All signs point to the final tranche of the Hayne Royal Commission exposure draft Bills being introduced before the end of the year, and their focuses will include something that is a favourite topic here at Unravelled, and is of considerable interest to our clients – breach reporting. We explain the new regime's timing and effects. ...

As COVID-19 spreads throughout Australia and the world, its impact is being felt across every industry. With the pandemic at a relatively early stage, the virus has disrupted supply chains and shuttered businesses, resulting in record levels of unemployment and unprecedented market volatility. ...

In its latest compliance update, ASX reiterated that entities in financial difficulty (including with respect to their debt arrangements) will receive no special treatment. On earnings guidance, it was acknowledged that many listed entities have taken the opportunity to withdraw guidance issued before the outbreak of COVID-19. ASX also strongly encouraged entities to review their published guidance in light of COVID-19 and to either update it if it was not current or withdraw it in this highly uncertain climate. ...

In contrast to a previous decision, the Federal Court has refused to order the disclosure of the respondent's insurance policies to the applicant in a class action. We explore this decision and also highlight the way in which the court's reasoning differed from a prior decision that found in favour of disclosure. ...

On 14 April, ASIC published a media release detailing changes to its regulatory framework and priorities in light of COVID-19. This follows an earlier statement by ASIC, which indicated that it would temporarily change its regulatory work and priorities to allow it and regulated entities to focus on the impact of COVID-19. ...

As Privacy Awareness Week this year called for individuals to #rebootyourprivacy and debate continues over the privacy protections for the COVIDSafe application, another step has been taken in the Australian Information Commissioner's (Commissioner) landmark case against Facebook, Inc and Facebook Ireland Ltd (together, Facebook) which will have major implications for the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and digital businesses operating from offshore entities. ...

On 15 April 2020, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) released updated INFO 230 Exchange traded products: Admission guidelines (INFO 230) which outlines ASIC's view of good practices to help ensure that admission and monitoring standards for exchange traded products (ETPs) continue to support fair, orderly and transparent markets. ...

This insight exams ASIC's proposals on on the new mortgage broker best interests duty. A new duty has been created for mortgage brokers to act in the best interests of consumers where there is a conflict when providing credit assistance. ...

An analysis of the practical implications of COVID-19 on debt capital markets and a summary of some key documentation issues that arise because of this global issue, along with tips to address them. ...

On Friday the Government released a large package of Exposure Draft Bills to implement the last of the Financial Services Royal Commission recommendations. There are some important and significant changes and Treasury is consulting widely (although not for very long) and seeking feedback. ...