Australia

Enforcement

ANZ Working to Address Conduct Issues With “Urgency”

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 31/07/2024

ANZ said it has suspended, terminated and issued a formal warning to several employees in its Sydney dealing room.

ESG / Sustainability

Australia & New Zealand to Align Sustainable Finance Taxonomies

By Manesh Samtani | 30/07/2024

Australia and New Zealand agreed to align sustainable finance taxonomy policy “where appropriate” and to engage on transition planning and investment product labelling.

ESG / Sustainability

ASX Launches First Environmental Futures Contracts

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2024

Three new environmental futures contracts will allow market participants to price and hedge emissions reduction risks, ASX said.

Enforcement

ASIC Launching Dedicated Criminal Investigation Team

By Editors | 30/07/2024

The team will help speed up insider trading investigations and increase the number of cases that are referred for prosecution.

Crypto / Digital Assets

New Zealand DIA Issues New AML-CFT Guidance for VASPs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/07/2024

The guidance clarifies that the travel rule does not apply to transfers to un-hosted/self-hosted wallets, but that customer due diligence is still required.

AML / KYC

Australia: Industry Body Launches ‘Online Scams Code’ for Tech Firms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/07/2024

The Code was introduced by DIGI as a “proactive initiative” to fast-track consumer protection measures ahead of mandatory codes being introduced in Australia.

New Reporting Requirements for Super Funds Take Effect in Australia

By Editors | 27/07/2024

ASIC also now has the power to enforce compliance by super funds with accounting and auditing standards, akin to the powers it exercises over listed companies.

Securities / Derivatives

New Zealand FMA Issues Guidance on Protecting Client Assets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 27/07/2024

The guidance note applies to financial service providers that hold or deal with client money or property on behalf of clients, including stockbrokers and custodians.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Explores Benefits of Central Clearing for Bond, Repo Markets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/07/2024

The CFR says changes in the size and structure of the Australian bond and repo markets may have strengthened the case for introducing central clearing.