Australia

Australia to Tighten Foreign Investor CGT Rules, Offer Renewables Discount

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/04/2026

New draft legislation aims to strengthen Australia’s foreign resident capital gains tax regime while offering a temporary, targeted discount for renewable energy investments.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Finds Major AML Vulnerabilities at Foreign-Owned Banks

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/04/2026

AUSTRAC uncovers significant weaknesses in AML controls and reporting following two separate supervisory campaigns targeting foreign-owned banks.

Enforcement

ASIC Bans Four More Advisers in Crackdown Over Super Fund Collapses

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

ASIC has permanently banned four advisers - including a permanent ban and a 10-year ban - for misconduct linked to the collapsed Shield and First Guardian superannuation funds.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Coinbase Becomes First Global Crypto Firm to Secure AFS Licence in Australia

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

The exchange has won a key Australian licence for derivatives and equities, as well as conditional approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Proposes Overhaul of Superannuation, Financial Advice Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

The government has launched consultations on wide-ranging reforms targeting superannuation platforms, lead generators, and the last-resort compensation scheme.

Sanctions

US and Australia Warn Firms on North Korean IT Worker Threat

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

Regulators are urging firms to bolster hiring and cyber defences against sophisticated infiltration tactics used to fund Pyongyang's weapons programs.

Fintech / Regtech

ACCC Warns Australian Banks on Mortgage Due Diligence

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/04/2026

The competition regulator is urging lenders to improve loan checks using open banking, as the industry lobbies for access to tax data to combat fraud.

Securities / Derivatives

ASIC Publishes Finalised Guidance for OTC Derivatives Reporting Regime

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/04/2026

ASIC has issued its updated regulatory guide, aligning local rules with global standards for data, identifiers, and removing the 'safe harbour' for delegated reporting.

Enforcement

ASIC Seeks Court Intervention in Proposed Interprac Sale

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 09/04/2026

ASIC has launched legal action to investigate the AUD 50,000 sale of a financial adviser facing hundreds of client complaints and significant liabilities.