The Minister for Financial Services & Regulation, Joe Hockey, said today the Financial Services Reform Bill would start on 11 March 2002.
The decision follows a roundtable meeting in Canberra today with more than 40 key companies and industry associations from the financial services sector.
"I am glad we have reached consensus on the start of this revolutionary Bill," the Minister said.
"This is a major change for the financial services industry. We listened to what industry had to say, heard their concerns and responded accordingly.
"It is important that the start date of this major piece of legislation takes place in an orderly and consistent way.
"A start of 11 March next year will allow staff to be trained, systems to be put in place and proper compliance arrangements to commence."