Anyloan Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Record Fine for Macquarie Bank in Energy Market Breach

Record Fine for Macquarie Bank in Energy Market Breach

Record Fine for Macquarie Bank in Energy Market Breach?w=400
Macquarie Bank's lapse in detecting irregular activities within the electricity futures market has led to it incurring nearly $5 million in penalties.
The Australian corporate watchdog highlighted the bank’s systemic oversight issues and reiterated the potential negative effects on consumer energy bills.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) handed down a historic $4.995 million fine to Macquarie's Markets Disciplinary Panel on Wednesday, the largest in ASIC's history. The penalty emerged after the panel found Macquarie repeatedly allowed suspicious trading activity by three clients between January and September 2022.

ASIC expressed concerns that these dubious orders, placed in the final minute before market close, appeared intended to manipulate the daily settlement price to benefit the clients' existing contracts. Despite repeated flags, Macquarie allegedly did not act to preemptively mitigate these risks, failing its role as a market overseer.

Joe Lungo, the chair of ASIC, noted, "The substantial penalty underscores the significant and potentially systemic shortcomings by Macquarie in dealing with these suspected manipulations within the energy derivatives landscape." According to Lungo, Macquarie's stature as the largest energy derivatives participant necessitates encoding stringent surveillance measures to curb such suspicious trades.

Despite prior warnings, Macquarie’s surveillance measures proved insufficient to address these issues efficiently. This repeated inability to monitor and manage the pertinent concerns ultimately culminated in the hefty fine.

Lungo further remarked on the broader implications of market manipulations, explaining how these could potentially hike supplier funding costs, cascading down as augmented electricity charges for end consumers already grappling with rising living expenses.

The problematic period coincided with an era of immense volatility in global energy markets, partly due to geopolitical tensions like Russia's actions in Ukraine. On six different occasions, ASIC had addressed the potentially damaging impacts of the orders raised within this volatile context to Macquarie, yet no significant alterations ensued.

"The Markets Disciplinary Panel noted that Macquarie's reluctance to proactively manage ASIC's concerns, especially given the turbulent state of global energy markets, worsened the oversight failures," remarked the regulatory body. "Moreover, it assessed that Macquarie underappreciated the necessity of its duties as a market participant, failing to expedite appropriate actions to manage evident surveillance deficiencies," ASIC concluded.

This record-breaking penalty isn't just a simple reprimand but serves as an imperative reminder for other financial institutions about the importance and accountability in market oversight, especially during periods of heightened volatility.

Published:Friday, 27th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Overseas Investors Target Australian Real Estate Debt Overseas Investors Target Australian Real Estate Debt
13 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian commercial real estate debt market is garnering attention from international investors, with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) making significant inroads. In partnership with Nuveen, a global asset manager, a substantial investment strategy targeting Australian real estate debt has closed its second round. The total commitment exceeded $650 million, with CPP Investments contributing $300 million through their CPPIB Credit Investments Inc. - read more
ASIC Cracks Down on Risky Financial Influences ASIC Cracks Down on Risky Financial Influences
12 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued warnings to 18 social media influencers actively promoting high-risk financial products without the necessary licence. The move is part of a broader initiative to curb unlicensed financial advice in the online sphere, where influencers often lure young audiences with glamorous lifestyles while dispensing questionable investment tips. ASIC has identified these so-called 'finfluencers' as operating in breech of the Corporations Act by promoting complex financial products like derivatives without proper authorisation. - read more
ASIC Introduces 2-Year Fast-Track IPO Trial to Boost Market Appeal ASIC Introduces 2-Year Fast-Track IPO Trial to Boost Market Appeal
11 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has responded to stakeholder feedback by initiating a two-year trial of a fast-track process for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). This initiative aims to address the decline in Australian IPOs and the number of public companies by making the IPO process more efficient. - read more
Intergenerational Wealth Transfer: A Prime Opportunity for Australian Advisers Intergenerational Wealth Transfer: A Prime Opportunity for Australian Advisers
11 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from EY's Global Wealth Research report highlight a significant opportunity for financial advisers in Australia as a large-scale intergenerational wealth transfer looms. With only 35% of Australians planning to retain their inherited assets in their existing forms, there is a noticeable shift towards diversification, with 51% intending to spread their investments across various asset classes. This trend opens the door for advisers to engage deeply with new inheritors, ensuring client retention across generations. - read more
RBA Poised for July Rate Cut Amid Economic Slowdown RBA Poised for July Rate Cut Amid Economic Slowdown
11 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is widely expected to cut the official cash rate (OCR) at its upcoming July meeting. According to Westpac, the probability of this decision has reached an overwhelming 97% in financial markets. - read more


Finance Articles

The Art of Loan Management: An Essential Skill for Australians The Art of Loan Management: An Essential Skill for Australians
Loan management skills are crucial for individuals and families in Australia, as they play a vital role in managing finances and achieving financial stability. Effective loan management enables individuals to make sound financial decisions and avoid falling into debt traps. This article aims to highlight the importance of acquiring loan management skills and how it can benefit Australians. - read more
Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know
When applying for a loan in Australia, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the loan application process. Whether you are applying for a home loan, personal loan, or business loan, knowing the necessary steps and having all the required documents ready can save you time and frustration. - read more
Mastering Money: Strategies to Boost Your Financial Health Mastering Money: Strategies to Boost Your Financial Health
Financial health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, particularly in the ever-evolving economic landscape of Australia. The capacity to manage personal finances effectively not only provides a sense of security but also opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. As such, mastering the art of money management is an indispensable skill for Australians from all walks of life. - read more
Understanding Interest Rates: How to Get the Best Deal on Your Loan in 2024 Understanding Interest Rates: How to Get the Best Deal on Your Loan in 2024
As we step into the year 2024, the financial landscape continues to evolve, bringing to the fore the ever-critical subject of interest rates. For anyone considering taking out a loan, whether for a car, a home, or personal expenses, understanding the mechanics of interest rates is not just beneficial; it’s essential. - read more
Essential Factors to Consider When Comparing Australian Loan Providers Essential Factors to Consider When Comparing Australian Loan Providers
Understanding the nuances of interest rates in today's Australian financial landscape is more than a matter of mere fiscal responsibility; it is a critical step in safeguarding your personal economy and ensuring that any loan acquired aligns perfectly with your financial aspirations for 2024 and beyond. In a world where every percentage point can translate into significant savings or costs over time, grasping what's at stake when selecting a loan provider becomes an essential skill. - read more
Smart Borrowing in the Digital Age: Navigating the World of Online Loans Smart Borrowing in the Digital Age: Navigating the World of Online Loans
In today's digital age, the landscape of borrowing has evolved with the emergence of online loans. The convenience and accessibility offered by online lenders have made them an increasingly popular choice for Australians seeking financial assistance. However, it is essential to approach online borrowing with caution and make informed decisions to ensure smart borrowing practices. - read more
Comparing Loan Options in Australia: The Role of Loan Calculators Comparing Loan Options in Australia: The Role of Loan Calculators
Loan calculators are powerful tools that assist borrowers in estimating their potential loan payments. By inputting variables such as loan amount, interest rate, and loan term, these calculators provide insight into what one's monthly repayments might look like. This can be invaluable for budgeting and financial planning purposes. - read more
Mastering Money: Strategies to Boost Your Financial Health Mastering Money: Strategies to Boost Your Financial Health
Financial health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, particularly in the ever-evolving economic landscape of Australia. The capacity to manage personal finances effectively not only provides a sense of security but also opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. As such, mastering the art of money management is an indispensable skill for Australians from all walks of life. - read more
The Impact of Credit Scores on Loan Applications: How to Borrow Smartly The Impact of Credit Scores on Loan Applications: How to Borrow Smartly
Credit scores play a crucial role in loan applications, determining eligibility and interest rates for borrowers. Understanding how credit scores are calculated and the impact they have on loan applications is essential for anyone who wants to borrow smartly. - read more
Understanding Loan Calculators: A Practical Guide for Smart Borrowers Understanding Loan Calculators: A Practical Guide for Smart Borrowers
Understanding the loan application process can be quite challenging. However, with the right tools, it becomes much easier to navigate. One of these essential tools is a loan calculator. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Loan Amortisation Schedule:
This is the formal name for the repayment schedule that shows each of your mortgage payments with a breakdown of how much is applied to principal and how much is applied to interest.


Quick Links: | Compare Loans | Bad Credit Loans | Finance For Self-employed | Low Rates | Free Loan Assessment