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
Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh: Today Australia’s banking system is coming together to launch the most comprehensive set of new anti-scam reforms. With a level of unprecedented cooperation, banks, commercial banks, building societies, credit unions, and mutual banks have joined together to commit to a set of anti-scam reforms to keep Australians and their… Read more »
Australian banks have joined forces to launch a new Scam-Safe Accord to deliver a higher standard of protection for customers and put scammers out of business in Australia. This Accord, between Australia’s community owned banks, building societies, credit unions and commercial banks is a comprehensive set of anti-scam measures across the entire industry. “This Scam-Safe… Read more »
Banks will contribute $19 million over three years to the Government’s voluntary financial counselling model announced today by Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth. “Banks large and small are proud to be funding the lions share of this initiative.” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh. This funding will help increase the availability of free, independent counselling… Read more »