Australia's regulatory sandbox will be expanded to include a wider range of fintech products and services following relatively poor take-up by the industry.
The government released exposure draft legislation to create an «enhanced» regulatory sandbox. Announcing the proposed legislation, Treasurer Scott Morrison said the new sandbox would help firms overcome the initial regulatory burden and costs of licensing that may otherwise hinder innovative offerings.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has been operating its regulatory sandbox since 15 December 2016. However, only a limited range of services have been permitted under the Concept Validation Licensing Exemption environment.
Commercial Viability
Under the government's new proposals, fintech firms will be able to test a wider range of products, including: providing holistic financial advice in relation to superannuation, life insurance and domestic and international securities; issuing and facilitating consumer credit; issuing non-cash payment products; and providing a crowd-funding service.
Firms will need to adhere to robust consumer protections and disclosure requirements including responsible lending obligations, best interests duty, and the need for adequate compensation and dispute resolution arrangements.
«There will be a longer, 24-month testing timeframe during which firms will be able to evaluate the commercial viability of new concepts,» Morrison said.
