Financial Services – Royal Commission and Its Aftermath

The financial services industry in Australia underwent vast changes recently with the conclusion of the Royal Commission hearings and its recommendations. It was in late 2017 that the Australian government announced the formation of the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry. This came amidst a prolonged political and industry wrangling despite an urgent need for untangling the several issues buffeting the industry. This article focuses on certain significant issues that may confront foreign financial service providers (FFSPs) in Australia, especially the changes made to the law triggered by the recommendations of the Royal Commission. It will also discuss intended reliefs to FFSPs contained in a recently released Consultation Paper.