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 banks continue to back growth and innovation across the farming sector with agribusiness lending now at record levels, exceeding $131 billion for the first time. The Australian Banking Association is highlighting the banking sector’s ongoing support for Aussie farmers this National Agriculture Day. Lending to agribusinesses has skyrocketed over the last year, rising 9.4 per cent in… Read more »
The ABA welcomes the introduction into the Parliament of critical scam fighting legislation to better protect Australians. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said the Federal Government’s proposed Scams Prevention Framework is the best way forward to prevent, detect, report, disrupt and respond to scams. “This is an important step forward in our ongoing work to scam-proof… Read more »
Banks stand ready to support Far West NSW communities hit by recent storms and ongoing power outages. ABA CEO Anna Bligh acknowledged that many households and businesses in the Far West were still feeling the effect of this severe weather event. “My message to customers in these communities, is please reach out to your bank… Read more »