Our latest insights

APRA-regulated businesses operating in the banking, insurance, and superannuation industries will soon be faced with significant regulatory changes. APRA and the ASIC have commenced early consultation around the introduction of the Financial Accountability Regime, which aims to establish a strong accountability framework to enhance risk management and governance practices in the financial sector.

APRA has released the long-awaited findings from its independent tripartite cyber assessment over compliance with CPS 234. The themes identified by APRA are based on the audit of more than 300 banks, insurers and superannuation trustees – a significant industry wide program.

There have been some recent developments in the Australian market in relation to mandatory sustainability reporting, which is likely to significantly impact most companies required to prepare general purpose financial reports.

The purpose of this Alert is to draw attention to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) Media Release 23-149MR ASIC highlights focus areas for 30 June 2023 reporting.

With growing business appetite for innovative financial technology and on-demand finance in recent years, Fintechs have been embraced by businesses and consumers alike. Fintechs now have the opportunity to drive change, expand into other industries – and sometimes even scale up and expand into new markets. As we near business planning season and end of financial year, have you considered how R&D Incentives, tax considerations and a governance structure can support your sustainable growth?

Authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) and the broader banking sector have recently faced significant headwinds, as the sector navigates unprecedented change. How can you best navigate current challenges and leverage opportunities to find efficiencies as you step into the new financial year? Here, we outline eight key considerations you should address to ensure your business is set up for FY24.

This TA Alert incorporates all the relevant pronouncements and developments as at 8 May 2023.

As we approach the end of FY23 what are the key areas preparers of financial statements need to consider? Preparers of financial statements will breathe a sigh of relief to know there are no major changes to accounting standards applicable for FY23, however there are some amendments to existing standards to think about ahead of year end, as well as some on the horizon where early adoption may be worth considering.

AASB 2020-3 amends AASB 116 to prohibit entities from deducting from the cost of an item of Property, Plant and Equipment, any proceeds from selling items produced while bringing property, plant and equipment to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in a manner intended by management. Instead, these proceeds and related costs are required to be recognised in profit or loss.

The Queensland Government announced that the expansion of Project Trust and Retention Trust Accounts originally scheduled to take effect 1 April 2023 will be extended by three years to 2025. Eligible contracts valued between $3m and $10m will now need to comply from 1 March 2025, and contracts above $1m will need to comply from 1 October 2025.

Amendments to ASX Listing Rules and Guidance Note for entities in mining and oil and gas industries

From 1 April 2023, private sector, government-owned corporations and local government contracts valued at $3m or more (excl. GST) become subject to the Project Trust Account (PTA) regime. The threshold further drops for these valued to $1m from 1 October 2023. Organisations impacted by the requirement to operate PTAs on each project they undertake need to prepare for the additional regulatory compliance required, as well as the cashflow implications of restricted access to progress claim receipts and subcontractor retention monies after the relevant commencement date.