COVID-19 | ASIC publishes expectations of retail lenders when loan repayment deferrals end
On 13 August 2020, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued letters to lenders, notifying them of ASIC’s expectations once the mortgage deferral period expires next month. Lenders had offered the six month mortgage repayment deferral period to their customers, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which debt is estimated to be worth billions […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | The Banking Code of Practice – COVID-19: Special Note
In these uncertain times, the financial services industry is experiencing unprecedented levels of customer queries and financial hardship requests. As a result of the high volume of customers in distressed circumstances, on 25 June 2020 ASIC approved temporary changes to the Banking Code of Practice (the Code) so that Banks can continue to provide suitable […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Verification of identity – the need to go digital
All of the states (but not the territories) require mortgagees to undertake reasonable steps to verify the identities of mortgagors, commonly through a framework called the “Verification of Identity Standard” (VOI Standard) undertaken by specialised “Identity Agents” e.g. lawyers or other agents with professional indemnity insurance. Where they do not, and the mortgage instrument is […]
ReadmoreResponsible lending – updated guidance and practical considerations
Lenders’ responsible lending obligations have been a fluid topic in the wake of the Hayne Royal Commission’s final report in February 2019. In that report, Commissioner Hayne said that he was ultimately not persuaded that the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Cth) (NCCP) needed to change in that aspect. His view was that the […]
ReadmoreRed card for borrower claiming application fee as penalty
With the recent lending slowdown in the Australian banking sector, lead by the Banking Royal Commission, tougher lending standards and tighter serviceability requirements, demand for alternative non-bank lenders continues to increase. It is common for a non-bank lender’s lending terms to include an up-front arrangement or origination fee in respect of the establishment of the […]
ReadmoreSeven Year Hitch – PPSR turns 7 years old
On 30 January 2012 the “Personal Property Securities Register” (PPSR) commenced operations. The PPSR is an electronic register of security interests which was established under section 147 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA). This commencement date of 30 January 2012 means that on 30 January 2019 the PPSR turned seven years old. […]
ReadmoreNot registering on the PPSR against an ACN CAN cause headaches
Yoni Baker, Lawyer, Melbourne In the recent case of IBM Global Financing Australia v Applied Business Technology Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC 1984, corrupted internal procedures led to a number of registration errors on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). Whilst relief was ultimately granted, the case is useful for highlighting the extensive time, effort and […]
ReadmoreCommon PPS Registration errors – what to do about them
The most common way for secured parties to perfect their security interests in personal property is by registration on the Personal Properties Securities Register. Download our process guide for details: Authored by: James Roland, Partner Clementine Woodhouse, Associate
ReadmorePPSR Registrations – the importance of getting it right
With the commencement of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) now more than seven years behind us, the importance of registering your security interests and getting the registrations right has become very apparent. A number of cases over these years demonstrate the cost of not having appropriate procedures in place for making registrations […]
ReadmoreEstablishing a payment default – minimum requirements for evidentiary certificates
Financiers take note. Proving a payment default may not be as straightforward as one would have you believe. The recent case of RHG Mortgage Corporation Ltd v Summerfield [2019] NSWCA 44 provides some helpful guidance on the minimum requirements for evidentiary certificates in establishing a payment default under a loan agreement. The facts The […]
ReadmoreIn the matter of Assta Labels Pty Ltd: A “Warning Label” to ensure your PPSR registrations are correct
Registering your security interest on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) correctly is a critical step in perfecting your security interest under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA). A recent NSW Supreme Court case, In the matter of Assta Labels Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC 1094 (Assta Labels) provides a good practical example of […]
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