Australia

AML / KYC

NZ Regulators Consult on Design Approach for Basic Bank Accounts

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/04/2025

The CoFR is seeking input on three main approaches to develop and ensure the widespread availability of basic transaction or bank accounts in New Zealand.

Enforcement

ASX Listings Supervision Under Fire, Adding to Regulatory Scrutiny

By Thisanka Siripala | 24/04/2025

ASX approved a share issuance by a building products manufacturer to fund a major acquisition without requiring the company to take a shareholder vote.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Australia: Block Earner Wins ASIC Case Over Crypto Product Licensing

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/04/2025

The Full Court overturned the Federal Court’s previous decision that Block Earner’s crypto product was a financial product requiring licencing.

Enforcement

NZ FMA Secures Insider Trading Conviction Against Ex-Heartland Bank Staffer

By Thisanka Siripala | 23/04/2025

The accountant was convicted of insider trading and sentenced to six months’ home detention after pleading guilty to insider trading offences.

ESG / Sustainability

ACCC Proposes Conditions for Sustainable Finance Collaboration

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/04/2025

ACCC is seeking public input on authorising ASFI and industry participants to collaborate on sustainable finance.

AML / KYC

Coordinated and Agile Response Needed to Address Financial Crime Threats in APAC

By Bradley Maclean | 22/04/2025

Regulation Asia Co-founder Bradley Maclean discusses newly published research and what the findings say about the ongoing fight against financial crime.

Fintech / Regtech

ASIC Digital Licensing Portal for AFS Licensees Rollout Set for May

By Thisanka Siripala | 17/04/2025

The new portal streamlines the licensing process by pre-filling known information and collecting essential information upfront.

UK FCA to Open APAC Regional Office in July 2025

By Editors | 16/04/2025

The new regional office will focus on supporting financial services firms in navigating UK regulation and helping UK firms expand into APAC.

NZ Banking Reform Group Urges FMA to Use New CoFi Powers Against Banks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/04/2025

The Banking Reform Coalition wants the FMA to force banks to pass lower interest rates to consumers sooner.