221-230 of 488 results
If in doubt, get the whitewash out
The High Court's first decision on the financial assistance prohibition in section 260A of the Corporations Act supports a conservative approach to the prohibition, and in particular highlights the danger of 'taking a view' on the no material prejudice exception. ...
Queensland Supreme Court refuses to order disclosure of class action defendant's insurance policy, providing further guidance on the making of such orders
The Queensland Supreme Court has refused an application by a class action plaintiff seeking to compel the defendant to disclose its insurance policy and documents relating to its insurance position. In doing so, the court commented on the recent Federal Court decision in the Radio Rentals class action but came to a different result on the facts. This decision shows that when determining whether or not to make an order for disclosure, the court is likely to take into account the defendant's financial capacity, and may be less likely to make such an order where the defendant's solvency is not a concern. ...
ALRC's Discussion Paper released: a clearer, consistent and more rational framework for addressing corporate misconduct in Australia
The Australian Law Reform Commission released for consultation today a set of proposals aimed at overhauling the federal corporate criminal responsibility regime. This comes in the wake of criticisms that the current system is ineffective in preventing, deterring and prosecuting serious corporate crime. Whilst the reforms offer a clearer, consistent and more rational framework for addressing corporate misconduct in Australia, some elements (such as the adoption of a general 'associate' model for criminal attribution) will no doubt raise concern given their capacity to significantly extend corporate liability. We examine some of the key proposals and their likely impact. Partner Christopher Kerrigan and Senior Overseas Practitioner Cindy McNair report. ...
ASIC Corporate Governance Taskforce Report
ASIC has released its first report focusing on director and officer oversight of non-financial risk in seven large financial services companies (the First Report). While the report focuses on financial services companies, ASIC points out expressly that all companies, regardless of sector, should read and engage with the findings of this report. ...
Would you like financial services with your social network? Facebook consortium to launch new cryptocurrency
In a bold new play, a consortium led by social media giant Facebook has announced plans to enter the financial services sector through the launch of a cryptocurrency called Libra. Both a currency and a blockchain backed payment system, the project could have a profound impact on the financial servic ...
Product safety snapshots – year in review
The last 18 months were a busy time for product safety. Consumers found redress via the courts (in the form of class actions) and the regulator (in the form of product recalls). ...
Class actions and emerging issues
The nature of Australia's class action landscape has fundamentally changed since the outset of the regimes. ...
ACCC calls for significant reforms in Digital Platforms Inquiry Final Report (Part II): A platform for sweeping privacy reform
The ACCC has called for significant reforms in Digital platforms to strengthen privacy protections for individuals and to improve transparency and accountability In data handling practices for both digital platforms and other organisations regulated by the Privacy Act 1998. ...
Right here, right now; the CDR regime is live
The Consumer Data Right Act has been passed by Federal Parliament bringing with it significant changes for legal, risk and compliance teams operating in the finance, banking, energy and telco sectors ...
Federal Court orders disclosure of class action respondent's insurance policies, affirming a recent trend
In the Radio Rentals Class Action, the Federal Court of Australia has ordered - over the objection of an Insurer - that a respondent disclose its insurance policies to the applicant. ...