Our latest insights

The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.

In this episode, National Head of Corporate Finance & M&A Partner Holly Stiles and National Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications and Private Business Tax & Advisory Partner Jace Gawne-Buckland discuss the current technology landscape in Australia, evolving expectations of investors, and tangible steps tech leaders can take to strengthen their position for future raises or exits.

Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.

Discover key tax planning steps for a smooth, tax-efficient M&A transaction.

The recent release of the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) R&D Tax Transparency Report for the 2021-22 period delivers valuable insights into the state of research and development (R&D) using claim data across various sectors, particularly in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT).

Finance teams are essential to decision-making, planning, and growth in any organisation. And as the business landscape changes, the finance function evolves. That's why it's important to recognise and embrace the growing importance of technology, collaboration, sustainability, and risk management in today's finance functions.

Explore the impact of the latest ATO Draft Taxation Ruling on software and IP payments. Learn how overseas providers and taxpayers may be affected by changes in the ‘royalty’ definition, transfer pricing, and withholding tax rates. Understand the Commissioner's perspectives on royalties, copyright definitions, and tax treaty applications. For personalised guidance on adapting to these changes, connect with the Grant Thornton tax team.

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?

Are you up to date on your TPAR obligations? The Australian Taxation Office has begun to actively issue failure to lodge penalties for businesses who are behind on their TPAR lodgements.

The RBA recently released its study into the developments in cost of card payments for merchants. The study highlights the action needed by both the RBA and the wider payments sector to strengthen competition and help reduce the cost of accepting card payments. Key themes include higher fees for smaller merchants, eftpos as the cheaper alternative, debit not credit and least-cost routing.

Australia needs a strong innovation and R&D led agenda to grow our current economic standing and develop new competitive industries to drive productivity into the future. With the Government due to hand down the 2022-2023 Federal Budget on 25 October, our experts have provided their insights about what innovation measures we can expect to see from the new Government.

Considering Australia’s significant fintech and financial sector experience, it’s no surprise Victoria’s recent Intersekt Festival focused on leveraging Australia’s fintech market to its full potential.