AML / Financial Crime regulatory updates from Australia.
We track 49 AML / Financial Crime updates from Australia regulators, published by ASIC. The archive covers 49 news items. Most recent update: September 2026.
ASIC takes action to protect investors in Star Investment Group Australia scheme
Why this matters
ASIC's successful application for interim orders against Star Investment Group Australia and its director represents a significant enforcement action involving suspected Corporations Act and ASIC Act contraventions.
Updated charges against financial services company director Donald Cuthbertson
Why this matters
This is a criminal enforcement case brought by ASIC against a former director of a wealth management firm. The charges span false representations to investors (s1041E and s1041G of the Corporations Act) and obstruction of justice (s43 Crimes Act).
Court makes further orders to preserve assets linked to NSW accountant and former solicitor Christopher Edwards
Why this matters
This is an enforcement update documenting ASIC's court-ordered asset preservation against an accountant and former solicitor who was previously banned from financial services and whose companies are subject to winding-up proceedings.
Scams and governance failures dominate misconduct report
Why this matters
This is an informational news release reporting ASIC's H1 2026 misconduct data. It highlights enforcement priorities (pump-and-dump scams, governance failures, unlicensed financial services) and encourages public reporting.
Banned SMSF auditor Kristian Convery sentenced for acting while disqualified and falsifying documents
Why this matters
This is a news item reporting a completed enforcement action (conviction and sentencing) by ASIC against an individual who acted as an SMSF auditor while disqualified and falsified audit documents.
ASIC warns scammers are using AI to spin vast webs of deception
ASIC has warned that generative AI is enabling coordinated investment-scam networks involving deepfake celebrity and politician endorsements, fabricated news, fake reviews, spoof websites and counterfeit investment platforms. The release does not create new binding obligations, but the scale of ASIC’s FY26 takedown activity—more than 19,400 scams, including 7,051 fake investment platforms—signals heightened regulatory scrutiny of impersonation, digital advertising, licence misrepresentation and consumer-protection controls.
No new rule, mandatory control, reporting obligation or compliance deadline was introduced. ASIC has reinforced its expectation that consumers independently verify Australian Financial Services Licence details against the professional registers, including matching the licence holder’s name and number to the business or opportunity being promoted. The warning also indicates that reliance on search-engine results, polished websites, branding, testimonials, celebrity endorsements or claims of ASIC licensing is insufficient where firms or consumers assess legitimacy.
The immediate legal impact is limited because this is a warning rather than a legislative instrument, regulatory guide, licence condition or enforcement action. The supervisory and conduct risk is nevertheless significant: ASIC’s data shows rapidly increasing fake-platform, phishing and cryptocurrency-scam activity, while firms whose brands or licence details are misused may face consumer harm, reputational damage and scrutiny under existing obligations concerning misleading conduct, financial services licensing, adequate risk management and cyber resilience.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the original ASIC source before acting. Full disclaimer.
Former NSW Director Usman Siddiqui jailed for dishonest use of position as director
Why this matters
Criminal prosecution of director for dishonest misappropriation of company funds and breach of director duties under Corporations Act s.184(2)(a). Equitable Financial Solutions provided Sharia-compliant investment products. Case demonstrates enforcement action against white-collar crime and director misconduct.
Stavro D’Amore jailed for misusing nearly $700,000 in Berndale funds
Why this matters
This is a news report of a criminal sentencing involving a former director of an OTC derivatives provider (Berndale Capital Securities). The case involves dishonest misuse of client funds ($681k), false statements to ASIC, and breach of AFS licensing requirements.
Federal Court imposes permanent director’s disqualification order against Larry Dawson
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against director for facilitating $7M superannuation fraud scheme. Permanent disqualification order demonstrates regulatory response to director misconduct, breach of fiduciary duties, and involvement in investment fraud.
Former construction industry director Vickie Vella sentenced after using $1.2 million in company money for personal use
Why this matters
This is a sentencing announcement from ASIC regarding director misconduct involving misappropriation of company funds. While it involves a construction company rather than a financial services firm, it is regulatory enforcement content relevant to corporate governance and financial crime.
Brendan Gunn sentenced in connection with suspected international cryptocurrency scam
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against cryptocurrency investment scam facilitator. Brendan Gunn sentenced for dealing with suspected proceeds of crime ($180k+) from offshore crypto scam targeting Australians. Demonstrates regulatory focus on AML compliance and consumer protection in crypto sector.
ASIC warning: Pump and dump scammers intensify use of fake celebrity endorsements
Why this matters
ASIC warning about pump and dump scams using fake celebrity endorsements and market manipulation. Primary focus on market abuse/manipulation schemes, consumer protection against investment fraud, and financial crime.
Former insurance broker Craig Horsell's suspended sentence activated after further offending
Why this matters
This is a news report documenting the activation of a suspended sentence for a former insurance broker convicted of dishonest conduct and subsequent breach of release conditions.
ASIC moves to wind up Capital Guard over concerns about investor funds
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against unlicensed financial services firm engaged in fraudulent bond sales and misappropriation of investor funds. Classified as informational regulatory news rather than urgent directive.
ASIC cancels AFS licence of Capital Guard for fake bond sale and other dishonest conduct
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action cancelling AFS licence of Capital Guard for fraudulent bond sales, fake prospectus, investor deception, and operational failures. Informational regulatory enforcement news with implications for investment services compliance and consumer protection standards.
NSW restaurateur Giuseppe DeFrancesco first person charged by ASIC with creditor defeating criminal offences
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against individual for creditor-defeating dispositions and witness tampering. First criminal charge under creditor defeating disposition legislation. Informational news update establishing precedent for corporate misconduct enforcement.
WA director Trent Bowden pleads guilty to over $1.5 million investor deception
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against director for fraudulent misappropriation of investor funds ($1.5M+) through false representations about forex trading. Classified as informational news/enforcement update rather than urgent regulatory change.
Property developer David McWilliams charged over $10 million fraud scheme
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against property developer for $10.1M fraud involving misuse of investor funds raised for disability housing projects. Charges include dishonest use of funds, false statements to investors, and conversion to personal use (luxury assets, cryptocurrency, gambling).
$35 million penalty sought as HSBC admits to scam protection failures, and implements compensation plan
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against HSBC for systemic scam protection failures affecting customers. Covers unauthorized transactions, inadequate controls, and delayed investigation processes. Informational regulatory news regarding penalty and compensation program.
Federal Court orders $35 million penalty against HSBC for scam protection failures
Why this matters
Federal Court penalty against HSBC for systemic scam protection failures and ePayments Code breaches. This is enforcement news establishing precedent for banking industry obligations in fraud prevention and customer protection. Informational in nature but significant for regulatory compliance messaging.
ASIC helps strengthen the fight against imposter scams in financial services
Why this matters
ASIC initiative to combat imposter scams by publishing AFS licensee websites on Professional Registers Search. Affects all financial services licensees (banks, investment platforms, super funds).
Former Star Entertainment executives Mathias Bekier and Paula Martin disqualified and ordered to pay penalties
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against Star Entertainment executives for breaches of directors' duties under Corporations Act s180, specifically relating to failure to manage money laundering and criminal activity risks.
ASIC permanently bans Abdullah Popal from financial services and credit
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action permanently banning individual from financial services due to fraud convictions involving unauthorized access to client bank accounts and theft of $89,932. Relevant to wealth management sector and SMSF advisory services.
Fund manager Rodney Forrest re-sentenced to five years and three months’ jail following insider trading appeal
Why this matters
This is an informational news release about a completed criminal prosecution for insider trading involving a fund manager. It documents a court re-sentencing decision and ASIC's enforcement actions.
ASIC disqualifies Victorian director for maximum 5-year period
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC disqualifies a director for misconduct related to multiple companies, including fraud, improper use of funds, and failure to meet reporting obligations.
Charges discontinued in Capital Mining Limited matter
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC provides information about the discontinuation of charges against former directors of Capital Mining Limited. It is informational in nature and does not require immediate action, hence the low urgency classification.
Brisbane financial advisor and auditor, Sunny Prakash, charged with multiple counts of stealing and fraud
Why this matters
This regulatory update involves a financial advisor and auditor charged with multiple counts of stealing and fraud, which poses significant risks to consumers and the financial services industry.
Federal Court finds two Star Entertainment senior executives breached duties, non-executive directors did not breach duties
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as it involves AML/CFT risks, consumer protection, and senior manager accountability at a major casino operator.
ASIC files Court action to wind up Liberty Bell Bay after failures to lodge financial reports
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to the failure of Liberty Bell Bay, a large proprietary company, to lodge its annual financial reports. This is a breach of reporting requirements and could have implications for creditors and other stakeholders.
Charge against NSW director dismissed
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to the dismissal of a charge against a director of a company, which is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms in terms of authorisation, licensing, and conduct requirements. The low urgency is due to the informational nature of the news release.
Former director of NDIS provider charged with dishonesty offences
Why this matters
This regulatory update involves a former director of an NDIS provider being charged with dishonesty offences, including misusing company funds and failing to comply with ASIC examinations.
ASIC permanently bans former NSW financial adviser David Valvo
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC permanently bans a former financial adviser for dishonest conduct in obtaining unauthorized withdrawals from client superannuation accounts. This is a serious breach of conduct rules and consumer protection regulations, warranting a high urgency classification.
ASIC urges super trustees to step up and address serious gaps in anti-scam and fraud protections
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC highlights significant gaps in anti-scam and fraud protections across the superannuation industry, which poses risks to consumers and their retirement savings.
Brendan Gunn pleads guilty to dealing with money reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime
Federal Court orders remaining ALAMMC Group companies wound up
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms due to the concerns raised around misuse of investor funds, potential breaches of directors' duties, and the winding up of the ALAMMC Group companies.
Two former Statewide Super executives acquitted on charges of dishonesty offences
Why this matters
This regulatory update relates to the acquittal of two former executives of a superannuation fund on charges of dishonesty offences. It is a news article with informational content, so the urgency is low.
Queensland director sentenced for making a false or misleading statement to ASIC
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as it involves a director making a false or misleading statement to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
ASIC secures interim travel restraint orders against Blockchain Global director Ryan Xu
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to an investigation into the collapse of a crypto asset exchange operated by Blockchain Global. It involves securing interim travel restraint orders against a director, which indicates potential financial crime or misconduct concerns.
Construction industry director charged with breach of director’s duties and providing false and misleading documents
Why this matters
This regulatory update involves allegations of misconduct by a construction industry director, including breach of director's duties and providing false and misleading documents to ASIC.
Perth fraudster Chris Marco sentenced to 14 years imprisonment
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves a high-profile fraud case against an individual who defrauded multiple investors of over $34 million. The case is significant as it resulted in the highest sentence imposed by an Australian court in relation to an ASIC criminal investigation.
Charges against Dean Scook, former officer of Rock Mining Australia Limited, have been discontinued
Why this matters
This regulatory update is about the discontinuation of charges against a former officer of a mining company, which is not directly related to the financial services sectors. However, it touches on topics like financial crime and consumer protection that are relevant across the industry.
Freezing orders against Gregory Cotton and First Mutual Private Equity continue
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves freezing orders against an individual and their private equity firm due to concerns over potential fraud and misuse of investor funds. This is a high-urgency issue that impacts banks, wealth managers, and asset managers who may have been affected by this case.
Mansa Group director sentenced to imprisonment for more than four years for forgery and dishonesty offences
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as it involves a director being sentenced for forgery and dishonesty offenses related to obtaining financial advantages and causing detriment.
QLD shadow director charged with $8m debt factoring fraud involving Bunnings Warehouse
Why this matters
This regulatory update involves a fraud case related to debt factoring, which impacts the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors. The topics covered include AML/financial crime, consumer protection, and authorization/licensing requirements.
Banned SMSF Auditor charged with continuing to act whilst disqualified and falsifying documents
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to SMSF auditors, which are typically associated with the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors. The key topics covered include authorisation and licensing, as the individual was disqualified from acting as an SMSF auditor, as well as senior managers and...
ASIC takes contempt action against David McWilliams and Laura Fullarton over alleged freezing order breaches
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves alleged breaches of court-ordered freezing orders by individuals involved in the ALAMMC Group, which operated financial services businesses.
Former CEO of Bruck Textile Technologies has conviction overturned following appeal
Why this matters
This regulatory update is related to the overturning of a criminal conviction against the former CEO of a textile company. While not directly related to financial services, it touches on topics like consumer protection, authorization, and financial crime that are relevant across multiple sectors and firm types in the...
ASIC sues BDO Audit and its director Dean Just alleging materially false or misleading audit reports
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves allegations of materially false or misleading audit reports by BDO Audit, an audit firm, regarding the financial statements of Dubber Corporation, an ASX-listed technology company.
Directors of collapsed agri-businesses linked to corruption scandal disqualified for maximum 5-year period
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banks, wealth managers, and asset managers as it involves the disqualification of directors of failed agri-businesses linked to a corruption scandal. The update covers topics related to AML/financial crime, consumer protection, and prudential requirements.