5 September 2022
These ABA Sanctions Guidelines are intended for Australian Banking Association (ABA) member banks. The guidelines are not legally binding. They aim to set out good industry practice for ABA members and their staff in relation to sanctions requirements. These Guidelines are limited to obligations applicable to Australian financial institutions under Australian sanctions laws administered by DFAT. They have nevertheless been developed with reference to the broader Australian legislative and regulatory framework, including but not limited to obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth) (AML/CTF Act) and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing.
Examples of sanctions measures which may be relevant to the Australian banking industry include:
• Targeted financial sanctions (including asset freezes) on designated persons and entities
• Restrictions on trade in goods and services (including ‘arms or related materiel’), and or
• Restrictions on engaging in certain commercial activities.
These guidelines were updated December 2021.
Latest news
Banks are urging Australians to side-step fake or dodgy tickets this footy season, as scammers set their sights on fans across all football codes. More than $36 million was lost to buying and selling scams last year, including fake ticket sales, with criminals looking to cash in on the excitement and passion of footy fans…. Read more »
E&OEPodcast InterviewThe Savings Tip Jar18 February 2026. Topics: Mortgage refinancing, savings accounts. Dominic Beattie (Host): Welcome to this week’s Dollar Dialog, and today we’re talking refinancing, with new data dropping from the ABS last week, showing that a record 640,000 Australian mortgages were refinanced through 2025, which is up 20% on the previous year. So,… Read more »
Over 640 000 homeowners refinanced their mortgage last year, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. New lending indicators data shows 640 137 mortgages were refinanced throughout 2025, a 20 per cent jump from the previous year as more borrowers than ever before renegotiated or switched their home loans. ABA… Read more »