Jan202021 by Connor JamesNo Comments
ASIC’s report on regulatory technology

ASIC’s report on regulatory technology

AU Energy Compliance, Financial Services
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has published a report (Report 685) on ASIC’s Regtech initiatives during 2019-2020. We’ve spoken previously about the benefits of advanced software when it comes to regulatory compliance. Compliance processes are generally complex. They have many moving parts, and the amount of time and money required to enact processes can be high. Compliance management systems such as the Compliance HUB can simplify these processes and save a business both time and money. The ultimate aim of products such as the Compliance HUB is to embed compliance into decision-making. Compliance management software can simplify compliance processes by streamlining and simplifying tasks, eliminating redundancies, and improving efficiency. For example, automation can be used to automate the review and approval of large quantities of documents. This frees…
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Jan202021 by Connor JamesNo Comments
Should Your Business Invest in a Compliance Management System?

Should Your Business Invest in a Compliance Management System?

AU Energy Compliance, Financial Services
Businesses around the world face challenges in managing regulatory compliance. Compliance requirements and the regulatory environment are constantly changing and there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution. Companies are constantly faced with a balancing act between the risk of not complying with rules and the cost of having to comply with the rules. Companies are not the only ones that are affected by these challenges. They have a huge impact on the public sector and the general public. When it comes to investment in software, businesses typically start with a customer relationship management system and then sales and marketing software. Traditionally, compliance software is not considered a priority. Many businesses use excel spreadsheets to track their regulatory obligations. And yet, with the potential cost of non-compliance, is that an adequate approach? As…
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Jan122021 by Connor JamesNo Comments
Spot the difference: Legal vs Compliance

Spot the difference: Legal vs Compliance

AU Energy Compliance, Building and Construction, Consumer, Financial Services, NZ Energy Compliance
Many large businesses have both in-house legal teams and compliance teams. What is the difference between the two and how do you know if you need a legal or a compliance professional? The role of an in-house legal team Of the two, the role of an in-house lawyer is probably more easily defined. Their role involves managing legal risk and providing legal services that support business growth. On a day-to-day basis, this includes reviewing contracts, interpreting the law, managing disputes and litigation, managing employment law matters, and providing legal advice on areas such as privacy law. In-house legal teams are staffed by qualified lawyers and are typically supported by external law firms engaged on panels. Having an in-house lawyer can be a very good investment for a business seeking to…
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Jan112021 by Connor JamesNo Comments
Are You putting Your Business at Risk with inadequate Compliance Controls?

Are You putting Your Business at Risk with inadequate Compliance Controls?

AU Energy Compliance, Building and Construction, Consumer, Financial Services, NZ Energy Compliance
History is littered with spectacular compliance failures; from Eron to WorldCom and the shocking findings of Australia's recent Banking Royal Commission. And yet, we can expect more compliance failures to come. Which begs the two questions- why is that and what can be done about it? In reality, compliance is often seen as an afterthought by business leaders and founders. While founders want to grow innovative and successful businesses, the truth is that a founder’s first priority should be not just building a great company, but on building a great company that can last. Compliance is Critical to the Longevity of a Business While regulation and compliance don't exactly scream "sexy," they are crucial to the longevity of a business [for an interesting article on how to make compliance more…
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Aug52019 by Connor JamesNo Comments
A summary of regulatory requirements for statements of advice

A summary of regulatory requirements for statements of advice

Financial Services
As noted in our previous article, a statement of advice is the main document that records advice provided to retail clients. The advice process Individuals obtain information about financial products in a variety of ways and in a variety of settings. An individual may talk to friends and family, their lawyer, their accountant and others who they trust when considering a financial product. Where advice is sought from a financial advisor, a financial services guide (FSG) will typically be provided to a client in the first meeting between the client and advisor. A statement of advice (SoA) will then either set out the advice or record the advice that was given. If the statement of advice is not itself the means by which advice is provided, then it must be…
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Aug52019 by Connor JamesNo Comments
An introduction to Financial Product Advice

An introduction to Financial Product Advice

Financial Services
Financial advice is regulated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) as financial product advice. The provision of financial product advice is a financial service and a financial planner or adviser must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFS Licence) or operate under an exemption to this licensing requirement. Financial advisors and AFS Licence holders are subject to general licensing obligations including relating to conduct and disclosure as well as additional obligations for financial advisers who provide financial product advice to retail clients. In this post, we introduce the types of advice given, the topics typically covered by advice and the regulatory framework. Types of financial product advice Under the Corporations Act there are two types of financial product advice. These are: personal advice which is defined as financial product advice…
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Jul262019 by Connor JamesNo Comments
A deeper look at the AFS licence application process

A deeper look at the AFS licence application process

Financial Services
As we noted in our previous article there are five parts to form FS01. Below we describe these in more detail. Part A of the application requires you to provide details of the applicant as well as details of the person who will serve as a contact for the applicant during the application process. In part A you will also be asked questions about the financial services and products you would like to be authorised to provide and how your proposed business will operate. ASIC makes various references to the Corporations Act 2001. As noted in our previous article, applicants should ensure that they understand the applicable provisions of the Corporations Act and understand the controls that they will implement to ensure compliance. Who can apply for an AFS licence…
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Jul252019 by Connor JamesNo Comments
How to obtain an AFSL

How to obtain an AFSL

Financial Services
Regulatory guides are published by ASIC to give guidance to regulated entities by explaining when and how ASIC will exercise specific powers, to explain how ASIC will interpret the law, to describe principles underlying ASIC’s approach, and to give practical guidance describing the steps of a process such as applying for a licence. If you want to understand how to obtain an AFSL, read on. Free Assessment of Whether you are ready Simply provide your details below to arrange an online interview to determine your readiness for an AFSL. We will contact you within 1 business day. Financial Services Regulatory guide one gives practical guidance to applicants for an Australian financial services licence (AFS licence). An AFS licence authorises you and your representatives to provide financial services to clients. Without…
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Nov122018 by Steven FindleyNo Comments

Webinar – Two New Codes for Banking and Lending

Consumer, Financial Services
In our recent webinar focusing on the finance industry, regulatory specialist Dr Drew Donnelly consider two new codes for banking and lending. This year has seen the finalisation of two distinct codes covering lending and banking businesses in Australia: The Banking Code of Conduct 2019 (Banking Code) and the Code of Lending Practice: AFIA Online Small Business Lenders (Lending Code). This webinar forms part of our series looking at the role of fintech, financial services, and the regulatory and compliance environments that surround them. If you would like to know more about our work supporting companies in the fintech and financial services sector, please contact us by clicking here. Below you can view a full transcription of the webinar along with the video. Recent Developments in Banking & Fintech Open…
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