Regulation
News on regulation, including from Treasury, the RBA, ACCC, AUSTRAC and other authorities
Cash
+1
Mar 11, 2026
•
Is banking politics at play in lingering cash saga?
Despite the promise of special interest deals and approved closed-shop negotiations, Australia’s high drama cash distribution saga has dragged on for almost three years.
Fintech
+3
Mar 4, 2026
•
Blended rates, fintech carve-outs and a trillion-dollar gatekeeper: who really pays?
Australia's parliamentary payments inquiry stripped back the complexity to expose three uncomfortable truths: small businesses are subsidising the system, fintechs want exemptions that would make it worse, and Apple won't even say what it charges.
Fintech
+4
Feb 25, 2026
•
Threatened “Zero Cost” Smartpay changes name and wants AusPayNet review
With its business model on the brink, blended rate terminal operator Smartpay has changed its name and come out swinging on surcharge regulation, scheme fees, Apple Pay and big bank dominance, including the role of the industry’s “governance body” AusPayNet.
Cash
+4
Feb 18, 2026
•
Australia breaks new records on card spending ... and merchant fees
New data shows 2025 saw record card usage in Australia, but fees charged to merchants for accepting those cards also increased across almost all card categories.
Fintech
+2
Feb 4, 2026
•
Growing pains. Square wants scheme regulation as it expands market focus
The US-based group is celebrating 10 years in the Australian market and says more regulation is needed on card schemes as it shifts gears to chase bigger merchants.
Fintech
+2
Jan 28, 2026
•
AUSTRAC audit clouds Airwallex IPO and highlights cross-border regulatory risk
The planned float of Australian fintech Airwallex has been thrown into doubt after AUSTRAC ordered an independent audit over concerns its payments systems may be failing to detect serious financial crime, including child sexual exploitation — sharpening investor focus on governance and bank relationships.
Cash
+2
Jan 7, 2026
•
Mandate kicks off a big year for cash policy, as ACCC greenlights ABA collaboration on distribution despite concerns
The Cash Acceptance Mandate became law on January 1 and the ACCC has now greenlighted the Australian Banking Association (ABA) to collaborate on cash distribution despite stakeholder concerns - kicking off a huge year for cash policy in Australia.
Cash
+12
Dec 17, 2025
•
Massive year in payments but 2026 looms even larger
There will be little rest for the payments industry this summer, as businesses, regulators and lawmakers get ready for a raft of big changes in the New Year. In the final edition of PayDay News for 2025, we look at the big changes this year, and what to expect in 2026.
