Regrettably, the COVID pandemic took a turn for the worse in Australia, with higher community transmission and consequential societal and business restrictions and lockdowns. This has caused some meaningful reduction in present economic activity, though a clearer roadmap to reopening and recovery is now apparent, likely leading to a sharp rebound in activity in 2022.

Regulatory compliance promotes confidence in our financial system and is expensive—but it surely beats the alternative. This short essay throws light on what, who and how.

Intermediaries perform unique tasks that create benefits for those seeking products and services and those who provide them. They lubricate to reduce market friction in commerce, diplomacy and personal matters. 

Our financial fabric could not be the success that it is today without its vast intermediary force.