Our latest insights

APRA has proposed eight updates to governance and fit and proper requirements for banks, insurers, and superannuation trustees. Businesses must proactively adapt their governance practices to align with these enhanced standards.

The revised Australian AML/CTF Act 2024 introduces the concept of value transfer chains to enhance transparency and traceability in value transfers, including money, virtual assets, and property.

The current AML/CTF regime only extends to digital currency exchanges regulating exchanges between digital currency and fiat currency. The new Act introduces significant amendments to extend coverage to a broader range of virtual assets and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) through a revised set designated service.

Discover how detailed M&A contract reviews can impact tax outcomes, ensuring efficient and risk-free transactions.

With the recent rise in awareness of financial abuse of elderly individuals and the misconduct of executors of deceased estates, it is imperative to validate any suspected wrongdoing in order to pursue legal proceedings.

The Australian Parliament recently passed legislation to introduce two significant tax incentives aimed at bolstering Australia’s critical minerals and hydrogen production sectors. The incentives form a significant part of the Government’s ’Future Made in Australia‘ policy.

Integrating innovation and legacy is crucial for the continued success of family businesses. Legacy provides a sense of identity, purpose and continuity, while innovation drives growth and competitiveness. So how can you balance the two?

The International Funds Transfer Instruction (IFTI) reporting regime is a critical component of AML/CTF framework. It requires certain businesses to report international funds transfers to AUSTRAC.

The revised Australian AML/CTF Act 2024 introduces the concept of a 'reporting group,' which allows related entities to manage and mitigate common AML/CTF risks more efficiently by sharing compliance responsibilities and resources. This concept aims to streamline compliance efforts and enhance the overall effectiveness of AML/CTF measures across related entities.

Australia's AML reforms are transitioning the initial Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements from the AML/CTF Rules to the AML/CTF Act, focusing on an outcomes-based framework to enhance clarity and effectiveness of CDD processes.

On 12 February 2025, the Australian Government released its Strategic Examination of Research & Development (R&D) discussion paper. Public consultations on the discussion paper are officially open, with written submissions due by 11 April 2025.

On 19 February 2025, a pivotal Full Federal Court decision in respect of trust law and Division 7A was handed down by the Full Federal Court in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15 which has confirmed in favour of the taxpayer.