ACCC launches CDR portal

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced the launch of its Register and Accreditation Application Platform (RAAP), the “IT backbone” of the Consumer Data Right changes, which aim to see consumers access their own data held by businesses and transfer that data to trust third parties of choice.

The main functions of the RAAP are to create a “trusted data environment” where encrypted data can only be shared between approved participants and to provide a portal where businesses can become accredited as approved participants.

Interested entities will now be able to apply for accreditation using the electronic application form, accessed via the new Consumer Data Right Participant Portal.

As part of the accreditation process, the ACCC will assess prospective data recipients against the accreditation criteria, including whether prospective data recipients:

• are fit and proper persons to handle consumer data;
• have in place the necessary measures to securely handle consumer data;
• are adequately insured; and
• can handle any complaints that may arise as part of those activities.

Applicants should anticipate that the accreditation process may take around three months from submission of a complete application, and that the time taken to assess the application will vary depending on matters such as whether the applicant has all the required information available and the complexity of the applicant’s business model.

The ACCC has also published the Consumer Data Right Accreditation Guidelines to assist applicants with the accreditation process.

The sharing of banking data securely between major banks and initial Accredited Data Recipients will commence on 1 July 2020.

“This launch of this Consumer Data Right platform and portal means businesses of all sizes can take the first steps towards being part of this crucial economic reform,” ACCC commissioner Sarah Court said.

“As more businesses become accredited over time, consumers will benefit from an increasing number of innovative services and a vastly improved experience that puts them in control of their data.”

“We are encouraging businesses wanting to participate in the Consumer Data Right regime to apply for accreditation and take part in reshaping banking competition in Australia,” Ms Court said.

[Related: ACCC provides CDR exemptions]