Westpac: Fined $1.3bn to settle AUSTRAC case

  • Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC) has agreed to pay $1.3 billion to settle its case with AUSTRAC
  • If the Federal Court of Australia considers the penalty appropriate, it will be the largest-ever civil penalty in the country’s history
  • Last year, AUSTRAC accused the banking giant of breaching anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws more than 23 million times
  • Westpac and AUSTRAC have filed a Statement of Agreed Facts with the Federal Court
  • The bank has admitted to an additional 76,000 breaches, resulting in the recommended $1.3 billion penalty, higher than the bank’s initial estimate of $900 million
  • Westpac shares are 2.32 per cent down in early trade, worth $16.01
Steve Sam
Steve Sam
Steve Sam is a financial reporter, analyst, and commentator with a strong focus on banking technology, digital payments, and the future of financial services.

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