Gadens Connect | 2021 Edition Two
In this edition of Gadens Connect, our team provides an overview of key performance indicators from last quarter; shares an overview of important changes to the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018 (Vic) and AFCA determinations on Early Release of Superannuation; and addresses mortgagee in possession FAQs. As always, we welcome your feedback on this publication. […]
ReadmoreThe expansion of statutory unconscionable conduct risk in commercial transactions
Where a statute proscribes unconscionable conduct in business, a company can be liable whether or not the person to whom the allegedly unconscionable conduct is directed is vulnerable or at a special disadvantage. In ACCC v Quantum Housing Group Pty Ltd, handed down on 19 March 2021, the Full Federal Court placed the focus in […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | No extension to temporary reforms to permit electronic signing of company documents
In a blow for advocates of efficiency (both technological and practical), the temporary reforms under Corporations (Coronavirus Economic Response) Determination (No. 3) 2020 (Determination), which had permitted the conduct of virtual meetings, electronic execution of documents and split execution of documents under section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Act) expired on 21 March 2021. Unless, and until, a replacement relief […]
ReadmoreASIC’s new approach to regulatory investigations: the challenges and opportunities presented by Express Investigations
Under the banner of ‘when pilots become enduring practice’, ASIC Deputy Chair Karen Chester has announced that ASIC will supplement its traditional investigations processes with ‘Express Investigations’ (EI), ASIC’s new and preferred approach to enforcement. Corporate regulatory investigations are often legally and factually complex, high-stakes and process-heavy. Mountains of documents and witness evidence are commonplace. […]
ReadmoreEn Garde for the Mortgage Broker Referral Regime
Introduction Information sharing and stricter reporting obligations are key to most reforms to financial services law since the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation, and Financial Service Industry. Mortgage brokers are about to be subject to the double-edged sword that is the Mortgage Broker Referral Regime, expected to come into play for all […]
ReadmoreImmunity for serious financial misconduct – ASIC’s new policy
Overview ASIC has just announced a new policy that allows individuals who think they might have been involved in market manipulation, insider trading, dishonest conduct or other contraventions of Part 7.10 of the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) to apply for immunity from civil penalty or criminal proceedings. This policy expands ASIC’s ability to identify […]
ReadmoreGadens Connect | 2021 Edition One
Welcome to the first edition of Gadens Connect for 2021. The festive season was different for many of us, with some enduring yet another lockdown, while others had travel plans cancelled or could not get back to their home state. This edition focuses on moving forward with COVID-19, and how we can help you and […]
ReadmoreFSR Wrap | November 2020
As we approach the end of the year, Gadens’ FSR Team presents an update for the financial services regulatory market. This edition of FSR Wrap provides a focus on ‘business as usual’ regulations of importance to Australian financial services companies. As we look to 2021 and the introduction of a raft of legislation that has […]
ReadmoreGadens Connect | 2020 Edition Four
This edition of Gadens Connect provides the first update from the new financial year for our clients in the financial services industry. COVID-19 has continued to impact business across Australia and we are continually working to support our clients where needed. We have seen our clients undertaking resumption activities with customers and preparing to deal […]
ReadmoreSimplifying access to credit – a win for lenders!
As Australia continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison Government announced proposed changes to access credit. The proposed changes, outlined in the article below, seek to simplify the system between consumers and lenders, making access to credit easier for consumers and small businesses. Read the full article below. Our Banking & Finance team […]
ReadmoreConflicted remuneration – mortgage brokers’ tricky year ahead
The Federal Treasury has released the long-awaited regulations which will govern mortgage broker remuneration from 1 January 2021, the Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response—Protecting Consumers) (Mortgage Brokers) Regulations 2020 (Regulations). It follows the release of the draft regulations and explanatory statement in August 2019. The Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response – […]
ReadmoreSenate Select Committee on Fintech and Regulatory Tech publishes interim report
The need for permanent corporate law reforms for virtual company meetings and electronic communications and signatures by companies – Senate Select Committee inquiry on Financial Technology and Regulatory Technology interim report and recommendations. In September 2020, the Senate Select Committee inquiry on Financial Technology and Regulatory Technology (Committee) released its interim report. The preliminary recommendations […]
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