FinTech Voice, October 9, 2025

Written By Katrina Angelika

Hi FinTech Australia Community,

As we approach the end of the calendar year, the team is busy drafting submissions to a number of consultations, and supporting the delegation to Singapore Fintech Festival.

We raised our concerns about the de minimis exemption that Treasury is proposing for CDR but are also looking forward to other proposed reforms for the full CDR reset.

We also understand a few fintechs are traveling to Singapore for Singapore Fintech Festival, Hong Kong for Hong Kong FinTech Week, and to Vegas for Money2020 USA. To access special discount codes, please reach out to the team.

Kind regards,

Rehan D’Almeida,

Chief Executive Officer,

FinTech Australia

Policy Update

Treasury CDR consultation

Treasury is consulting on two proposed reforms to the Consumer Data Right (CDR):

  1. A third-party consent model; and

  2. A de minimis exemption, which would permit 55 banks and credit unions to opt out of participating in the CDR.

FinTech Australia is committed to supporting a robust, healthy and successful CDR. A key part of the CDR's value proposition is that it is a comprehensive, one-stop-shop for consumer data. We are therefore very concerned by the de minimis proposal and will be making these concerns known to Treasury.

FinTech Australia will be making a submission to Treasury and we are seeking your feedback on both proposals. 

You can get involved by registering to attend our member call at 12pm (AEDT) on Thursday, 9 October or contacting our Policy Team.

DFAT Southeast Asian free trade agreements consultation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is consulting on how free trade agreements with Southeast Asian countries may be modernised. This includes dealing with new and emerging trade issues, such as those relating to the digital economy. 

FinTech Australia is considering making a submission. Please contact our Policy Team if you wish to provide feedback.

OTHER NEWS

  • Treasury has released a report finding that artificial intelligence is governed by the Australian Consumer Law and it is not necessary to amend this law to cover goods and services provided through AI programs.

  • ASIC has indicated that it expects lenders to “continue to focus on improving hardship support for customers in financial distress”.

  • ASIC has granted a no action position for small banks to reduce the frequency of internal dispute resolution (IDR) data reporting from every 6 months to every 12 months.

  • ASIC has announced that following consultation, it will publish firm-level IDR data but not Reportable Situations data.

  • APRA has called for superannuation trustees keeping member contributions in platform products to do more to protect members’ money.

  • The RBA has released its Financial Stability Review, which presents an economy-wide picture of the key financial risks to Australia.

  • AUSTRAC has launched a campaign to raise awareness about significant changes to AML/CTF laws. These changes will expand the regime to new sectors and change the obligations of firms who already have reporting obligations.

  • APRA has released its annual report for 2024-25.

WE ARE WORKING ON SUBMISSIONS TO THESE CONSULTATIONS

  1. Treasury's CDR consultation (here and here);

  2. Treasury's exposure draft on digital asset & tokenised custody platforms licensing; and

  3. ASIC's regulatory simplification project.

WE RECENTLY MADE SUBMISSIONS TO THESE CONSULTATIONS

  1. Department of Industry, Science and Resources issues papers connected to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (public release pending);

  2. RBA Consultation – Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging (with the assistance of our policy partner, K&L Gates);

  3. Productivity Commission - Harnessing data and digital technology (with the assistance of our policy partner, Ashurst);

  4. Cyber Security Strategy – Horizon 2 Policy Discussion Paper; and

  5. Treasury's Compensation Scheme of Last Resort special levy consultation.

See other FinTech Australia submissions on our website.

Members interested in contributing any of the submissions should reach out to our Policy Team.

 FinTech Australia regularly makes submissions to consultations across a wide range of policy and regulatory issues. Communications about how to get involved in these processes are distributed to our Policy Working Group membership. If you would like to be added to a distribution list for this, please contact our Policy Team.

Upcoming Events

Save the dates for our events in 2026! 

Mark your calendars and reach out to the team if you have any enquiries or would like to support any of these events.

  • Intersekt 2026 — 3 & 4 September 2026 at The Crown Promenade Melbourne

Community Events

International Events

Are you looking to expand into and explore the markets of US, Hong Kong or Singapore? Reach out to us to access discounted tickets to these international fintech events!

International Programs

 Opportunities from the community

For all events and opportunities from the community, click here.

Community Updates

Don’t miss all the news and insights from our members and corporate partners from our newsroom.

  • FrankieOne and Daon Partner to Tackle AI-Driven Fraud and Strengthen Global Identity Verification. Read More.

  • Spenda’s new Interim CEO, Corrie Hassan, sets a clear agenda: laser-focused execution and operational discipline. Read More.

  • eCommerce merchants set to benefit as Monoova speeds up real-time payments. Read More.

  • Zeller begins global push with move into UK’s £1.3 trillion SME market. Read More.

  • Revolut Revolutionises Rewards: Aussies Can Now Turn Everyday Debit Spending into Uncapped Travel and Lifestyle Perks with RevPoints. Read More.

  • Made in WA: Scaleup Personr Redefines Compliance Nationally. Read More.

  • LENSELL and AlphaQuark Partner to Deliver Next-Gen Portfolio Optimisation. Read More.

For more news from the community, see here.

New Members

Let's welcome FinTech Australia's new members! 🎉

FinTech Australia's Podcast

Listen to the challenges, opportunities, and stories from our community faces across the fintech industry in Australia! 🇦🇺

Tune in to our new podcast episode featuring Marco Lamantia , Executive Director at Square Australia, Ben Zyl, Co-Founder & CEO of Waave and hosted by David Adams, Senior Business Journalist at SmartCompany, as they unpack how fintechs have transformed a once bank-dominated payments market through innovation, accessibility, and simplicity.

From proposed surcharging bans and interchange fees to shifting consumer behaviour, this candid conversation captures how fintech is reshaping the future of payments in Australia.

Tune into FA Podcast here! 🎧

Katrina Angelika
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