Australia

AML / KYC

RBNZ Publishes Research Spotlighting Barriers to Bank Account Access

By Thisanka Siripala | 26/03/2025

A survey found that a third of frontline staff report being unable to open a bank account for a customer often or very often.

Enforcement

ASIC Secures Court Victory in Unlawful Fees Case Against Payday Lender

By Thisanka Siripala | 26/03/2025

The court found that Sunshine Loans breached Australia’s credit laws by charging a fee to borrowers who sought to alter their loan repayment terms.

AML / KYC

Gambling Sector Remains in AUSTRAC’s Gunsights, As Court Looms for Star

By Nathan Lynch | 26/03/2025

AUSTRAC will continue to target gambling companies where “the risk has been large and the responsibility has been negligent.”

Crypto / Digital Assets

Crypto Scams Highlight ‘Digital Pivot’ in Money Laundering Tradecraft

By Nathan Lynch | 26/03/2025

The growth of cryptocurrency as a mainstream investment asset class has highlighted the need for new thinking in the fight against fraud and financial crime, writes Nathan Lynch.

AFCA to Update Guidelines for Handling Abuse-related Complaints

By Thisanka Siripala | 25/03/2025

AFCA has set out an updated approach for handling complaints involving family violence and financial elder abuse.

AML / KYC

NZ DIA Issues Formal Warning to NZForex for AML Failures

By Thisanka Siripala | 25/03/2025

3,182 transactions over six years were not reported to the FIU due to a system issue that was identified and self-reported by NZForex.

ACCC Opens Consultation on Merger Assessment Guidelines

By Thisanka Siripala | 25/03/2025

The draft guidelines outline the framework the ACCC will use when assessing notified acquisitions under the new merger control regime.

ESG / Sustainability

APAC’s Evolving Climate Regulations Are Reshaping Business Strategy

By Catherine Bell | 25/03/2025

In APAC, climate reporting is not just a compliance obligation; it is a strategic tool driving long-term resilience, writes Catherine Bell.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Australia Outlines Next Steps for Digital Asset Regulation

By Thisanka Siripala | 24/03/2025

A framework for digital asset platforms will be established, covering trading platforms, custody products, some brokerage arrangements, and certain other services.