Australian Payments Network Limited and Ors

On 21 February 2025, Australian Payments Network Limited (AusPayNet) and Australian Payments Plus Limited (AP+) lodged an application on behalf of themselves and members of the Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS) Framework and the New Payments Platform (NPP) Scheme to engage in discussion 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 (A2A) payments infrastructure in Australia and the in-principle agreement as to how that desired future state should be achieved (the Proposed Conduct).

In Australia, electronic transactions between financial institutions, including payroll, recurring payments to merchants and some one-off A2A transfers have been processed via BECS. In June 2023, the Australian Commonwealth Government announced its support for an industry-led, phased transition away from BECS.

The parties intend to engage in the proposed conduct via a Roundtable for discussions between the Applicants, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Commonwealth Treasury, and two forums: the AusPayNet PRC-Sponsored Member Workshop (PSMW) and the AP+ Review Standing Committee (ARSC).

Authorisation was sought for 18 months. AusPayNet also requested interim authorisation to enable it to engage in conduct related to the PSMW and ARSC, including setting up the PSMW and ARSC and other preparatory steps.

On 1 May 2025, the ACCC granted interim authorisation to AusPayNet, AP+, BECS members and NPP members to enable them 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.

On 3 July 2025, the ACCC issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation with conditions for the Applicants to engage in the Proposed Conduct for 18 months.

On 1 August 2025, the ACCC issued a final determination granting authorisation with conditions until 31 January 2027.

Copies of the ACCC’s interim authorisation, draft determination and final determination are available below.