Australia

ASIC Withdraws and Updates Regulatory Guides

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has withdrawn Regulatory Guide 64 (Failure to lodge documents) and Regulatory Guide 40 (Good transaction fee disclosure). ASIC also made minor updates to Regulatory Guide 104 (AFS licensing: Meeting the general obligations) and Regulatory Guide 205 (Credit licensing: General conduct obligations) to improve clarity and accuracy.

AUSTRAC Website Updates for AML/CTF Reforms

AUSTRAC is updating its website starting March 30, 2026, to improve navigation and support for the implementation of AML/CTF reforms. These changes aim to make information easier to find for existing reporting entities and new tranche 2 entities.

Public Consultation on Maritime Crane Safety

Safe Work Australia has launched a public consultation seeking feedback on improving crane safety in the maritime sector. The consultation paper outlines potential reform options, and submissions are open until April 27, 2026.

ACMA Imposes 5-Year Broadcasting Rules on Kyle & Jackie O Licensees

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has imposed a 5-year broadcasting licence condition on ARN Media licensees for the 'Kyle & Jackie O Show' following repeated decency breaches. This action includes requirements for an independent audit of their governance framework.

NSW Introduces New Laws to Crack Down on Property Underquoting

The NSW government is introducing new legislation to combat property underquoting. The laws significantly increase penalties for real estate agents, mandate price guides on advertising, and enhance transparency requirements for property sales.

ASIC Warns Gen Z on Social Media Financial Advice Risks

ASIC has issued a warning to young Australians (Gen Z) about the risks of relying on social media and AI for financial advice. New research indicates a significant portion of Gen Z trusts these sources, leading to riskier financial decisions, particularly concerning cryptocurrency investments.

Macquarie Securities Fined $35 Million for Short Sale Misreporting

The Supreme Court of New South Wales has ordered Macquarie Securities (Australia) Limited (MSAL) to pay a $35 million penalty for systemic failures in reporting tens of millions of short sales over more than a decade. The court also found MSAL engaged in misleading conduct related to the misreporting.

APRA Quarterly Insurance Statistics - December 2025

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its quarterly industry aggregate insurance statistical publications for the December 2025 quarter. These releases include performance statistics for general, life, and private health insurance sectors.

APRA Statement on Gender Pay Gap

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reported a 5.6% average total remuneration gender pay gap for 2024, a slight increase from the previous year. APRA is implementing initiatives to advance gender equality and reduce the gap.

APRA revokes Bank of Nova Scotia's ADI licence

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has revoked the authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI) licence of the Bank of Nova Scotia. This action follows the bank's decision to exit the Australian market and voluntarily surrender its licence.