The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted interim authorisation to Australian Payments Network Limited (AusPayNet) and Australian Payments Plus Limited (AP+).
On 21 February 2025, AusPayNet and AP+ filed an application on behalf of themselves and members of the Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS) Framework and the New Payments Platform Scheme to engage in discussions and the sharing of information between each other and/or third parties (including the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Commonwealth Treasury and industry participants) for the purpose of, and to the extent it is reasonably necessary for, the development of a common industry vision regarding the future of account-to-account payments infrastructure in Australia and the in-principle agreement as to how that desired future state should be achieved.
The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to AusPayNet. AP+ as well as current and future members of the BECS, current and future members of the New Payments Platform, and other businesses relevantly concerned in the supply, acquisition or use of account-to-account services in Australia.
Interim authorisation is granted to enable the Applicants to establish processes, gather the requisite information, commence planning and prepare for the Proposed Conduct.
Interim authorisation does not extend to holding meetings or reaching any common position on the subject of the Proposed Conduct.
