6-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

March 12, 2021

Commission File Number 1-10167

WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

275 KENT STREET, SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES 2000, AUSTRALIA

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F      x               Form 40-F     ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨

Index to Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Description
1	ASX Release – Closure of APRA’s AUSTRAC-related investigation

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: March 12, 2021	By:	/s/ Yvette Adiguzel
		Yvette Adiguzel
		Tier One Attorney

EX-1

Exhibit 1

ASX Release 12 MARCH 2021CLOSURE OF APRA’S AUSTRAC-RELATED INVESTIGATIONLevel 18, 275 Kent Street Sydney, NSW, 2000Westpac notes that the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has today announced that it has closed its investigation into matters related to the AUSTRAC proceedings.This follows the conclusion of ASIC’s AUSTRAC-related investigation in December 2020.A copy of the APRA press release is attached.For further information:Stephanie Arena Andrew Bowden Senior Manager Media Relations Head of Investor Relations 0466 451 995 0438 284 863 This document has been authorised for release by Tim Hartin, General Manager & Company Secretary.

 

12/03/2021 APRA closes investigation into Westpac anti-money laundering breaches | APRAChoose IndustryHome News and publications APRA closes investigation into Westpac anti-money laundering breachesMEDIA RELEASES APRA closes investigation into Westpac anti-money laundering breachesFriday 12 March 2021The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has closed its investigation into possible breaches of the Banking Act 1959, including the Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR), by Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac).APRA commenced the investigation in December 2019 to examine prudential concerns arising from allegations by AUSTRAC that Westpac had breached anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism laws. APRA’s investigation also examined the bank’s actions to rectify and remediate the issues after they were identiied.In June last year, APRA delegated certain enforcement powers under the Banking Act to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which was conducting its own investigation into whether the conduct giving rise to the allegations amounted to contraventions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act). The delegation was done to avoid both agencies separately investigating and potentially litigating related matters.Having carefully considered the results of ASIC’s investigation, APRA has determined to close its investigation. Westpac remains subject to a court enforceable undertaking (CEU) to implement an integrated risk governance remediation plan to uplift risk governance across its business with ongoing independent review over its progress. The $1 billion operational risk capital add-on, which reflects the bank’s heightened operational risk proile, will also remain in place until Westpac completes its remediation under the CEU to APRA’s satisfaction.APRA Deputy Chair John Lonsdale said: “Although the investigation has not found evidence of breaches of the Banking Act or the BEAR, APRA remains determined to ensure Westpac rectiies its risk governance weaknesses efectively and sustainably.https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-closes-investigation-into-westpac-anti-money-laun dering-breaches 1/2

 

12/03/2021 APRA closes investigation into Westpac anti-money laundering breaches | APRA https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-closes-investigation-into-westpac-anti-money-laundering-breaches 2/2 “Under the enforceable undertaking, Westpac has clearly delned Executive and Board accountabilities for the implementation of its integrated risk governance remediation plan. APRA will be holding Westpac to account for the delivery of the required improvements,” Mr Lonsdale said. Media enquiries Contact APRA Media Unit, on +61 2 9210 3636 All other enquiries For more information contact APRA on 1300 558 849. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is the prudential regulator of the lnancial services industry. It oversees banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance, private health insurers, friendly societies, and most members of the superannuation industry. APRA currently supervises institutions holding $7.7 trillion in assets for Australian depositors, policyholders and superannuation fund members. Subscribe for updates To receive media releases, publications, speeches and other industryrelated information by email