Gadens 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 […]

Readmore

Gadens 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 […]

Readmore

Simplifying 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 […]

Readmore

COVID-19 | Victoria extends rental eviction moratorium

Rental Eviction Moratorium Extended – 31 December 2020 In response to the second COVID-19 wave in Victoria, the Victorian Government announced on 20 August 2020 that the rental eviction moratorium under the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 (Vic) (Covid-19 Act) would be extended until 31 December 2020. The moratorium protects both residential and commercial tenants suffering financial distress […]

Readmore

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 […]

Readmore

Gadens Connect | 2020 Edition Three

In the third edition of Gadens Connect, we bring you the second quarter update for 2020. These last few months have seen us all adjusting to a new ‘norm’ and the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to bring to business and life in Australia. In this edition, we focus heavily on the impact of […]

Readmore

COVID-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 […]

Readmore

COVID-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 […]

Readmore

Sale of unsecured debt: New industry guideline

On 1 March 2020, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) introduced a voluntary industry guideline concerning the sale of unsecured debt (the Guideline). The Guideline complements certain provisions of the Banking Code of Practice and it outlines additional safeguards for customers when a bank sells unsecured debt to another party. Click here to download the full […]

Readmore

Gadens Connect | 2020 Edition Two

Welcome to the second edition of Gadens Connect, and our first quarter update of 2020. This year has seen many challenges for lenders, from bushfires to the more recent COVID-19 pandemic. We know you have been working hard to support thousands of affected customers and we are here to work with you, and support your […]

Readmore

COVID-19 | Banking & Finance Update – Part 1

In these unprecedented times of COVID-19 the financial services industry is undergoing a number of legal changes. These changes aim to provide greater protection for consumers and implement new processes and procedures in light of the social distancing rules. Part 1 of this legal update looks at the introduction of electronic signatures on affidavits and […]

Readmore

COVID-19 | Asset Protection

The issue of asset protection often doesn’t materialise until it’s too late, however the current COVID-19 crisis should serve as a reminder that all those who personally own a business, are company directors, or even those in professional services should take legitimate steps to protect their assets. Much like when Kerry Packer told everyone who […]

Readmore