Central banks, above all, are responsible for overseeing financial stability and controlling inflation. This research note suggests that the poor governance arrangements, conflicting goals, grandiose aspirations and distractions, along with the excessive budget and lack of core expertise in key appointments, have created the current...

This report recommends the development of a principles-based regulatory framework for digital assets, such as private stablecoins, central bank digital currencies (CBDC), tokens and cryptocurrencies.

This consultation paper examines the regulatory challenges of emerging financial products, with a particular focus on Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and the appropriate regulatory approach to maintain the benefits of accessing credit while ensuring consumers are adequately protected.

This review finds that the Consumer Data Right's (CDR's) statutory framework has so far been broadly effective in supporting the CDR's rollout, is sufficiently flexible and robust to accommodate further changes to achieve policy objectives, and has scope to further explore its limits as the...

This inaugural review assesses ASIC’s effectiveness and capability across strategic prioritisation, planning and decision making, surveillance and licensing. It contains four recommendations which focus on ASIC's data and technology capability, engagement with stakeholders, ability to measure its own effectiveness and capability, and continuing to broaden...

This corporate plan highlights the work ASIC will be undertaking over the next four years, with an emphasis on regulating product design and distribution, sustainable finance, retirement decision making and technology risks.

This report presents the findings of research into Australian retail investors’ motivations, attitudes and behaviours. The results provide a point-in-time snapshot of the period following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Blockchain is an emerging technology which poses a number of novel questions and challenges to existing policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks. This report considers current and emerging uses of blockchain to strengthen beneficial economic ties between countries, including in trade and supply chain transparency, portable...

Evidence to this inquiry largely focused on the impact and/or the benefits of extending the existing AML/CTF regime to DNFBPs that are not already subject to regulation of this nature. As such, this report largely focuses on this issue, but also canvasses other aspects of...

As central banks around the world prepare to launch central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), this paper looks at issues surrounding a retail version of CBDCs that would complement notes and coins for consumers.

This report identifies ‘Open Finance’ as the next priority area to expand Consumer Data Rights (CDR).

Financial counsellors are reporting that more and more clients have Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) debt and that this is causing financial hardship. The aim of this survey was to understand the extent of the issues, particularly given the broader context, as BNPL is now...

This review provided an opportunity for feedback on the operation of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) since its establishment, and to consider whether further enhancements should be made to ensure the external dispute resolution scheme is appropriately calibrated and operating effectively.

This inquiry report provides an overview of the payments ecosystem, outlining both old and new payment systems. It also provides an overview of the technologies that enable digital wallets and mobile payments, and details of the major platforms and services offered in Australia.

The committee's final report makes 12 recommendations in relation to the regulation of digital assets in Australia, 'de-banking' practices affecting Australian FinTechs and other businesses, and several other issues relating to Australia's position as a technology and financial centre, to drive opportunities for innovative businesses...

This research paper examines how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) access debt finance in Australia.

Governments and multinational organisations around the world have begun exploring the feasibility of developing retail digital currencies for domestic and global payments. This policy brief does not address bitcoin or other privately issued digital currencies that are not backed by assets having intrinsic value.

Financial technology (fintech) can help to achieve sustainable development through environmental, social and governance investing, and through financial inclusion initiatives. The authors of this paper argue that better governance and regulatory frameworks are needed to minimise the risks associated with 'fintech for good' while maximising...

This report quantifies business regulations in a comparable way across eleven dimensions and 191 countries, in order to stimulate policy reform. This review recommends a major overhaul of the program and the way in which the annual indicators are assessed.

The payments system plays a key role in the Australian economy. It facilitates economic activity by providing a safe, efficient and effective way for Australians to exchange money for goods and services. This review was asked to investigate whether the regulatory architecture of the Australian...

Since the advent of European settlement, Australia has been a net recipient of foreign investment. Foreign investment is crucial to grow the Australian economy, but it does not necessarily follow that all foreign investment is equally productive. The committee urges the Australian government to accept...

This corporate plan highlights the work ASIC will be undertaking over the next four years, especially, promoting economic recovery, reducing risk of harm to consumers exposed to poor product governance and design, supporting enhanced cyber resilience and cyber security, and driving industry readiness and compliance...

The ways that online funding mechanisms can be exploited by individuals and groups promoting right-wing extremist ideology in Australia are an emerging problem. This paper argues that any response must include strong policies and programs to address the drivers of such extremism.

APRA is supporting the Australian government in implementing the 'Your Future, Your Super' measures. The focus of this paper is on APRA’s approach to administering the performance test, where APRA has flexibility in administering the performance test, and APRA’s approach to providing investment performance data...