Financial Services Regulation | Asia-Pacific

Allens is regularly sought out by major banks, wealth managers and other financial institutions for advice on a range of regulatory matters in connection with superannuation and investment funds. The team frequently provides advice on regulatory compliance and the structural and governance changes required as a result of significant mergers and acquisitions in the financial services industry. The firm additionally provides back-end assistance to clients facing regulatory investigations.

Clayton Utz is widely regarded as a go-to firm offering extensive expertise in regulatory matters and financial reforms. The firm houses a highly regarded contentious practice with experience assisting with regulatory investigations, litigation and the enforcement of licence conditions. It provides regulatory advice relating to investment funds and novel financial products, acting for a blue-chip clientele and major financial institutions including a number of retail banks, with notable clients including CBA, Westpac and Citibank. The firm maintains excellent relationships with international law firms, regulators and corporations.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is renowned for its investment funds and superannuation capabilities, advising on regulatory matters arising from transactional work in this industry, as well as such issues as anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance obligations and remediation. The group is actively involved in the financial services industry through participation in peak industry associations and is active on behalf of foreign clients navigating the Australian regulatory landscape. Clients include PayPal, Apple and Google.

Gilbert + Tobin maintains a highly regarded regulatory dispute resolution team with a strong following among financial services clients. The team also actively advises on front-end regulatory matters, with noteworthy capability in the regulation of new fintech products, including licensing for new financial products and digital payment systems. The firm's key clients include major banks, accounting firms, asset management companies and other financial services participants, such as Westpac, Deloitte and Credit Suisse.

MinterEllison is recognised as an accomplished practice offering comprehensive expertise in investment funds and insurance regulation. The firm is active on cross-border matters, particularly advising on the regulatory aspects of M&A transactions in the financial services sector. It maintains a strong reputation for handling contentious work, including ASIC investigations. The team also advises major banking clients, assisting with payment systems and the development of new products, as well as global insurance companies. IAG, MetLife and NAB are counted among its clientele.

A&O Shearman fields a respected practice that advises multinational financial institutions on regulatory matters in support of international business. The firm is especially familiar with the New York market and regulatory environment, with partners holding qualifications and considerable experience in the jurisdiction. Its capability extends to the regulation of payment platforms, and it acts as a frequent adviser to overseas banks regarding their compliance with Australian consumer contract terms. The team is skilled at advising on the Australian aspects of corporate reorganisation and acquisitions within the financial services industry. It is well placed to assist on cross-border matters, drawing on the strength of its international network of offices. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

The Baker McKenzie team has substantial cross-border capabilities, catering to an impressive list of multinational clients through the firm's global network. The firm fields experienced advisers on the establishment and operation of Australian and offshore managed funds, and also advises its international clients on the regulatory requirements for the launch of new consumer products in the Australian market. Notable clients included Morgan Stanley, RAM and Loftus Peak Investment Management.

K&L Gates is well regarded for its expertise in the regulatory requirements governing banks, fund managers and fintech developers. It is known for its work advising on new and emerging fintech platforms and their introduction into the Australian market. The firm is also noted for its client following in the funds space. Clients benefit from the team's ability to draw on its international network and experience advising on responses to ASIC and APRA investigations. Notable clients include Honda Australia, EML Payments and CoinJar.

Norton Rose Fulbright assists banking, investment funds and international insurance clients in response to regulatory investigations, as well as advising on the regulatory issues associated with transactional activity and the licensing of new products. It is a part of a global practice that assists multinational clients on complex, cross-border regulatory investigations, with particular strength in Asia, the USA and emerging markets such as South America and Africa. The firm counts major banks and insurers among its clientele, including CBA, Mercer and ING Bank (Australia).

Gadens is noted for its well-regarded practice in financial services regulation law. The team often acts for substantial financial services companies, including major banks, in relation to investigations and proceedings from regulatory bodies such as ASIC and APRA, as well as being engaged by those bodies to assist on such investigations. It provides clients with further advice regarding licensing and regulatory compliance. The firm's notable clients include Realty Assist Australia, ASIC and Judo Bank.

Hall & Wilcox is recognised for its well-established team, which advises a clientele that consists of asset managers, superannuation funds and other financial institutions. The firm is frequently called upon to assist on a variety of financial services regulation matters, including establishment of operations, licensing issues and compliance with regulatory regimes. Hall & Wilcox is also active in emerging areas, such as fintech. Its notable clients include Hope Housing Fund Management, Sire Custodians and Fidira.