ASIC reports on proxy adviser engagement practices

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ASIC has published a report on proxy adviser engagement practices during the 2017 annual general meeting season. The report covers conduct observed and suggests practices that can be adopted by... Read more continue reading

ASIC enhances its enforcement toolkit beyond Australia’s borders

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ASIC has become one of the first signatories to the IOSCO Enhanced Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Consultation and Cooperation and the Exchange of Information (EMMoU), an enhanced standard for cross-border enforcement... Read more continue reading

ASIC releases guidance for its oversight of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)

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Ahead of the commencement of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on 1 November 2018, ASIC has released new Regulatory Guide 267 Oversight of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (RG 267). ASIC... Read more continue reading

Licensing rules limit advice on the Pension Loans Scheme

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Financial planners will be limited in providing advice on the Pension Loans Scheme (PLS) unless they are adequately licensed. Louise Biti, Director at Aged Care Steps said, “We identified a... Read more continue reading

ASIC reports on decisions to cut red tape – October 2017 to March 2018

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ASIC has released its latest report outlining decisions on relief applications, highlighting ASIC’s efforts to reduce red-tape and achieve a practical, positive outcome for companies seeking some regulatory flexibility. The... Read more continue reading

Proposed increase in SMSF members from 4 to 6

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In the 2018 Federal Budget the Government proposed increasing the limit on the maximum allowable number of members in an SMSF (and a Small Apra Fund or SAF) from four... Read more continue reading

New LRBA rules to apply after 1 July 2018

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A new piece of legislation giving effect to proposed measures announced during the 2018 Budget in respect of limited recourse borrowing arrangements (‘LRBA’) is currently being discussed by Parliament. What... Read more continue reading

Productivity Commission’s “best in show” would hamstring advice and stymie innovation

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On May 29, the Productivity Commission released their draft report on efficiency and competitiveness in the superannuation industry. The draft report starts to focus on a process that commenced in... Read more continue reading

ASIC implements financial benchmark regulatory regime

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ASIC has finalised and published benchmarks rules, a significant benchmarks declaration, and a regulatory guide in a further series of measures towards establishing a comprehensive regulatory regime for financial benchmarks.... Read more continue reading

SME planners, accountants and life advisers next in line for ASIC scrutiny

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Although recent ASIC enforcement action and the Royal Commission have predominantly focused on the major banks and AMP, it would be foolhardy to assume that non-bank advice firms are not... Read more continue reading