In this week's Australian Financial Services Online's Weekly Finance News Wrap, the focus is on new strategies to combat financial scams, the escalating issue of soaring rental costs in the housing market, increased regulation in financial services, and the lack of interest rate cuts in 2022. According to Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, significant efforts are being deployed against financial scams, which has seen a 29% decrease in losses. The housing scene sees challenges with rental costs growing at a faster rate than incomes. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is stepping up its scrutiny on financial advisor records to ensure trust and accuracy in the sector. The banking sector forecasts no interest rate cuts for this year; instead, Westpac predicts possible rate hikes, stirring economic concerns amid minor improvement in consumer sentiment.n