Concerns over buy now pay later sector
CONSUMER groups have slammed a move by the booming “buy now, pay later” sector to self-regulate, saying its new code does not go far enough.
The Herald Sun has seen a draft copy of the code, developed under the guidance of the Australian Finance Industry Association, which sets out minimum standards for the industry. Under the code, new customers will face tougher checks if they want to spend more than $15,000, including the BNPL provider assessing existing customer data and conducting a credit check to ensure customers can meet repayments.
However, it does not compel them to run external checks if the transaction amount is under $2000, meaning they can continue to rely on their external systems to establish whether a customer can use the service.
The draft code would require providers to conduct anti-money laundering identity checks, ensure customers can make the first payment upfront, and restrict consumers from making further purchases if they are behind on repayments. They will also be banned from advertising products to minors.
PARIS: Veteran French film actor Gerard Depardieu has been put under criminal investigation on rape charges for an alleged assault on a 22-yearold actress.
The revival by prosecutors of a case dropped in 2019 for lack of evidence follows a series of allegations and criminal investigations of public figures in France over the past year.
The woman, now 24, who has not been named, told the police in 2018 Depardieu, a close family friend, had “raped and committed sexual assaults” on her in a “rehearsal” at his home on August 7 and August 13 that year.
Herve Temime, Depardieu’s lawyer, said his client “completely rejects the accusations”.
Elodie Tuaillon-Hibon, the alleged victim’s lawyer, said she hoped her client’s privacy would be respected and she would not be named.
The case was reopened in August after the actress made a civil complaint, a procedure that automatically requires the appointment of an examining judge.
The examining judge will determine within about a year whether or not to press charges and send him to trial.