Invest
ASIC issues fresh warning for Aussie investors
The corporate regulator has identified “serious and widespread compliance failures” in the retail over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives market.

ASIC issues fresh warning for Aussie investors
The corporate regulator has identified “serious and widespread compliance failures” in the retail over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives market.

ASIC reviewed the compliance of Australian financial services licensees (AFSLs) against seven compliance risks and found that more than 70 per cent of those reviewed “demonstrated issues” with at least three.
ASIC commissioner Cathie Armour said the report highlighted “some serious compliance failures” within the industry, and warned investors to be mindful of the complex OTC derivatives industry.
“We hope the report will encourage [investors] to be more aware of the risks of these types of products as well as improve their understanding of the standards of practice they should expect from retail OTC derivative providers,” Ms Armour said.
ASIC has formulated more than 150 regulatory outcomes as a result of the surveillance, including: improvements to defective disclosure corrections to the registry and AFSL information; improved supervision of representatives; and suspensions and cancellations of licences.
“We expect industry to take note of our findings and proactively remediate any areas requiring improvement to ensure they have adequate and enduring compliance measures to fulfil their regulatory obligations,” Ms Armour said.

Property
ANZ now expects house prices will end the year lower
With higher interest rates on the horizon, the bank is forecasting larger house price declines than previously expected. ...Read more

Property
Which capital cities are most attractive to property investors?
A new survey has suggested that investor attention is shifting away from Australia’s two largest capital cities. ...Read more

Property
Market uncertainty fails to discourage foreign property investors
While interest from foreign investors in Australian property has remained strong, HLB Mann Judd warned that tax increases could see demand shift to other markets. ...Read more

Property
Regional renters forced to spend more of their income than ever before
Renters in regional areas are spending nearly as much on rent as home owners are spending on mortgage repayments. ...Read more

Property
Aussie home buyers now need to save for over 11 years for a deposit
Since early 2020, the time needed to save for a deposit has increased by more than two years. ...Read more

Property
HSBC forecasts 2023 house price decline of up to 10%
The firm had previously predicted a modest rise for house prices next year. ...Read more

Property
Perth house prices continue climbing to a record high
While growth may have come to an end in Sydney and Melbourne, Perth house prices are still on the rise. ...Read more

Property
Stamp duty significantly slowing path to purchase for FHB
Saving for a home takes years for the typical first-time buyer. In Australia’s largest cities, as much as two years are spent simply building up the funds to pay the cost of stamp duty, according to...Read more

Wrapping up an eventful 2021
Listen now

What Omicron means for property, and are units right for first-time buyers? What is equity crowdfunding? Are industry super funds tapping into member funds to save their skins?
Listen now

Will housing affordability improve in 2022? Will buy now, pay later become the norm? Why are Aussies staying in failing super products?
Listen now

Who really benefits from crypto ETFs? How will the RBA respond to rising inflation? Could a mandate help address unpaid super?
Listen now

Property
ANZ now expects house prices will end the year lower
With higher interest rates on the horizon, the bank is forecasting larger house price declines than previously expected. ...Read more

Property
Which capital cities are most attractive to property investors?
A new survey has suggested that investor attention is shifting away from Australia’s two largest capital cities. ...Read more

Property
Market uncertainty fails to discourage foreign property investors
While interest from foreign investors in Australian property has remained strong, HLB Mann Judd warned that tax increases could see demand shift to other markets. ...Read more

Property
Regional renters forced to spend more of their income than ever before
Renters in regional areas are spending nearly as much on rent as home owners are spending on mortgage repayments. ...Read more

Property
Aussie home buyers now need to save for over 11 years for a deposit
Since early 2020, the time needed to save for a deposit has increased by more than two years. ...Read more

Property
HSBC forecasts 2023 house price decline of up to 10%
The firm had previously predicted a modest rise for house prices next year. ...Read more

Property
Perth house prices continue climbing to a record high
While growth may have come to an end in Sydney and Melbourne, Perth house prices are still on the rise. ...Read more

Property
Stamp duty significantly slowing path to purchase for FHB
Saving for a home takes years for the typical first-time buyer. In Australia’s largest cities, as much as two years are spent simply building up the funds to pay the cost of stamp duty, according to...Read more