Australia

New Zealand FMA Launches Review into Financial Advice Access

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/07/2025

The FMA is examining barriers to advice, including subdued digital innovation, compliance costs, and adviser confidence under the new regime.

AFCA Refines Responsible Lending Approach After Industry Feedback

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 14/07/2025

AFCA has updated its approach to responsible lending, clarifying loss calculations and serviceability assessment processes following consultations in 2023.

Securities / Derivatives

ASX Proposes Plan to Replace Futures Clearing System by Q1 2027

By Manesh Samtani | 14/07/2025

ASX has launched a consultation on replacing its Genium system with a Nasdaq platform, proposing operational and technical changes for participants.

AML / KYC

ACCC to Create 3rd NASC Fusion Cell to Target Romance Scams

By Editors | 14/07/2025

The new 'fusion cell' brings together the public and private sectors, including dating and social media platforms, to disrupt romance scams.

Enforcement

Australian Court Dismisses Appeal By Unlicensed Lenders

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/07/2025

Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions were found to have charged over AUD 70 million in fees on AUD 34 million in loans through an unlawful model in a case brought by ASIC.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Finalises RBA Overhaul with New Policy and Governance Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/07/2025

New statements mandate the publication of interest rate votes and create a board to oversee culture, completing a major central bank reform.

Market Infrastructure

ASX Finalises Clearing Rule Changes for CHESS Replacement Release 1

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/07/2025

ASX will proceed with planned rule amendments for its clearing system overhaul after receiving limited substantive industry feedback.

Capital / Liquidity

Australia to Amend Tax Law for Foreign-Issued Bank Capital Instruments

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/07/2025

The change seeks to ensure subordinated notes with non-viability clauses, issued by foreign-regulated entities, can be treated as debt for tax purposes.

AML / KYC

New Zealand Authorities Launch New Anti-Scam Alliance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/07/2025

The initiative establishes a formal structure for government agencies, banks, telcos, digital platforms, and consumer groups to share data about scams and shut them down in real-time.