Australia’s financial regulators and superannuation industry leaders have set out a united front on safeguarding households through economic uncertainty, using a CEDA livestream last week to outline a more agile, coordinated regulatory approach.
The discussion, titled Financial security in uncertain times: building a responsive regulatory framework, brought together the Australian Financial Security Authority’s Chief Executive, Tim Beresford, APRA’s Margaret Cole and ASFA’s Mary Delahunty, with moderation by Cassandra Winzar. The panel explored how to protect Australians’ financial wellbeing — from immediate hardship to longer-term retirement outcomes — during bouts of volatility.
Beresford detailed AFSA’s role in keeping credit flowing via oversight of the personal insolvency system and stewardship of the $480 billion Personal Property Securities Register. He said AFSA aims to apply regulation in a proportionate, purpose‑driven and outcomes‑focused way, marrying firm action against systemic harms with support for people experiencing vulnerability. He also underscored the importance of collaboration across regulators to spot emerging risks, share intelligence and boost overall regulatory effectiveness.
Cole outlined APRA’s current priorities, including strengthening operational risk management across financial institutions, lifting cyber resilience and responding to systemic challenges such as the First Guardian and Shield Master Fund situations.
Delahunty set out ASFA’s work on the National Retirement Income Strategy, shared takeaways from a recent economic reform roundtable and emphasised the role of financial literacy in helping Australians navigate retirement with confidence.
Collectively, the panel reaffirmed the value of strong, effective rules coupled with a coordinated, whole‑of‑system approach that supports vulnerable Australians while sustaining long‑term economic confidence and stability.
The session was moderated by Cassandra Winzar. A recording of the discussion has been made available by CEDA.
