Australia

AML / KYC

Westpac Pilots “First of its Kind” Anti Scam AI Tool

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/05/2025

AI synthesises information from customer phone conversations in real-time to highlight key indicators to enable bankers to respond more effectively

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC to Take “Pragmatic” Approach to Enforcing Climate Disclosure Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 29/05/2025

Commissioner Kate O’Rourke discussed ASIC’s phased approach to enforcement and efforts to ease the burden on smaller entities.

Enforcement

AUSTRAC Freezes Assets Linked to Cryptocurrency Theft

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

AUSTRAC has frozen property and funds tied to alleged cryptocurrency theft following a tip-off from the Luxembourg FIU.

AML / KYC

New Zealand Issues AML/CFT Guidance for Online Marketplaces

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/05/2025

The guidance outlines the new AML/CFT requirements that will apply to online marketplaces that directly handle payments or act as intermediaries.

Market Infrastructure

ASX Launches New Colocation Service for Market Participants

By Thisanka Siripala | 26/05/2025

ASX said the new service has the potential to benefit an underserved market segment, such as buy-side firms and smaller brokerage firms.

Enforcement

ASIC Puts Consumer Lease Industry on Notice Following Review

By Thisanka Siripala | 26/05/2025

ASIC finds evidence of customer harm despite consumer lease reforms. Providers are also shifting to alternative credit products.

AML / KYC

ACCC Publishes Final Report of Job Scam Fusion Cell

By Thisanka Siripala | 25/05/2025

The fusion cell’s work resulted in the removal of over 29,000 scam accounts and the blacklisting of 836 crypto wallets.

Australian Super Tax Reform Faces Pushback Despite Election Win

By Manesh Samtani | 24/05/2025

The government’s plan to increase tax on high superannuation balances is meeting with resistance.

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC Tightens Audit and Sustainability Scrutiny for FY2025–26

By Thisanka Siripala | 23/05/2025

ASIC shifts to randomised audit file selection while enforcing first-time mandatory climate disclosure compliance.