

    Enforcement

    NZ FMA Censures FoxPlan Over Unpermitted Financial Advice

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/07/2021

    FoxPlan representatives misrepresented to clients that they were an authorised financial advisers or financial planners when they were not.

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