Australian Banking Regulation Checklist 2026
Updated March 2026 | 8 min read | By GoComply
If you're a compliance officer at an Australian ADI (authorised deposit-taking institution), this is your master checklist. Every regulation, standard, and obligation your bank faces — in one place.
Want instant answers about any of these regulations?
GoComply's AI chatbot covers all 37 with clause-level references.
1. Foundational Legislation
| Regulation | Administered By | Key Obligation |
|---|
| Banking Act 1959 | APRA | ADI authorisation, prudential standards, FCS ($250K deposit guarantee) |
| Corporations Act 2001 | ASIC | AFSL licensing, directors' duties, continuous disclosure, financial reporting |
| APRA Act 1998 | APRA | Establishes APRA's supervisory powers and governance |
| Reserve Bank Act 1959 | RBA | Monetary policy, financial stability, lender of last resort |
| ASIC Act 2001 | ASIC | Consumer protection, unconscionable conduct, misleading conduct |
2. APRA Prudential Standards (Cross-Industry)
| Standard | Topic | Key Deadline |
|---|
| CPS 230 | Operational Risk Management | 1 Jul 2025 (SFIs), 1 Jul 2026 (non-SFIs) |
| CPS 234 | Information Security | Current — 72hr incident notification |
| CPS 220 | Risk Management Framework | Current — annual RMF review |
| CPS 510 | Governance | Current — board composition, committees |
| CPS 511 | Remuneration | 1 Jan 2024 (SFIs), 1 Jan 2026 (others) |
| CPS 226 | Non-Centrally Cleared Derivatives | Current — daily margin exchange |
3. Accountability and Governance
| Regulation | Key Obligation | Deadline |
|---|
| FAR Act 2023 | Accountability statements, maps, deferred remuneration | 15 Mar 2024 (ADIs) |
| CPS 520 | Fit and proper requirements for directors and senior managers | Current |
4. Customer Protection
| Regulation | Key Obligation |
|---|
| AML/CTF Act 2006 | KYC, SMRs (24hr/3 days), TTRs ($10K+), AML/CTF program |
| Privacy Act 1988 | APPs 1-13, notifiable data breaches (OAIC notification) |
| NCCP Act 2009 | Responsible lending, credit licensing, hardship provisions |
| DDO (Part 7.8A Corps Act) | Target market determinations, distribution obligations |
| CSLR | Compensation scheme levies for unpaid AFCA determinations |
5. Structural and Ownership
| Regulation | Key Obligation |
|---|
| Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act 1998 | 20% ownership cap without Treasurer approval |
| Financial Sector (Transfer) Act 1999 | APRA-supervised business transfers |
| Foreign Acquisitions Act 1975 | FIRB approval for foreign investment in ADIs |
6. Other Obligations
| Regulation | Key Obligation |
|---|
| WHS Act 2011 | Workplace safety, officer due diligence |
| Superannuation Guarantee Act 1992 | 12% employer SG contributions |
| Financial Sector Levies Act | Annual APRA/ASIC supervisory levies |
| Payment Systems Act 1998 | RBA payment system standards, interchange fees |
| Cheques Act 1986 | Cheque processing obligations (until 2030 phase-out) |
Search all 37 regulations instantly
GoComply's AI chatbot answers any compliance question with exact clause references.
Try free — no login required
Key Compliance Dates for 2025-2026
- 1 Jul 2025 — CPS 230 effective (SFIs must fully comply)
- 1 Jan 2026 — CPS 511 effective for non-SFIs
- 1 Jul 2026 — CPS 230 BCP requirements for non-SFIs
- 2026 — AML/CTF Tranche 2 (lawyers, accountants, real estate agents become reporting entities)
- Ongoing — FAR accountability statements and maps must be current at all times
This checklist is for informational purposes. Consult qualified compliance professionals for specific obligations. GoComply AI chatbot covers all regulations listed above.