Finance in Focus Portal
ASIC consults on plan to increase visibility of firms’ breach and complaints data
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is consulting on plans to publish two dashboards containing firm-level Reportable Situations and Internal Dispute Resolution data in the second half of 2025.
Statement by the Council of Financial Regulators – April 2025
The Council of Financial Regulators met on 9 April to share insights over recent developments in financial markets and the global economy and was also joined by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Commissioner Liza Carver to depart ACCC
Commissioner Liza Carver will leave the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in mid-May after making a significant contribution to the agency, including as Chair of the ACCC’s Enforcement Committee.
CALC designated complaint to ACCC on unsolicited selling
The Consumer Action Law Centre has called for a nationwide ban on unsolicited selling in the first ever designated ‘super’ complaint presented to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
ANZ warns customers to be vigilant to business email compromise and fake invoice scams
ANZ has urged customers to be on alert for the warning signs of business email compromise and fake invoice scams, also known as payment redirection scams, as cybercriminals look to take advantage of businesses and individuals by exploiting vulnerabilities in email systems and financial processes.
CDR now part of New Zealand law
The Consumer Data Right is now part of New Zealand law after the enactment of the Customer and Product Data Act 2025 on 29 March 2025.
Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2025
Treasury has published the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook report as required within 10 days of the issue of the writs for a general election.
AICD and KWM: Guide for Directors Grappling with Psychosocial Hazards
King & Wood Mallesons have collaborated with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to develop a general guide to support directors strengthen their oversight of psychosocial risks.
AFIA Report: The role of the finance industry in the transition to sustainable transport
A new report commissioned by AFIA and conducted by Deloitte Access Economics identifies major barriers to low-emission vehicle (LEV) adoption, including infrastructure investment shortfalls, fragmented policies, and insufficient government incentives. While the finance industry is poised to drive this economic transition, stronger government leadership is crucial to unlock investment and fast-track electric vehicle (EV) uptake.
AFIA Federal Budget Analysis
AFIA’s Federal Budget 2025-26 analysis reveals a backdrop of modest economic growth and persistent challenges. While inflation is easing and labour market conditions remain relatively strong, households continue to face cost-of-living pressures and higher interest rates.
‘Cost-of-Living’ at the centre of Election 2025: CALC’s consumer-centric priorities revealed
The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) has revealed a list of its top consumer centric priorities to make life fairer and better for all Australians.
Instant Asset Write Off extended
The Senate passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Incentives and Integrity) Bill 2025, which included an amendment to extend the $20,000 instant asset write-off (IAWO) to 30 June 2025 for small businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million.
The CR Code repealed
The Privacy (Credit Reporting) Code 2025 repeals the previous code. The only change compared to the previous code is to amend section 24 of the CR Code to permit the Information Commissioner to defer an independent review by up to two years.
ASIC issues sustainability reporting regulatory guide
ASIC has published a regulatory guide on sustainability reporting following an extensive public consultation with stakeholders.
OAIC’s digital ID regulatory strategy
The Office of the Australian Information Commission is the privacy regulator of Australia’s Digital ID System and other APP identity-related entities.
Proposed financial institutions supervisory levies for 2025–26
Treasury is seeking views on proposed financial institutions supervisory levies for the 2025–26 financial year. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) collects these levies to recover:
ACCC consults on assessment guidelines for new merger regime
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has marked a further milestone in the transition steps towards the new merger regime with the release of the draft merger assessment guidelines for consultation.
Monthly ABS CPI indicator
The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose 2.4 per cent in the 12 months to February 2025, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Expressions of interest to better protect renters’ personal information
The Department of Finance and the Treasury invite organisations to express their interest to work with government to pilot the use of Digital ID and the Consumer Data Right (CDR) to better protect renters’ personal information.
Scam prevention: Westpac SafeBlock – Stopping scammers in their tracks
Westpac has announced the introduction of SafeBlock, a new feature that allows customers to immediately block their account when they suspect they are being scammed. The technology adds an extra layer of defence in the fight against scams and fraud.