Victoria Campbell – Global Investment Law Watch

Recovery and Exit Planning – Is the Superannuation Industry Ready?

Jul 18 2024

From 1 January 2025, Prudential Standard CPS 190 (CPS 190) will come into effect for Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) licensees. These entities will be required to have detailed recovery and exit plans to support the navigation of events which may threaten their financial viability. Following a recent review of the superannuation industry’s preparedness for the commencement of CPS 190, the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) expressed the urgent need for RSE licensees to ‘consider and develop more robust and effective‘ contingency plans.

NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner Proposes a Financial Services Code of Practice to Combat Modern Slavery

Jul 18 2024

By: Jim Bulling and Emre Cakmakcioglu

In May 2024, the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner (Commissioner) published a Discussion Paper introducing a draft Code of Practice (Code) to reduce modern slavery in the financial services sector. The Commissioner sought feedback on both the Discussion Paper and Code by 15 July 2024.

Where to Next for ASIC? Senate Economics References Committee Releases its Report

Jul 10 2024

By: Daniel Knight and Simon Kiburg

On 3 July the Senate Economics References Committee handed down its report on ASIC. The Senate referred an inquiry into ASIC in October of 2022 to examine the capacity and capability of ASIC to undertake proportionate investigation and enforcement action arising from reports of alleged misconduct. The report is generally critical of ASIC’s performance as a corporate regulator. The report identifies several key issues. Chief among these is the broad remit of ASIC, ASICs approach to investigation and enforcement, and ASICs wider culture.

Deciphering Derivatives Transaction Reporting

Jun 24 2024

By: Jim Bulling and Simon Kiburg

On 21 October 2024 the new ASIC Derivative Transaction Rules (Reporting) 2024 (2024 Rules) will come into effect replacing the current ASIC Derivative Transaction Rules (Reporting) 2022 (2022 Rules). In this post we set out some of the major changes to the 2022 Rules and some of the issues market participants in this space should be aware of.

AML Reforms Part 2: Digital Currency Service Providers

May 23 2024

By: Daniel Knight and Kithmin Ranamukhaarachchi

The Australian Attorney-General’s Department (Department) has released five consultation papers outlining proposals for extensive reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime.

Japan: FSA Requires Real Estate Funds Take Additional Safeguards Against Conflicts of Interest

May 08 2024

By: Tsuguhito Omagari, Yuki Sako, Jason Nelms and Charmaine Mok

Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA) proposed amendments to its supervisory guidelines applicable to managers of investment trust (toshin) funds and real estate funds, and is currently accepting comments until May 13. Of those, amendments relating to real estate funds would require managers to take additional measures to manage transactional conflicts of interest, specifically:

Australia: Federal Court Rules on Greenwashing Civil Penalty Action

Apr 12 2024

By: Lisa Lautier and Dhivya Kalyanakumar

On 28 March 2024, the Federal Court handed down its verdict on the greenwashing civil penalty action brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Australia: Inquiry into the Wholesale Investor and Wholesale Client Tests

Apr 04 2024

By: Kane Barnett and Prudence Birchall

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services (Committee) has commenced an inquiry into the wholesale investor test for offers of securities, and the wholesale client test for financial products and services (together, wholesale investor/client tests) in the Corporations Act 2001 (link here) (Inquiry).

Update to the Naming Convention for Exchange Traded Products

Mar 28 2024

By: Matthew Watts, Lisa Lautier and Dhivya Kalyanakumar

Since 2017, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has provided guidance to licensed exchanges on exchange traded products (ETP) naming conventions under Information Sheet 230 (INFO 230). This policy is designed to help ensure that admission and monitoring standards for ETP’s support fair, orderly and transparent markets.

Not That FAR Away

Mar 28 2024

By: Claudine Salameh and Tamsyn Sharpe

On 15 March 2024 the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) came into effect for authorised-deposit taking institutions (ADIs). Application of the FAR will be extended to insurers and registrable superannuation entities from 15 March 2025.

Author:Victoria Campbell