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 […]
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 […]
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 – […]
ReadmoreCOVID-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 | Banking & Finance Update – Part 2
The COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 (Vic) (COVID-19 Act), which commenced on 25 April 2020, has introduced temporary amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic) (RT Act). These amendments came into effect on 29 March 2020 and will continue 6 months after the commencement of the COVID-19 Act. Part of the amendments have […]
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 […]
ReadmoreMortgagees and verifying mortgagors’ identities – a time of change
On 18 December 2019, the Australian Registrars National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC) released a consultation draft of version 6 of its Model Participation Rules. It pertains to Mortgagees’ “Verification of Identity” (VOI Draft) requirements when registering mortgage securities, which are separate to AML / CTF KYC requirements. The VOI Draft – which contains one very […]
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