Hamilton Locke advises UNSW Canberra on its cornerstone investment in an ACT based venture capital fund – ACTivate Capital L.P.
Hamilton Locke advised UNSW Canberra on its significant investment into the newly formed ACTivate Capital L.P. (the Fund), the first Early-Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership backed by the ACT Government. UNSW Canberra joins the ACT Government and Epicorp Limited as the cornerstone investors in the Fund focused on supporting the Canberra start-up ecosystem. The establishment […]
Facial recognition technology: Is there a path forward for the Australian retail sector?
The lawful use of facial recognition technology, particularly in a commercial retail setting, is increasingly challenging under Australian privacy law. Even where the primary purpose for deploying the technology is for crime or fraud prevention purposes, consent must be obtained (other than in limited circumstances), from all individuals who facial images are captured and used […]
Are you providing digital assets financial services unlicensed? Act now!
ASIC has long held the view that many digital assets businesses are already providing financial services without an AFS licence. That position was confirmed in INFO Sheet 225, but ASIC has also issued a class no action letter to help provide a pathway to licensing for digital asset businesses that currently need to hold an: […]
ASIC’s latest warning to lenders on hardship calls for a customer-centric system
Lenders have improved their financial hardship practices – but there is still quite a lot of work to be done. This was one of ASIC’s key findings in its recently released Report 815 Hardship, not as hard to get help, done as a follow up to its 2024 review of hardship practices. ASIC’s report captures its […]
ASIC’s digital assets no action position – but wait, there’s a catch…
ASIC has pivoted and finally actioned the digital asset industry’s request for certainty and a safe transition path to regulation. This is particularly important for some of the most contested digital asset services, which ASIC considers are already being provided unlicensed by providers – stablecoins and wrapped tokens. ASIC has done this by: Publishing a […]
ASIC sharpens its focus on private credit real estate funds: an update for licensees
Private credit loans to real estate – including development and infrastructure – are estimated to be the largest sector of Australia’s private credit market. In its Report 814: Private Credit in Australia (REP 814), released in September 2025, ASIC identified both strengths and shortcomings in private credit, signalling an opportunity for the industry to raise […]
Hamilton Locke has been named a finalist in the 2025 Blockies Awards
Hamilton Locke has been announced as a finalist in the 2025 Blockies Awards in the category of Outstanding Professional Services. The Australian Blockchain Industry Awards, known as The Blockies, is an annual event hosted by the Digital Economy Council of Australia (DECA). The Blockies – Australia’s premier awards recognising excellence in blockchain, digital assets, and the broader digital […]
Four key takeaways from the “Travel Rule” reforms and how they’ll impact Australian reporting entities
Australian reporting entities have less than six months to design, build and test compliant solutions to meet new obligations commencing on 31 March 2026. These changes will have wide-reaching impacts, particularly for entities that have never before been subject to AML/CTF obligations. Need to know From 31 March 2026, “value transfers” – including money, virtual […]
Hamilton Locke advises on the landmark acquisition of Independent Reserve by IG Group
Hamilton Locke is delighted to have advised on the acquisition of Independent Reserve, one of Australia’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, by London Stock Exchange-listed IG Group Holdings plc for an initial enterprise value of A$178 million. This transaction represents a significant milestone for Australia’s digital asset sector and demonstrates the growing maturity of the cryptocurrency market. […]
Hamilton Locke advises Longreach Credit Investors and Australian Philanthropic Services in relation to the club senior secured facility provided to Pacific Green
Hamilton Locke is pleased to have acted for Longreach Credit Investors and Australian Philanthropic Services in relation to the A$77 million club senior secured facility provided to the Pacific Green. Pacific Green will use the facility to support the continued development of its portfolio of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects across the Australian National […]
Stablecoins and digital cash explained: a ‘cash’ course on the future of money
With tokenisation and digital payment solutions on the rise, there have never been more options when it comes to money and payments. However, not all ‘money’ is the same and the differences can turn on a dime. Here’s a quick, clear guide to the new world of money: the different types, your legal rights, and […]
AI in the Boardroom: balancing innovation and obligation
Used wisely, AI tools can arguably enhance the corporate decision-making process. There are risks, however, in directors overly relying on or blindly trusting in AI output – and they need to be able to justify its use in the context of their legal duties and responsibilities. Need to know: AI use in workplaces is soaring, […]
