The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) has finalised Guidelines for Businesses Establishing Panels, aimed at reducing the risk of enforcement actions under the Fair Competition Act. 

These guidelines apply to practices where businesses—such as commercial banks, insurance companies, and mortgage institutions—require customers to use complementary products from third-party providers listed on panels managed by the business. Panels are often created to maintain quality standards for third-party products. 

However, they can pose competition risks by restricting market entry and limiting provider participation, especially when selection criteria are unclear or subjective. Businesses that do not align their panel management practices with the Guidelines may face increased exposure to Fair Competition litigation. 

The Guidelines recommend that panels be designed and managed to minimise anti-competitive effects. They provide a framework to ensure transparency in panel selection, fair competition in complementary markets, and efficient transactions that benefit consumers. 

The Guidelines are currently under review to incorporate stakeholder feedback and are scheduled for publication in January 2026.