APRA Connect: Navigating the Migration from D2A to APRA’s Next-Generation Reporting Platform

Matthew Morgan
May 21
2 min read

Updated: May 21

Understanding APRA Connect

APRA Connect is the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s web-based platform for data collection. It replaces the legacy Direct to APRA (D2A) system, which has been used by regulated entities for over two decades. Designed to streamline regulatory submissions and improve data quality, APRA Connect is now the central hub for all entity information and much of the financial data reporting required by APRA.

The shift to APRA Connect is part of APRA’s broader commitment to improving the efficiency, consistency, and accuracy of regulatory data collection across the financial services industry.

APRA has announced that D2A will be fully de-commissioned by December 2027. All remaining APRA reports currently submitted on D2A will be migrated to APRA Connect.

D2A to APRA Connect Migration Approach

D2A will be decommissioned before December 2027. APRA presented the initial principles for the migration to APRA Connect at a webinar for industry in March 2025:

“Like-for-like” migration: to minimise impact on industry, APRA has confirmed that the remaining forms will be migrated “like-for-like” and that there will be no changes to the reporting standards, guidelines and validation requirements as part of this transition.
Test Environment: APRA will release the migrated forms in the test environment progressively between Q2, 2025 through to Q3, 2026. Entities can access the APRA Connect test environment to familiarise themselves with the new upload process and structure
No Parallel Run: APRA confirmed that there will be no parallel run requirements.

APRA Connect will continue to use structured online forms and excel and XML-based data uploads. XBRL is not supported as a submission-format and copy-paste of information is not supported on APRA Connect.

How Reg360 Supports the Shift to APRA Connect

Reg360 helps reporting entities adapt to APRA Connect by providing a purpose-built regulatory reporting solution that simplifies the end-to-end reporting lifecycle:

APRA Connect-Compatible Outputs: Reg360 transforms internal data into APRA-compliant XML submissions, ready for upload into APRA Connect.
Reg360 outputs are compatible with both D2A and APRA Connect, ensuring a seamless transition to the new portal.
Pre-Submission Validation: Reduce rework with built-in validation aligned with APRA’s rules, catching issues before they’re submitted.
Seamless Workflow Integration: Reg360 supports internal review and sign-off workflows, ensuring submissions are accurate and audit-ready.
Data Mapping & Conversion: The platform helps you align legacy data structures with APRA’s updated taxonomies and reporting templates.
User Support & Training: Reg360 partners with clients to provide onboarding and user training focused on navigating APRA Connect efficiently.

Reg360 is the world’s only regulatory reporting solution that is designed from the ground up for the age of big data and cloud computing. With advanced collaboration features, Reg360 creates a central reporting platform for all reporting stakeholders. Reg360 is disrupting the regulatory reporting landscape with a solution that meets both the business and technology requirements of the modern data-driven enterprise.

Join the (r)evolution. Book a demo here.