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 […]
ReadmoreThe market for socially-conscious consumers who are looking to use their buying power ethically and in support of socially responsible causes is growing rapidly. This presents opportunities for businesses to engage with their customers in new ways. However, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is well aware and is looking closely at potentially misleading […]
Readmore2020 continues to be an interesting year with COVID-19 still impacting our lives and businesses, although we are cautiously optimistic that we may be turning a corner here in Australia. In this edition of FMCG Express, we bring you some useful COVID-19 reading as we grapple with the ongoing effects of the pandemic and look […]
ReadmoreRegulatory guidance usually has little legal status, but sometimes legislation mandates it. However, a recent UK Supreme Court decision [1] on ethical investments demonstrates that, when laws and policies are confused and agencies stray outside their lanes, even legislatively supported guidance has limits. The Court ruled that local government pension schemes can divest from or boycott […]
ReadmoreGadens has launched a new financial services regulatory update publication to keep the market informed of the latest developments – welcome to FSR Wrap. Gadens has extensive knowledge and expertise across the financial services sector. In the July 2020 edition of FSR Wrap, Edward Martin, Glenn McGowan QC, Dudley Kneller and Gadens’ FSR team focus […]
ReadmoreScrutiny of corporate governance and the role of directors is set to continue throughout 2020 and into 2021 as the aftermath of the Banking Royal Commission and economic impact of COVID-19 play out. Against that background, Australian directors and corporations now face a significant new administrative burden as the long-time-coming registry modernisation legislation passed without […]
ReadmoreThe Federal Government is preparing to introduce the Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response—Protecting Consumers (2020 Measures)) Bill 2020: Hawking of financial products (the Bill) in response to the recommendations of the Hayne Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry that all hawking of insurance and superannuation products should […]
ReadmoreIt has been a tumultuous start to 2020, with the devastating droughts and bushfire season, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian businesses have been faced with unprecedented challenges, and the impact on the FMCG, retail and hospitality sectors has been profound. While some areas of the FMCG sector are on the up, others are struggling, […]
ReadmoreThe coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is undoubtedly tragic for the thousands affected, with Governments around the world having to act swiftly and assertively to protect vulnerable people. But there is underlying harm being caused to the economy, too – and the real impact of this cost is only just emerging. We’ve all heard the saying before […]
ReadmoreAfter close to four months of battling bushfires in New South Wales and Victoria and confronting devastating loss of life, property, livelihood and wildlife, as well as two months of speculation, a Royal Commission arising from the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires has been announced. The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements will, however, inquire more […]
ReadmoreThe High Court has in Glencore v Commissioner of Taxation[1] determined unanimously that legal professional privilege is not a legal right that is enforceable by way of an injunction when confidential documents enter the public domain, even as a result of theft. Privilege remains a fundamental right but it is only an immunity from complying […]
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