Anthony Basa

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released draft Licensing Criteria and Guidelines for locally incorporated authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), proposing a more transparent, timebound and effective pathway…

The Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2025 has received Royal Assent, introducing three new AFSL exemptions for foreign financial service providers. Visit Gilbert + Tobin for more.

The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 has received Royal Assent, introducing digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms as financial products. Visit Gilbert + Tobin for more.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) remade a longstanding relief instrument for certain non-cash payment facilities, pending a broader reform to Australia’s payments regulation.

The regulatory relief instrument for managed discretionary accounts is due to expire on 1 October 2026. ASIC is consulting on whether to remake ASIC Corporations (Managed Discretionary Account Services) Instrument 2016/968 and, if so, wheth…

The Australian Government released for consultation a significant package of reforms to modernise the regulation of payment service providers. The reforms are contained in the Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2026: Payments System Modernisation…

Following recent managed investment scheme collapses, ASIC is consulting on proposals to increase the net tangible assets requirement for responsible entities and other fund operators. Read more at Gilbert + Tobin.

A look at the government’s new draft regulations covering buy-now-pay-later, digital wallets, crypto asset providers and cash distribution services.

Major reforms to Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regime, extending the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre's (AUSTRAC) oversight to new sectors and introducing staged compliance exp…

Australia's payments landscape is undergoing its most significant regulatory transformation in over two decades. The government is modernising the way payment service providers (PSPs) are regulated, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern p…

ASIC has finalised the class relief proposed in October for certain stablecoins and wrapped tokens under ASIC Corporations (Stablecoin and Wrapped Token Relief) Instrument 2025/867.

The Australian Government is reviewing the enhanced regulatory sandbox to boost fintech innovation amid limited uptake. Consultation closes 6 Feb 2026. Read more at Gilbert + Tobin.

The release of the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 aims to introduce Digital Asset Platform and Tokenised Custody Platforms as financial products.

An overview of the uncertain future of foreign financial service providers (FFSP) licensing relief.

ASIC's updated guidance on when crypto assets fall within financial services laws, with further clarity on token characterisation, custody and staking.

ASIC has issued a class no action position to support the transition to licensing for financial services providers involving digital asset financial products in Australia.

In connection with its new INFO 225, ASIC is consulting on a proposal to provide class relief to distributors of eligible stablecoins and wrapped tokens, and enabling omnibus account structures for custody providers.

For more than a year, ASIC has devoted considerable enforcement and surveillance resources to monitor and take action against operators of retail and wholesale private credit funds.

ASIC)has proposed broadening the stablecoin distribution relief instrument to cover a second named stablecoin, reinforcing ASIC’s interim approach of treating such stablecoins as financial products ahead of a finalised regulatory framework.

Treasury's evolving plans for a licensing regime covering digital asset platforms and stablecoins, with draft legislation anticipated but not yet released.

We outline key regulatory approaches and developments to fintech in Australia, examine the rise of regulatory and insurance technology, and more. Read full publication.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) proposed overhaul of the authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADI) licensing process, designed to streamline approvals, set clear criteria and encourage new entrants.

In this article we explore the recommendations made in the QAR Final Report.