APRA unveils digital Prudential Handbook

APRA has launched its new digital Prudential Handbook, aimed at modernising and simplifying regulatory compliance for financial entities.

Modernising prudential standards

APRA’s new digital Prudential Handbook consolidates all prudential standards, guidance, and supporting information into a single, easily navigable digital format.

This move is part of APRA’s strategic initiative to modernise the prudential architecture (MPA), making the framework simpler, clearer, and more adaptable.

“The ultimate goal we have been working towards is a digital framework that will be easier for the industry to understand and comply with, and for APRA to supervise and maintain – and ultimately to better protect Australians’ financial interests,” said APRA Chair John Lonsdale (pictured above), in a letter to APRA-regulated entities.

Key features of the Prudential Handbook

The Prudential Handbook incorporates several key features:

• Better regulation: Improving the design of the framework by structuring it in clear pillars, and rationalising and consolidating standards and guidance where feasible.
• Digital-first approach: Utilising technology to facilitate easier access and management of standards, guidance, and policy information.
• New risks, new rules: Developing APRA’s approach to emerging risk areas in a cohesive and integrated manner with existing standards.

Facilitating industry adaptation

APRA plans for the handbook to run in parallel with the current APRA website for a few months to ensure a smooth transition for regulated entities.

“We encourage you to use the Handbook and provide feedback at [email protected],” Lonsdale said.

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