Australia

ACCC Opens Consultation on Draft Merger Process Guidelines

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The draft guidelines explain the processes the ACCC will use when assessing acquisitions under the new merger regime.

Market Infrastructure

Australian Regulators Keep Door Open for Bond, Repo CCP

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The CFR said regulatory intervention is not yet needed but it supports the industry exploring the introduction of central clearing in the Australian bond and repo markets.

Fintech / Regtech

AusPayNet Launches Industry Code for e-Conveyancing Payments

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

AusPayNet says the new industry code will enhance security, standardise and provide efficiency to e-conveyancing payments.

ASIC Issues Updated Guidance on Holding Virtual Meetings

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/03/2025

The updated guidance sets out ASIC’s expectations on holding virtual meetings and includes the option to use telephone lines and webcasts.

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.