As the deadline to implement the new EU banking regulations (CRR3) draws closer, Malta’s financial sector is largely on track. According to the latest assessment from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), most local banks are prepared for the upcoming changes, though there’s still work to be done.
The Autorité de la concurrence, France’s competition watchdog, has slapped Apple with a hefty €150 million fine. The reason? Apple’s handling of its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework, which the French authority argues unfairly tipped the scales in favor of Apple, harming smaller players in the digital ecosystem.
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has put a spotlight on the importance of continuously validating the effectiveness of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks within financial institutions (FIs). The agency’s latest publication comes with a crucial message that AML/CFT framework are only as strong as its ongoing evaluation.
The European Parliament recently voted in favor of giving businesses a little more breathing room when it comes to complying with the new sustainability and due diligence rules. With an overwhelming vote of 531 for, 69 against, and 17 abstentions, MEPs backed the European Commission's proposal to delay the deadlines for these significant regulations. The intended goal? To simplify the process for businesses and help the EU stay competitive on the global stage. It’s part of the broader “Omnibus I” simplification package, which aims to reduce the red tape businesses face while still driving progress on important issues like human rights and environmental impact.
It’s been a long time coming, but the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has finally taken a step in holding Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) accountable for its ongoing struggles with non-financial risk management. APRA has accepted a Court Enforceable Undertaking (CEU) from the bank and increased its capital add-on to $1 billion.
The latest report from the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) is out, and it doesn’t pull any punches. Released on March 17, 2025, the 2024 Survey of Inspection Findings paints a picture of the state of global audit quality, and it’s not as pretty as many might hope.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently dropped a new set of guidelines that will help companies navigate the complexities of climate-related financial reporting. The release of Regulatory Guide 280 comes after a deep dive into industry feedback and offers a clearer picture of how companies, superannuation funds, and investment vehicles should approach sustainability disclosures under the Corporations Act 2001.