ARTICLE · 18 FEBRUARY 2019

Why is financial product design so important?

Bright Law

Explore more from Bright Law

Disclosure documents are inadequate to protect persons against products which do not provide value to the customer.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Commissioner Hayne has recommended that the Treasury Laws Amendment (Design and Distribution Obligations and Product Intervention Power) Bill 2018 which is currently stalled in Parliament be extended to apply the Design and Distribution Obligations to National Credit Act products and ASIC Act products and the ASIC Product Intervention Powers be extended to apply to ASIC Act products which are not otherwise regulated by the Credit Act.

If passed in its current form the Bill will amend the Corporations Act and the Credit Act to introduce a product intervention power for ASIC to prevent or respond to significant consumer detriment in relation to both financial and credit products.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

Financial Services in Focus – Issue 113

AustraliaFinance and Banking

What Platform Operators Need To Know As ASIC Consults On Digital Assets Reform

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Financing Space: The Final Frontier

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Foreign Financial Services Providers Need To Realign Australian Operations To Address Impending AFS Licensing Regulatory Reform

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Mortgage Default: How It Affects Your Financial Future

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Stonegate Legal

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

Comparative Guide

Banking & Finance

Comparative Guide

Lending & Secured Finance

Comparative Guide

Project Finance

Comparative Guide

Alternative Investment Funds

See more popular content from

Finance and Banking

Compliance Committee Forum Webinar, June 2023

The recent Compliance Committee Forum webinar included updates for fund managers and a discussion on greenwashing.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Daylight Saving Time For New York Ends This Weekend

Are you reporting trades by New York (NY) time or following NY close of business? If so, it is important to check that your trades/transactions are still reported at the correct time as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends in the US on Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 2:00 am local time.

GlobalFinance and Banking

Australia's Enhanced Substantial Holding Disclosure And Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Regime Comes Into Effect From 4 December

Australian financial markets face a fundamental shift in disclosure requirements from December 2026, as new rules expand substantial holding obligations beyond traditional voting interests to capture derivative positions and economic exposure. Market participants must now navigate complex calculations involving physically settleable derivatives, cash-settled instruments, and offsetting short positions—with no grandfathering for existing holdings.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Loan Default Negotiations: What Options Do Borrowers Have?

When a borrower defaults on a loan, does the lender have an immediate right to repossess property or force a sale? This article examines the negotiation options available to borrowers after loan default, the statutory protections under the National Credit Code, and the enforcement rights and obligations of lenders under Queensland's Property Law Act 2023.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Stonegate Legal

New Payment Models Face A Broader Licensing Regime

Australia's payment services landscape is undergoing a fundamental regulatory transformation with the introduction of new legislation that shifts focus from specific technologies to the functions and activities performed by payment service providers. The Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2026 will replace the existing non-cash payment facility framework with a comprehensive licensing regime that distinguishes between payment products and payment services, potentially capturing previously unregulated payment

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Funds Update - 4 September 2026

On 24 August 2026, ASIC released its 2026-2027 Corporate Plan, announcing that it is committed to being easier to deal with for those trying to comply with the law, while being harder to avoid for those causing harm.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Equity Derivatives: The New Substantial Holder Notice Disclosure Requirements

From 4 December 2026, enhanced substantial holding disclosure and beneficial ownership disclosure obligations will apply to entities listed on Australian securities exchanges.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Australia's Financial Services Council Issues New Guidelines On Climate Risk Disclosure For Asset Managers

The Guidance Note seeks to provide practical steps, based on leading practice, to guide investment managers on how to communicate with investors regarding the relevant green or sustainable attributes of relevant products and services.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Australia's Updated Financial Innovation Strategy

The Australian Government has unveiled its Financial Innovation Strategy, introducing a new Financial Innovation Committee and overhauling the Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox framework to better support emerging businesses testing innovative financial products. The strategy encompasses reforms across consumer data rights, digital assets, tokenised infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks designed to position Australia as a leader in financial innovation.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

ASIC extends deadlines for AFSL holders to lodge Financial Reports

Listed and unlisted entities will have an additional month to lodge their financial statements with ASIC.

AustraliaFinance and Banking

Sophie Grace Pty Ltd