Australia

Australia Consults on Non-compete Ban Including Model for High Earners

By Manesh Samtani | 30/07/2025

The government is seeking feedback on a wide-ranging overhaul of worker restraints, including potential new competition law penalties.

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC Proposes Major Shakeup of Conflicts of Interest Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2025

ASIC seeks feedback on first update in 20 years, introducing broader scope, new examples and a 'roadmap' of obligations.

Australia's FSC Proposes Overhaul of 'Outdated' Financial Advice Licensing

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2025

The FSC has suggested tiered licensing, individual adviser accountability, and stricter capital rules to address rising systemic risks in a fragmented market.

Capital / Liquidity

APRA Proposes Major Changes to Bank Licensing Framework

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2025

APRA is aiming to cut lengthy assessment times and may scrap its pathway for restricted new market entrants.

Securities / Derivatives

ASX Mandates Faster Disclosure of Listing Rule Waivers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2025

ASX is requiring listed companies to announce details of any waivers received within one business day. A disclosure can be made later if it relates to a confidential issue.

Enforcement

Banks to Refund Low-Income Customers for "Fee Harm", ASIC Says

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2025

ASIC has directed banks to overhaul product design and migration processes after uncovering widespread excessive fees for vulnerable customers.

Market Infrastructure

Australian Regulators Update Crisis Management Coordination Framework

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 30/07/2025

Regulators updated key coordination agreements, clarifying roles and formalising processes for macroprudential policy, regulatory planning, and crisis response.

AML / KYC

Critical Lessons in NAB’s Enforcement Action From AUSTRAC

By Nathan Lynch | 29/07/2025

Australia’s NAB has avoided a potential billion-dollar AML/CTF penalty and closed out a mammoth enforceable undertaking. The case is a masterclass in regulatory remediation, writes Nathan Lynch.

Market Infrastructure

Cboe Targets ASX's Business Model in Call for Market Reforms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/07/2025

Cboe has urged ASIC to review the ASX's dominance and introduce reforms to boost competition in trading, clearing, and settlement.