Australia

Market Infrastructure

Australia Proposes Sweeping Reforms to Card Payments and Surcharges

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/07/2025

The RBA has unveiled plans to ban most card surcharges and slash domestic and cross-border interchange fees in a major industry shake-up.

AML / KYC

Reputation and Personal Accountability: The Wider Impact of AML/CTF Breaches

By Nathan Lynch | 15/07/2025

Experts say holding executives personally accountable is the key to managing the deep reputational and operational fallout from AML/CTF failures.

Big Picture

RBNZ Urges Banks to Study Risks Arising From Ageing Population

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/07/2025

The central bank is urging financial institutions to prepare for gradual but significant changes driven by an ageing population.

Market Infrastructure

RBNZ to Open New Phase of ESAS Applications in September

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/07/2025

The next phase of ESAS applications may include payment service providers, overseas deposit takers and operators of designated FMIs.

New Zealand FMA Launches Review into Financial Advice Access

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/07/2025

The FMA is examining barriers to advice, including subdued digital innovation, compliance costs, and adviser confidence under the new regime.

AFCA Refines Responsible Lending Approach After Industry Feedback

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 14/07/2025

AFCA has updated its approach to responsible lending, clarifying loss calculations and serviceability assessment processes following consultations in 2023.

Securities / Derivatives

ASX Proposes Plan to Replace Futures Clearing System by Q1 2027

By Manesh Samtani | 14/07/2025

ASX has launched a consultation on replacing its Genium system with a Nasdaq platform, proposing operational and technical changes for participants.

AML / KYC

ACCC to Create 3rd NASC Fusion Cell to Target Romance Scams

By Editors | 14/07/2025

The new 'fusion cell' brings together the public and private sectors, including dating and social media platforms, to disrupt romance scams.

Enforcement

Australian Court Dismisses Appeal By Unlicensed Lenders

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/07/2025

Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions were found to have charged over AUD 70 million in fees on AUD 34 million in loans through an unlawful model in a case brought by ASIC.