Regulation in Motion: Australia's financial services regulation reform
Australia’s financial services sector is undergoing its most significant period of regulatory reform in decades. From payments modernisation and digital asset licensing to AML/CTF reforms and streamlining banking licensing, regulators and policymakers are reshaping the landscape.
Regulation in Motion will provide you with a quick pulse check on where things stand and what comes next.
Latest updates
ASIC consults on new digital asset laws
ASIC has released its consultation package on the guidance, standards and financial requirements for the new digital asset platform and tokenised custody platform AFSL regime. Submissions close 27 November 2026.
Treasury consults on enhanced data collection for MISs
Treasury states that recent failures in the MIS sector, including the First Guardian Master Fund and Shield Master Fund, have highlighted regulatory visibility gaps in ASIC’s regulation of MISs.
ASIC proposes to extend and strengthen CFD restrictions
ASIC proposes to extend its CFD product intervention order for 10 years, expand its scope to digital asset-settled derivatives, tighten margin requirements and clarify inducement restrictions. Submissions close 9 November 2026.
ASIC reminder: no-action letter extended for digital assets
ASIC extended its class no-action position to support the transition to licensing for financial services providers involving digital asset financial products in Australia. The deadline for action is 30 September 2026.
Stored value cards: Government proposes lower AML/CTF limits
The Department of Home Affairs is consulting on lowering the monetary thresholds for AML/CTF obligations for stored value cards, to address emerging misuse and bring Australia closer to international standards. Submissions close 16 October 2026.
Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox review
The Government’s review of the Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox found it delivers some benefits but has significant limitations, recommending substantial reforms to better support financial innovation in Australia.
ASIC increases NTA requirements
Commencing on 1 July 2027, ASIC increases the net tangible assets requirement for responsible entities, IDPS operators, and corporate directors of retail CCIVs, reflecting inflation adjustments and introducing annual indexation.
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