Australia

AML / KYC

Australia to Combat ‘Black Economy’ by Restricting Cash Payments

By Garima Chitkara | 10/05/2018

Government to impose A$10,000 limit on cash payments to crack down on money laundering and tax evasion; new multi-agency taskforce to be established to facilitate information exchange.

Enforcement

CBA Settles Bank Rate Manipulation Charges for A$25mn

By Editors | 10/05/2018

The bank acknowledges it manipulated bank bill swap rates on five occasions and indulged in “unconscionable conduct” in its A$25 million settlement with ASIC.

Fintech / Regtech

UPDATED – APRA Grants First ‘Restricted ADI’ License Under New Framework

By JP Reimann | 07/05/2018

Newly released restricted ADI licencing framework allows entities to conduct a limited range of activities for two years before fully meeting regulatory requirements.

Fintech / Regtech

ASIC Continues Regtech Support with NLP Trials

By JP Reimann | 07/05/2018

ASIC deepened its support of regtech with natural language processing trials; signifies regulator’s starting point in its evolving approach to new technologies.

Enforcement

New Zealand Regulators Seek Assurances on Conduct, Culture

By Garima Chitkara | 07/05/2018

Banks write to regulators to assure them that issues raised during Australian Royal Commission are not as prevalent in New Zealand; regulators respond requesting more detailed response from individual banks.

Market Infrastructure

ASIC Updates Financial Markets Licensing Regime

By Garima Chitkara | 07/05/2018

New regulatory guidance will designate and license financial markets based on their risk and systemic importance to the Australian economy; changes said to incorporate technological and risk concerns.

Enforcement

Australia Authorises New Financial Complaints Body

By Garima Chitkara | 04/05/2018

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority, going into operation on 1 November this year, will focus on complaints by consumers and small businesses against financial firms.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ASIC Takes Aim at Misleading, Deceptive ICOs

By JP Reimann | 03/05/2018

Regulator warns that Australian corporate and consumer law applies, even for overseas ICOs, if Australian consumers are affected.

Capital / Liquidity

CBA Ordered to Boost Capital Until Governance Improves

By Editors | 02/05/2018

Prudential inquiry reveals widespread complacency, inadequate risk management, unclear executive level accountabilities, among other failings at the bank.