Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Or refine your search by selecting a city:
Refine your search by selecting a city.
Structured finance is a complex area of law and finance that involves pooling financial assets and turning them into securities that can be traded or held as investments. In Australia, structured finance covers a range of activities, including securitisation of mortgages or other debts, project finance, syndicated lending, derivatives, and the creation of innovative financial products to meet specific financial needs. Australian law provides a robust regulatory environment for these transactions, helping both issuers and investors manage risk while facilitating the flow of capital. The sector is heavily influenced by international best practices and local legislative frameworks.
Engaging with structured finance transactions in Australia can be highly beneficial but also risky without the right advice. Here are some common reasons why individuals and businesses might require a lawyer specialising in structured finance:
A lawyer ensures you understand your rights and obligations, minimising risk and maximising returns in complex financial arrangements.
Structured finance in Australia is subject to a variety of laws, regulations, and industry guidelines. Some key legal aspects include:
Australian courts and regulators have a history of scrutinising structured finance arrangements, especially in the context of insolvency or consumer protection. Compliance with these laws is essential for all parties involved.
Structured finance is the process of structuring, managing, and documenting complex financial products that may involve pooling assets, transferring risks, or creating securities, such as asset-backed securities.
The main regulator is the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Other relevant bodies include the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for banking and insurance participants.
Securitisation involves converting a pool of assets, such as home loans, into marketable securities that can be sold to investors. This process helps free up capital and provides funding for further lending.
Risks include credit risk, legal and compliance risk, market risk, and operational risk. Each transaction should be carefully structured and documented to mitigate these risks.
Yes. Issuers of structured finance products must comply with strict disclosure requirements under the Corporations Act and ASIC guidance, ensuring all material risks and features are transparent to investors.
Security interests over asset pools must be registered on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) in accordance with the PPSA. Proper registration protects the priority of security interests.
Taxation impacts the structure and returns of these products. Professional tax advice is essential as tax liabilities can arise for both issuers and investors.
Yes, but foreign participants must comply with Australian regulatory requirements, including those associated with offerings to Australian investors and disclosure obligations.
Default procedures depend on the transaction's documents but often involve enforcement of security interests, possible insolvency proceedings, and managing the rights of investors and lenders.
Legal advice is recommended as early as possible in the transaction lifecycle, ideally before any documents are signed or commitments are made. Early advice helps ensure compliance and risk management.
If you are seeking information or support, you may find these resources helpful:
Professional legal associations or law firms with expertise in structured finance can also offer valuable guidance.
If you are considering involvement in a structured finance transaction or need advice on an existing arrangement, here are steps you can take:
Legal advice can help you confidently navigate complex regulatory environments, meet compliance obligations, and make informed decisions about structured finance opportunities.
