Laura Newton

Full Profile

Laura is a Special Counsel in the Technology and Media team in Sydney, joining in May 2022. Laura primarily focusses on cyber incident response management, as well as any regulatory investigations which arise out of these incidents. Laura has over 10 years’ experience in government and regulation – including experience at AUSTRAC, ASIC and APRA -  with a particular focus on regulatory investigations and related litigation.

Since joining Clyde & Co, Laura has managed over 70 incidents at various stages of the cyber incident lifecycle. From advising on privacy obligations and reporting obligations, to sanctions and criminal law considerations, Laura brings a calm, measured and organised approach to what is often a stressful period for entities facing a cyber incident. Laura has also been involved in a number of regulatory investigations which have arisen out of a cyber incident; Laura’s regulatory background allows her to provide valuable insight to clients, whilst simultaneously managing a regulatory response team to work toward the best outcome for the client. 

Experience

Regulatory investigations

• Successfully closed off a large regulatory investigation into an AFSL entity who had suffered a cyber incident with a favourable outcome for the client.
   
• Managed a high profile regulatory investigation following a cyber incident involving a multi-disciplinary team and a number of stakeholders to co-ordinate a large-scale response to production notices and various regulatory inquiries

Incident Response

• Managed over 70 cyber and/or privacy related incidents impacting entities from a variety of sectors;
   
• Advised Boards (particularly of AFSL and/or APRA related entities) of their obligations in respect of cyber incidents and provided advice on reporting obligations in respect of this;
   
• Managed third party vendors and stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of an incident, including advising on privacy obligations, regulatory reporting and notification obligations
   
• Provided advice in respect of the legality of ransom payments in Australia, including the consideration of the application of the Criminal Code to the circumstances, and the impact of a decision to pay a ransom on the Board of Directors. This has included advice for foreign directors through the Clyde One global network
   
• Managed large-scale investigations into corporate misconduct, fraud and Director’s Duties and continuous disclosure obligations, including any subsequent litigation arising from these investigations
   
• Worked with international financial regulators, including New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea regulators to achieve broad regulatory efficiencies across the region and understand their approach to regulation