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ASIC drops investigation into Westpac

by Annie Kane8 minute read
ASIC drops investigation into Westpac

The financial services regulator has concluded its investigation into Westpac’s alleged breaches of anti-money laundering laws and does not intend to take any enforcement action against it, it has confirmed.

The major bank had previously settled the case with AUSTRAC and agreed to pay a record $1.3 billion penalty for over 23 million breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. It has also released a range of actions to rectify and remediate the issues after they were identified.

An investigation into the conduct that led to Westpac’s contraventions of anti-money laundering laws had been undertaken by ASIC earlier this year.

However, Westpac has now revealed that it has been informed by ASIC that the regulator has concluded its investigation and that it “does not intend to take any enforcement action against Westpac or any individuals in connection with the investigation”.

Both the Westpac CEO and the board have “unreservedly” apologised and voiced their “deep sorrow for failings by Westpac”.

[Related: Westpac releases response plan to AUSTRAC issues]

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AUTHOR

Annie Kane is the managing editor of Momentum's mortgage broking title, The Adviser.

As well as leading the editorial strategy, Annie writes news and features about the Australian broking industry, the mortgage market, financial regulation, fintechs and the wider lending landscape.

She is also the host of the Elite Broker, New Broker, Mortgage & Finance Leader, Women in Finance and In Focus podcasts and The Adviser Live webcasts. 

Annie regularly emcees industry events and awards, such as the Better Business Summit, the Women in Finance Summit as well as other industry events.

Prior to joining The Adviser in 2016, Annie wrote for The Guardian Australia and had a speciality in sustainability.

She has also had her work published in several leading consumer titles, including Elle (Australia) magazine, BBC Music, BBC History and Homes & Antiques magazines.  

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