Compliance Forums 2025 – Navigating Change with Confidence
GRC Solutions welcomed compliance, legal, and risk professionals from financial institutions around Australia to our annual Compliance Forums in Adelaide – 25 March, Melbourne – 26 March and Sydney – 2 April.
Featuring industry leaders and legal experts, the forum brought into focus the key issues shaping compliance practices today – and the anticipated shifts just over the horizon.
From vulnerable customers to scam prevention, AML reform to AI regulation, the sessions provided practical insights and future-focused thinking for professionals navigating a dynamic risk landscape. Here’s a quick overview of the sessions featured at the most recent forum held in Sydney.
Image: Grace Mason, Partner, Financial Crime, KordaMentha presenting at the Sydney forum on AML/CTF Tranche 2 Law Amendments.
Understanding and Supporting Vulnerable Customers
Kicking off the day, Phil Haultain, General Counsel for GRC Solutions, explored the growing regulatory and ethical expectations in the banking sector around vulnerable customers.
As financial institutions face increasing obligations to recognise and support these customers, Phil emphasised the importance of accessible services, proactive protections, and embedding fairness into customer engagement strategies.
Scam Prevention Framework: A New Legal Landscape
Patrick Dwyer, Legal Director, Dwyer Harris, provided a timely breakdown of the newly enacted Scams Prevention Framework Act 2025 (Cth). With consumer scams on the rise, this legislation introduces six foundational principles to guide compliance and enforcement.
Patrick also shared practical challenges and preparation steps, helping organisations better understand their responsibilities under the Act.
Risk Culture: The Foundation of Resilience
Vito Giudice, Managing Director of Ascentium, highlighted the central role of risk culture in organisational decision-making and sustainability.
His session underscored the need for strong leadership, clear communication, and accountability across all levels of the business. As compliance becomes more than a process – risk culture becomes embedded in how an organisation operates.
AML/CTF Tranche 2 Amendments: What to Expect
The long-awaited reforms to Australia’s AML/CTF regime are finally taking shape. Grace Mason, Partner, Financial Crime, KordaMentha, discussed the implications of Tranche 2, which introduces changes that will affect both existing and newly captured reporting entities.
Her session offered clarity on AUSTRAC’s evolving rules and guidance, with actionable steps for organisations preparing for compliance in 2025 and beyond.
AI Innovation and Regulation: Balancing Ethics and Opportunity
To close the forum, Adrian Phoon, Head of Content at GRC Solutions, explored the rapidly expanding role of AI in compliance operations. His session addressed the ethical and regulatory risks that come with innovation – touching on privacy, bias, AI-washing, and human accountability.
Adrian’s key message: AI is here to stay, but trust, transparency, and customer-centric thinking must guide its use.
A Day of Connection and Insight
More than just a learning opportunity, the Compliance Forum was a chance to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and reaffirm the importance of integrity in a shifting regulatory environment.
At GRC Solutions, we’re proud to support the compliance community with forums like this – designed to deliver both clarity and confidence in a time of rapid change.
Contact us today to learn more about our compliance training solutions and how they can support your council’s governance and culture.
Don’t Miss Our Final Compliance Forum in Brisbane
Join us in Brisbane at the AICD Members Lounge, Eagle St, Brisbane on 8 May for our final compliance forum of the year. Click here to register.
