Australia's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms commenced on 1 July 2026 and have significantly expanded the range of businesses regulated by AUSTRAC. Many businesses providing legal, accounting, real estate, conveyancing, trust and company services are now required to comply with the AML/CTF regime. Businesses that provide designated services captured by the reforms must enrol with AUSTRAC by 29 July 2026.
Read MoreThe Australian Government has announced reforms aimed at increasing philanthropic funding to charities. The changes focus on Giving Funds (currently referred to in the tax law as ancillary funds) and form part of the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission’s Future Foundations for Giving report and the Not‑for‑profit Sector Development Blueprint.
Read MoreOn 18 December 2025, the Government released significant amendments to the new merger control regime through the Competition and Consumer (Notification of Acquisitions) Amendment (20205 Measures No.1) Determination 2025 (Determination). These changes affect when businesses must notify the ACCC of acquisitions and introduce a range of new exemptions and updated thresholds under the new merger control regime which came into force on 1 January 2026, with some changes commencing on 1 April 2026.
Read MoreASIC has released updated guidance clarifying how companies and registered schemes can conduct virtual and hybrid shareholder meetings, reinforcing that shareholders attending meetings virtually must have an equal opportunity to participate.
Read MoreEarlier this year, the ACCC conducted a sweep of more than 2,000 Australian retail websites and found that some businesses had return policies and website terms and conditions that potentially contravened the law.
The ACCC issued several warnings to businesses to change their policies, terms and conditions.
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