Transitioning from BEAR to FAR – key activities for ADIs

The Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) Bill 2023 passed through both chambers of Parliament on 5 September 2023 with no material changes to the legislation as compared to its 2022 and 2021 counterparts. This regime will apply to ADIs from 15 March 2024, and all other APRA-regulated entities from 15 March 2025. 

As entities work towards their respective commencement dates, they may be at different stages of their journey:

- For ADIs transitioning from the Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR) to FAR, we have set out below the key activities that will assist in an effective and successful transition.

- For other APRA regulated entities just starting out on their FAR journey or that have previously commenced their FAR journey based on BEAR, or the various FAR Bills, please check out our webpage on preparing for FAR (here) and our blogs on the key requirements of FAR (here), and the key changes from BEAR to FAR (here). 

Key activities for ADIs transitioning from BEAR to FAR:

1. Creating foundations: Strong foundations will be the key to success for transitioning from BEAR to FAR. Transition programs should be supported by clear a project plan and a well-defined communication and engagement approach. These will be informed and strengthened by conducting an initial gap analysis to understand new requirements or requirements under BEAR that have changed.
2. Identifying the scope of FAR: FAR has expanded the list of responsibilities that were first prescribed under BEAR and the ADI’s entities (both regulated and those indirectly caught by BEAR) may change given the change from requiring all subsidiaries to comply with the majority of the BEAR requirements as if they were subject to BEAR, to requiring only ‘significant related entities’4 to comply with the majority of the FAR requirements as if they were subject to FAR. Entities will need to identify the impact of FAR on its in-scope legal entities and its Accountable Persons (‘AP’) population and prepare or amend accountability statements to reflect the changes in scope.
3. Taking reasonable steps: The introduction of a new accountability obligation under FAR for APs to take reasonable steps to prevent matters from arising that would (or would be likely to) result in a material contravention of any of the specified laws set out in the legislation represents a change of focus for APs. It will therefore be important that APs understand the relevant compliance obligations, its impact on their area of responsibility and the measures taken by the ADI to comply. ADIs should review their existing reasonable steps frameworks (including guidance and tools) and support APs to review their reasonable steps records / documentation and document any further reasonable steps in light of the new obligation.
4. Bringing FAR to life: ADIs should prepare a structured training program for their APs (and direct reports, as required) to educate them on the key changes resulting from FAR. It will also be important to educate other stakeholders so that they understand what FAR is and what their role is in supporting cultural enhancements and compliance for the ADI and the APs.
5. Setting up for BAU: Most ADIs will already have existing BAU processes in place to support governance around and compliance with the BEAR. ADIs should seek to uplift / build upon their existing BAU processes when transitioning FAR. A review of existing governance arrangements ought to be undertaken to confirm if existing processes are appropriate to support ongoing compliance under FAR. It will also be important to align remuneration processes to the CPS 511 requirements.

During transition, ADIs should consider how efficiencies can be created for their entities that may come under the regime at a later date (e.g. their insurance arms or ASIC-regulated entities).

If you have not already commenced your transition, we recommend starting now in order to overcome any nuances that weren’t contemplated under BEAR, and to be operating in BAU by March 2024.

If you have any questions or comments, or require assistance, please contact us.

Notes:

1) A ‘significant related entity’ of an ADI includes those subsidiaries that have a material and substantial effect on the accountable entity or the business or activities of the accountable entity, is constitutionally covered body and is not an accountable entity itself (as opposed to capturing all subsidiaries under BEAR).