Opinions & Analysis

Anti-Money Laundering

Australia Confirms Deferral of Major AML/CTF Reforms

By Nathan Lynch | 22/01/2026

Home Affairs is consulting on transitional rules to delay IVTS reporting, stagger independent evaluations, and ease compliance burdens for Tranche 1 and 2 entities.

Supervision & Enforcement

Exclusive: Australia Set to Defer Core ‘Tranche 1’ AML/CTF Reforms

By Nathan Lynch | 15/01/2026

Australia is set to defer some key AML/CTF reforms until 2029, prioritising the Tranche 2 rollout and counter-terrorism ahead of the upcoming FATF mutual evaluation.

Trading & Investment

Trump-era Policies Create Fresh Opportunities for Japan’s Megabanks

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 13/01/2026

As Japanese firms scale up in the US, the three megabanks are likewise moving to deepen client-led expansion.

PEPs & Sanctions

How a South Sudanese General Regained Control of an Australian Mansion

By Nathan Lynch | 07/01/2026

A court judgment has allowed a South Sudanese PEP to retain control of a multi-million-dollar mansion in Victoria, highlighting the challenges facing the financial intelligence community.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Interpol Convenes Asian Nations to Forge Anti-Scam Centre Strategy

By Manesh Samtani | 22/12/2025

A five-day meeting brought together Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines to learn from regional experts and develop national strategies against fraud.

Trade Based Money Laundering

Trade Finance Fraud Poses Growing Challenge to Compliance Teams

By Nathan Lynch | 19/12/2025

Global trade is expected to reach a new high of USD 35 trillion this year. Alongside the many benefits, this volume of transactions also creates significant opportunities for fraud.

Climate Risk

Splintering Political Unity Heightens Australia’s Climate Transition Risk

By Blake Evans-Pritchard | 16/12/2025

The Liberal Party’s backslide on net zero commitments risks weakening Australia’s credibility ahead of COP31 in November 2026.

Emerging Prudential Risks

Rules vs Principles: New Research Quantifies Impact on Economic Stability

By Manesh Samtani | 15/12/2025

A new quantitative study shows rules-based regulation dampens volatility, but implementation quality matters more than the label for mature hubs.

Clearing & Post-Trade

APAC Firms Face Significant Hurdles in European Shift to T+1

By Manesh Samtani | 04/12/2025

With the shift to T+1 set for October 2027, APAC firms face mounting operational challenges, especially in managing time zone differences and FX processes.