Reporting & Disclosure regulatory updates from Australia.
We track 99 Reporting & Disclosure updates from Australia regulators, published by ASIC. The archive covers 99 news items. Most recent update: September 2026.
ASIC halts offers of private credit products offered under Remara Cash Management Fund
Why this matters
This is an enforcement action by ASIC against Melbourne Securities Corporation for deficiencies in target market determinations (TMDs) for private credit products. The interim stop orders prevent dealing and advice on the Remara Cash Management Fund products.
ASIC observes improved sustainability reporting and notes areas for further development
Why this matters
This is a regulatory guidance update based on ASIC's review of 312 sustainability reports from the first cohort of mandatory reporters. It provides actionable feedback on compliance quality, identifies gaps (forward-looking disclosures, assumptions/judgements), and signals ASIC's ongoing monitoring and engagement with...
Three super funds issued infringement notices for misleading investment disclosures
Why this matters
This is a news announcement of completed enforcement action (infringement notices issued and largely paid) by ASIC against three superannuation fund trustees for false or misleading representations about investment options, asset allocation, and performance objectives on their websites and member portals.
ASIC and APRA commence consultation on FAR streamlining
Why this matters
This is a formal consultation by two major Australian regulators (ASIC and APRA) proposing changes to the FAR that will reduce reporting burden across banking, insurance, and superannuation sectors. The update affects governance and accountability frameworks for a broad set of regulated firms.
Federal Court declares Netwealth contravened the Corporations Act in relation to First Guardian
AI Analysis
On 20 August 2026, the Federal Court declared that Netwealth Superannuation Services Pty Ltd and Netwealth Investments Limited contravened sections 912A(1)(a) and 912A(5A) of the Corporations Act 2001 by failing to obtain and assess sufficient information, conduct adequate independent enquiries into First Guardian's investment risks, and disclose potential illiquidity to members. The declarations reinforce ASIC's emerging enforcement position that platform trustees must perform substantive, independent due diligence and ongoing monitoring of complex investment options, rather than relying primarily on information supplied by product issuers or advisers.
Key dates
2021-03-01
First Guardian Diversified Class and Growth Class became available to adviser-led members through Netwealth Super Accelerator Plus; the publication gives March 2021 rather than a specific day.
2022-12-01
First Guardian classes were closed to new investments; the publication gives December 2022 rather than a specific day.
2024-05-01
Falcon Capital froze redemptions, leaving approximately 1,080 NSMF members invested with holdings totalling about $100.7 million; the publication gives May 2024 rather than a specific day.
2025-12-17
APRA accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Netwealth Superannuation Services addressing material weaknesses in its investment governance framework and practices.
2025-12-18
ASIC commenced Federal Court proceedings against Netwealth and accepted a court-enforceable undertaking requiring compensation of affected members.
2026-01-28
Netwealth credited compensation payments to affected members' superannuation accounts; ASIC reported that more than $100 million had been paid to over 1,000 investors in January 2026.
2026-08-20
The Federal Court made declarations that Netwealth contravened the Corporations Act in relation to First Guardian.
Suggested considerations
Firms should consider mapping their investment-option onboarding and review processes against sections 912A(1)(a) and 912A(5A) of the Corporations Act 2001, including documenting how the trustee independently validates issuer-provided information.
Compliance teams may wish to require documented evidence of independent enquiries into strategy, underlying assets, valuation methodology, leverage, related-party exposure, custody, redemption terms, liquidity and operational risks before an option is approved.
Trustees should consider implementing risk-based ongoing monitoring, watch-list and escalation criteria for complex or high-risk options, with clear triggers for suspension, closure, member notification and review of future investment directions.
Firms should consider testing whether product disclosure documents, investment menus, member communications and online materials accurately explain potential illiquidity and any limits or conditions affecting withdrawals or redemptions.
Trustees may wish to review historical investment options that were onboarded between March 2021 and December 2022, or during comparable periods, to identify gaps in due diligence, monitoring, risk disclosure and remediation records.
Compliance teams should consider preserving approval papers, committee minutes, independent research, issuer correspondence, risk assessments, liquidity analyses and member communications sufficient to demonstrate the basis for each onboarding and monitoring decision.
Where material weaknesses are identified, firms should consider a documented remediation assessment covering member impact, compensation, disclosure correction, governance uplift and potential notification to ASIC, APRA or AFCA as appropriate.
Trustees should consider whether their governance framework can evidence alignment with the best financial interests duty and applicable APRA prudential expectations, particularly when adding high-risk investments to a platform.
What changed
The publication records binding Federal Court declarations against Netwealth; it does not introduce a new statutory rule or generally applicable deadline. The relevant conduct was found to breach the Australian financial services licensee obligation in section 912A(1)(a) to do all things necessary to ensure licensed financial services are provided efficiently, honestly and fairly, together with section 912A(5A), in the context of Netwealth's operation of the Netwealth Superannuation Master Fund.
Compliance impact
The outcome is high-severity for superannuation platform governance because affected members invested approximately $128.5 million across the two First Guardian classes, and more than $100 million was ultimately paid to over 1,000 affected investors. Although ASIC did not seek a pecuniary penalty because of the timely 100% compensation, the declarations expose trustees to significant remediation, litigation, regulatory scrutiny and reputational consequences where product due diligence, liquidity assessment, monitoring or member disclosure is inadequate.
ASIC warns retail investors about risky products offered by online brokers
AI Analysis
ASIC has published a warning after a targeted surveillance of nine online brokers, finding shortcomings in target market determinations, onboarding, and disclosure for short-dated ETOs, futures, and fractional shares offered to retail investors. The publication matters because ASIC says these products can produce rapid, magnified losses and may be unsuitable for many retail clients.
Key dates
2026-03-01
ASIC surveillance period began
2026-06-30
ASIC surveillance period ended
Suggested considerations
Compliance teams may wish to review whether target market determinations are narrowly drafted and contain specific reasoning on how the product fits likely objectives, financial situations, and needs.
Firms may wish to test whether onboarding questionnaires are genuinely tailored to client circumstances and whether repeated or unlimited retakes create a weak suitability gate.
Firms may wish to assess whether disclosures clearly explain leverage, time decay, settlement, ownership rights, custody arrangements, transferability, and all material fees or costs.
Compliance teams may wish to review sign-up incentives, fee-free trading claims, and reward promotions to confirm they do not obscure product risk or encourage impulsive trading.
Firms may wish to verify that product governance and distribution controls continue after onboarding through monitoring, escalation, and remediation processes.
Compliance teams may wish to consider whether retail distribution of short-dated ETOs and futures should be restricted or more tightly segmented given ASIC’s statement that these products are unlikely to suit many retail investors.
What changed
This is not a new binding rule; it is a supervisory publication that signals ASIC’s expectations for firms offering complex or high-risk products to retail investors. ASIC says entities should ensure target market determinations are sufficiently specific, onboarding questions are tailored to client circumstances, and disclosures clearly explain the risks, costs, ownership structures, and transfer implications associated with products such as fractional shares, ETOs, and futures.
Compliance impact
ASIC is signaling a meaningful conduct and product-governance risk for brokers distributing complex products to retail clients, with deficiencies already prompting remediation and market exit by some firms. The regulator says it is continuing to address concerns and is considering further regulatory or enforcement action, which raises the prospect of supervisory follow-up or formal enforcement if weaknesses persist.
McPherson’s liable for continuous disclosure failure and misleading investors, former CEO breached directors’ duties
AI Analysis
ASIC’s publication reports that the Federal Court found McPherson’s Limited breached continuous disclosure laws and engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct in relation to its October 2020 earnings guidance, and that former CEO Laurence McAllister breached his duty of care and diligence as a director. The decision matters because it reinforces that listed entities must promptly correct market guidance when later information shows the original forecast no longer has a reasonable basis.
Key dates
2020-10-20
McPherson’s issued earnings guidance to the market forecasting profit growth, supported by Dr LeWinn purchasing forecasts.
2020-11-12
Court found McPherson’s had sufficient information that sales and purchasing forecasts were materially below expectations and corrective disclosure was required.
2020-11-30
End of the period in which McPherson’s failed to correct the market.
2020-12-01
McPherson’s downgraded and withdrew its earnings guidance; the share price fell 34.5%.
2022-12-09
ASIC commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against McPherson’s and Mr McAllister.
Suggested considerations
Compliance teams may wish to review escalation processes for sales data, forecast changes, and other information that could undermine published earnings guidance.
Firms may wish to test whether internal triggers require reassessment of market disclosures when trading updates, channel data, or event results materially diverge from prior assumptions.
Directors and officers may wish to confirm who is responsible for approving market announcements and whether they have sufficient visibility over information that could make prior statements misleading.
Listed entities may wish to reassess procedures for correcting or withdrawing guidance promptly after new information emerges, especially where prior statements were repeated in cleansing notices or AGM materials.
What changed
This is an enforcement outcome, not a new rule: the Court held that McPherson’s had a duty to correct the market once it learned, by 2020-11-12, that Dr LeWinn purchasing forecasts and sales results were significantly below expectations and that the October 2020 profit forecast no longer had a reasonable basis. The Court found the company breached continuous disclosure obligations and misled investors by failing to disclose the revised forecasts and by not withdrawing the October 2020 profit forecast between 2020-11-12 and 2020-11-30.
Compliance impact
The Court treated the delay as serious because it allegedly left the market with a misleading profit outlook for nearly three weeks and exposed both the company and its former CEO to civil penalty consequences. ASIC highlighted that delays in correcting materially changed earnings guidance can undermine market integrity and investor confidence.
Recruitment firm Hudson Global Resources (Aust) Pty Ltd fined $270,000 for breaching financial reporting obligations
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against recruitment firm for non-lodgement of audited financial reports. Primary relevance is financial reporting obligations and compliance with Corporations Act requirements for large proprietary companies.
Consumers left in the dark about rising car insurance premiums, ASIC warns
Why this matters
ASIC regulatory review of motor vehicle insurance sector focusing on transparency failures in premium disclosure and renewal documents. Identifies systemic consumer protection issues where insurers fail to explain premium calculation factors and price increases.
ASIC warns companies to lodge financial reports on time after Mainfreight Group pays $594,000 in infringement notices
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against Mainfreight Group for late financial report lodgement. This is informational content warning companies about compliance obligations for financial reporting deadlines.
ASIC suspends AFS licence of CFD issuer GFA Capital Markets
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action suspending AFS licence of CFD issuer for client money mishandling, reporting breaches, and compliance failures. Informational regulatory announcement of completed enforcement decision with no immediate action required by other firms.
ASIC proposes improved pre-IPO advertising flexibility and global alignment
Why this matters
ASIC proposes relaxing pre-IPO advertising restrictions to align with international standards and modernize capital markets rules. This is informational regulatory guidance affecting IPO disclosure practices and prospectus requirements, primarily impacting broker-dealers and asset managers involved in capital raising.
Harvey Norman and Latitude ordered to pay combined $55 million penalties for misleading customers
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against Harvey Norman and Latitude Finance for misleading advertising of interest-free payment schemes. Core issues involve consumer protection violations, inadequate disclosure of credit card requirements and associated fees, and conduct breaches under ASIC Act.
ASIC reminds Registered Company Auditors of their obligations and outlines stronger oversight
Why this matters
ASIC regulatory reminder to registered company auditors regarding their legal and professional obligations. This is informational guidance on audit compliance, independence requirements, and oversight activities.
Federal Court finds former Noumi CEO breached directors’ duties and financial reporting obligations
Why this matters
Federal Court judgment against former CEO for breaching directors' duties and financial reporting obligations. This is an enforcement outcome establishing precedent for director accountability in financial reporting accuracy.
ASIC suspends AFS licence of Prime Value Asset Management Limited
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action suspending AFS licence of Prime Value Asset Management due to failure to meet statutory audit and financial reporting obligations. This is a regulatory enforcement announcement affecting a managed investment scheme operator. Classified as informational news rather than urgent market alert.
ASIC's Statement of Intent is a high-level strategic document outlining regulatory approach and organizational objectives across all regulated sectors. It addresses governance, regulatory framework, and stakeholder relationships rather than specific compliance requirements.
NAB’s WealthHub fined over $1 million for reporting failures
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against WealthHub for systematic regulatory reporting failures over 10 years, specifically regarding Intermediary ID data in trade reports. This is informational news content documenting a completed enforcement outcome rather than an emerging regulatory requirement.
Deutsche Bank pays $2 million penalty for systemic trade reporting failures
Why this matters
Deutsche Bank enforcement action for systemic failures in OTC derivative transaction reporting to ASIC. This is regulatory news documenting a completed enforcement matter with penalty paid. The violation involved misreporting direction fields across 260,000+ transactions, affecting market monitoring capabilities.
ASX ordered to pay $20.5 million penalty for misleading conduct relating to CHESS replacement project
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against ASX for misleading market announcements regarding CHESS replacement project. Informational news item documenting Federal Court penalty decision. Relevant to capital markets operators and their disclosure obligations regarding material project updates.
ASIC issues DDO stop orders against Stratfund’s Australian Fixed Income Fund
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against Stratfund for deficient target market determinations (TMD) in managed investment schemes. The stop orders address consumer protection failures in product design and distribution obligations (DDO).
Rex held accountable for continuous disclosure failure, three non-executive directors did not breach duties
Why this matters
This is an ASIC enforcement decision regarding continuous disclosure obligations breached by a listed airline company. The case establishes precedent on disclosure timing and director accountability.
ASIC secures $10.3 million in penalties against Mercer Super for systemic reporting failures
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against Mercer Super for systemic failures in reportable situations regime compliance. Primary focus on superannuation trustee's inadequate reporting of investigations into member service failures (insurance charging after death, fee errors, fund allocation delays).
ASX admits misleading conduct relating to CHESS replacement project
Why this matters
ASX admitted to misleading market disclosures about critical infrastructure project status, resulting in Federal Court proceedings with $20.5M penalty. This is informational news regarding market conduct violations and disclosure failures by a major exchange operator.
Palmer Leisure Coolum Pty Ltd pleads guilty to takeover law breaches
Why this matters
This is an ASIC enforcement action regarding takeover law breaches under the Corporations Act. The case involves failure to comply with mandatory offer requirements within the prescribed two-month period, which falls under market abuse and disclosure obligations.
Fashion and beauty retailers trading under the Zara, H&M and Sephora brands pay $596,000 in infringement notices for failing to lodge financial reports on time
Why this matters
This is an ASIC enforcement news release regarding late financial report lodgement by large proprietary companies in retail sectors. While the companies operate in fashion and beauty retail (non-financial), the regulatory focus is on financial reporting compliance obligations that apply broadly to large proprietary...
ASIC cancels AFS licence of Eden Asset Management Pty Ltd
Why this matters
ASIC announcement of AFS licence cancellation for Eden Asset Management due to liquidation and non-compliance with statutory reporting requirements. Informational regulatory action with no immediate urgency implications for other market participants.
ASIC appeals Federal Court decision dismissing case against Nuix
Why this matters
ASIC appeal concerning continuous disclosure obligations and misleading statements about financial performance (ACV metrics) by software provider Nuix. Informational news update on regulatory enforcement action; classified as null urgency as this is a news announcement rather than a directive requiring immediate...
ASIC sets financial reporting, audit and sustainability focus areas for FY 2026–27
Why this matters
ASIC's announcement of FY 2026-27 focus areas for financial reporting, audit and sustainability surveillance. Informational guidance affecting listed/unlisted companies, RSEs, MISs and audit firms.
Former Beacon Minerals project manager Alexander McCulloch pleads guilty to insider trading
Why this matters
This regulatory update involves insider trading by a former project manager at a publicly traded company, which is a serious market abuse violation. It is relevant for banks, broker-dealers, wealth managers, and asset managers who need to be aware of such insider trading risks and ensure proper compliance and...
From anxiety to action: Helping Australians to plan for their financial future
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC provides new tools and resources to help Australians plan for their retirement, which is relevant for firms in the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors. The focus is on consumer protection, disclosure, and licensing requirements around retirement planning.
Viva Energy reassesses accounting approach after ASIC review, resulting in $25 million impairment
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to an accounting issue at Viva Energy, a major Australian energy company. It involves impairment testing and reporting requirements under AASB 136, which are relevant for banks, asset managers, and wealth managers.
Former Big Un CEO pleads guilty in insider trading case
Why this matters
This regulatory update is about a former CEO pleading guilty to insider trading, which is a serious market abuse offense. It involves reporting and disclosure failures, as well as potential licensing and authorization issues for the firm and individuals involved.
Electro Optic Systems Holdings ordered to pay $4 million penalty for continuous disclosure breaches
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to all firms as it involves a public company's failure to disclose material information in a timely manner, which is a key requirement for maintaining market integrity and investor confidence.
ASIC cancels AFS licence of The Silverfern Group Pty Ltd
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC indicates that the Australian financial services (AFS) license of The Silverfern Group Pty Ltd has been cancelled due to non-compliance with statutory reporting, audit requirements, and failure to pay ASIC fees.
ASIC publishes ASX Inquiry Panel Final Report and acknowledges observations
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on issues with the governance, capability, and risk management of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), which operates critical market infrastructure.
Three public companies fined more than a million dollars for breaching financial reporting and company officer obligations
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to public companies in the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors. It covers key topics around financial reporting obligations, company officer requirements, and regulatory enforcement actions.
Mecca companies pay $594,000 in infringement notices for failing to lodge financial reports on time
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on large proprietary companies associated with the Mecca retail group failing to lodge their audited financial reports on time.
Federal Court declares Macquarie contravened the Corporations Act in relation to Shield Master Fund
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC indicates that Macquarie Investment Management Limited (MIML), a superannuation trustee, failed to properly monitor the Shield Master Fund investment options, which led to losses for its members.
This regulatory update from ASIC launches a new interactive dashboard to provide transparency on consumer complaints data across the financial services industry. This impacts a wide range of financial firms and is focused on consumer protection and reporting requirements.
Supreme Court orders Macquarie Securities to pay $35 million penalty in short sale misreporting case
Why this matters
This regulatory update is classified as high urgency as it involves a significant penalty imposed on a major financial institution, Macquarie Securities, for failures in accurately reporting short sale data.
Remedy Housing officers sentenced for dishonesty offences
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves a case of dishonest conduct by officers of a mortgage lending firm, Remedy Housing, who misappropriated customer deposits and made false representations about interest-free mortgages.
Charges discontinued in Capital Mining Limited matter
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC provides information about the discontinuation of charges against former directors of Capital Mining Limited. It is informational in nature and does not require immediate action, hence the low urgency classification.
ASIC files Court action to wind up Liberty Bell Bay after failures to lodge financial reports
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to the failure of Liberty Bell Bay, a large proprietary company, to lodge its annual financial reports. This is a breach of reporting requirements and could have implications for creditors and other stakeholders.
ASIC secures record $350 million in civil penalties and $583 million back to Australians in second half of 2025
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC covers significant enforcement actions and penalties against major financial firms in Australia, including banks, wealth managers, and asset managers.
ASIC commences new review of advice licensees that use lead generation services
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on the use of lead generation services by financial advice licensees, which can expose consumers to risks of significant losses.
Fundhost pays infringement notice for making misleading representations about Polen Capital Global Growth Fund
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to misleading representations made by an investment manager about the performance of an investment fund, which is a consumer protection and disclosure issue for asset managers and wealth managers.
This regulatory update from ASIC involves the cancellation of an Australian financial services (AFS) license for Superfast AM Pty Ltd, which was authorized to provide financial product advice and deal in certain financial products to retail and wholesale clients.
ASIC takes further steps to support Australians impacted by First Guardian and Shield collapse
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to the collapse of two investment funds, First Guardian and Shield, which impacted thousands of Australian investors, including those with superannuation savings invested in these funds.
Petra Capital fined for regulatory data reporting failures
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on a broker-dealer firm, Petra Capital, being fined for failures in accurately reporting regulatory data. This impacts the capital markets and trading sector, and relates to reporting and disclosure obligations as well as market abuse surveillance.
Director of WA tiling business charged with making false statement
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves a director of a tiling business who is charged with making a false statement in a document lodged with ASIC. This relates to consumer protection, reporting and disclosure requirements, as well as authorization and licensing for businesses.
ASIC finds many auditors failing to demonstrate compliance with auditor independence obligations
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on auditor independence and compliance, which is a critical issue for financial services firms across multiple sectors. The findings indicate widespread failures by auditors to meet independence requirements, which could undermine trust and confidence in financial reporting.
Victorian man sentenced in Cann Group insider trading case
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers an insider trading case involving a medical cannabis company, which is relevant to firms in the banking, investment management, and capital markets sectors.
ASIC’s annual report reveals strong growth in enforcement action and investigations and keen focus on strengthening markets
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC covers a range of enforcement actions, investigations, and regulatory initiatives across the financial services sector. It indicates a strong focus on consumer protection, market integrity, and transparency, which are of high importance for firms operating in banking, capital markets,...
ASIC sends clear message to super trustees amid glaring retirement communications gaps
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on retirement communications by superannuation trustees, which is a key consumer protection and governance issue for investment management and insurance firms providing pension products.
Directors of Perth-based financial services company charged over five-year failure to lodge financial accounts with ASIC
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as it involves charges against directors of a financial services company for failing to lodge financial accounts as required.
Queensland director sentenced for making a false or misleading statement to ASIC
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as it involves a director making a false or misleading statement to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
RAMS penalised $20 million for widespread compliance failings regarding home loans
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC indicates widespread compliance failures by RAMS, a subsidiary of Westpac, in relation to home loan arrangements. The failures include dealing with unlicensed referrers, inadequate conflict of interest management, and lack of supervision to ensure compliance with credit laws.
This regulatory update from ASIC involves allegations of misconduct by a financial advisor, including unconscionable conduct, conflicted advice, and providing defective statements of advice.
ASIC bans former Crown Wealth Group director Brendan Rodwell for failing to report fees for no service conduct
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC bans a former director of a financial services licensee for failing to report and address fees for no service misconduct. This is a serious conduct issue impacting consumer protection and requires high urgency given the implications for the firm's governance and compliance.
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to an investigation into the Clime Australian Income Fund and its investment manager Clime Asset Management, which is a subsidiary of Clime Investment Management.
ASIC highlights financial reporting and audit findings for FY 2024–25 as part of expanded program of work
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC covers findings from financial reporting and audit surveillances, including enforcement actions against auditors. It is relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, particularly around reporting, ESG, and prudential requirements.
Former CEO of AI marketing company Metigy pleads guilty to misleading investors and dishonestly using his position
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant for investment management firms, wealth managers, and broker-dealers as it involves a former CEO pleading guilty to misleading investors and misusing his position. The topics of consumer protection, reporting/disclosure, and authorization/licensing are key areas of concern.
This regulatory update from ASIC outlines a roadmap to promote strong, efficient, and globally competitive capital markets in Australia. It covers key topics such as modernizing public markets, enhancing supervision of private markets and private credit, and the role of superannuation funds.
Prime Super pays ASIC infringement notice alleging misleading statements about tobacco investments
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves an infringement notice issued to a superannuation fund (Prime Super) for making misleading statements about its investments in tobacco companies, which is a consumer protection and ESG-related issue.
HESTA pays ASIC infringement notices alleging misleading statements about carbon emissions
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to misleading statements made by the HESTA superfund about its commitment to removing carbon emissions investments. It involves issues around ESG/sustainability claims, consumer protection, and reporting/disclosure requirements for financial firms.
ASIC drives car finance providers to improve consumer outcomes
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on issues in the motor vehicle finance sector, including problematic sales tactics, high loan costs, and high default rates.
ASIC sues suspended WA mineral exploration company AVZ Minerals and directors for disclosure failures
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves allegations of disclosure failures and misleading conduct by a mineral exploration company, AVZ Minerals, and its directors. This impacts capital markets and the crypto/digital assets sector, as the company's operations involve a lithium project in the DRC.
This regulatory update from ASIC outlines new enforcement priorities for 2026, including areas such as misleading pricing practices, private credit practices, financial reporting misconduct, and insurance claims handling.
ASIC sues SQM Research alleging misleading reports related to Shield
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves allegations against a research house (SQM Research) for providing misleading reports related to the Shield Master Fund, which led to many retail investors investing their superannuation savings into the fund.
Infrabuild companies pay infringement notices for failing to lodge financial reports on time
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to financial reporting requirements for companies in the GFG Alliance group, which includes steel manufacturing and processing businesses.
This regulatory update from ASIC suspends the Australian financial services license of Centurion Capital Limited, an investment management and wealth management firm, due to failures in meeting statutory audit and financial reporting obligations.
Sheffield Insurance directors convicted and fined over a five-year financial reporting failure
Why this matters
This regulatory update is focused on the failure of an insurance company to lodge financial statements and auditor's reports with the regulator, ASIC, over a 5-year period.
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to the cancellation of the Australian financial services (AFS) licence of Ivy League Capital Pty Ltd due to its failure to lodge audited financial reports and maintain AFCA membership.
ASIC imposes additional conditions on Learn To Trade to address compliance failures
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC imposes additional conditions on the AFS license of Learn To Trade Pty Ltd, a provider of coaching and training services related to trading on margin foreign exchange contracts or contracts for difference.
Cbus ordered to pay $23.5 million penalty for serious failures in processing members death benefits and insurance claims
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC imposes a significant $23.5 million penalty on Cbus, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, for serious failures in processing members' death benefits and insurance claims in a timely manner.
ASIC sues former Electro Optic Systems Holdings director and CEO Ben Greene for breach of director’s duties
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves allegations of a former director and CEO of a publicly listed company breaching their duties by failing to disclose material changes to the company's financial guidance.
Defence systems manufacturer Electro Optic Systems Holdings admits to breaching continuous disclosure requirements
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to a public company's failure to disclose material changes to its financial forecasts, which is a key reporting and disclosure requirement for listed firms. It also involves potential market abuse issues around the timing of the disclosure.
Super trustees urged to accelerate progress on retirement support for members
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC and APRA focuses on the progress of superannuation trustees in developing retirement income strategies for their members, as required by the Retirement Income Covenant introduced in 2022.
ASIC calls for feedback on stamp duty and portfolio holdings disclosure requirements for super funds
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on proposed changes to stamp duty and portfolio holdings disclosure requirements for superannuation funds, which are relevant to investment managers, wealth managers, and insurance firms that operate in the pensions and retirement savings space.
ASIC calls on Australian companies to adopt better practices to protect whistleblowers
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on improving whistleblower policies and practices across corporate Australia, which is relevant for financial services firms in the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors.
ASIC issues over $2.2 million in infringement notices to 12 large proprietary companies for alleged failure to lodge financial reports
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC is relevant to large proprietary companies that are required to lodge financial reports. The failure to lodge these reports on time is a compliance issue that could impact consumer protection and the ability of stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Netwealth admits to First Guardian failures and agrees to compensate affected members $100 million
Why this matters
This regulatory update is significant as it involves a major superannuation trustee admitting failures and agreeing to compensate affected members over $100 million. It highlights issues around investment governance, risk monitoring, and trustee obligations to act in the best interests of members.
CADB cancels registration of Sydney auditor for breaching duties across 10 ASX-listed audits
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking and capital markets firms, as it involves the cancellation of an auditor's registration due to breaches of auditing standards. The update covers topics related to authorization, reporting, and governance, which are critical for regulated financial firms.
Macquarie Securities admits to misleading conduct and agrees to pay $35 million for systemic failures
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves a broker-dealer, Macquarie Securities, admitting to misleading conduct and systemic failures in accurately reporting short sales and regulatory data. This is a serious issue impacting market transparency and integrity, warranting a high urgency classification.
Federal Court orders $925,000 in penalties against RM Capital and SMSF Club for conflicted remuneration breaches
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to financial services firms that provide investment advice and manage client assets, particularly those involved in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) and property investments.
Federal Court orders $250 million combined penalties against ANZ
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers significant misconduct and penalties across ANZ's institutional and retail banking operations, including issues related to government bond management, customer hardship, interest rate misrepresentation, and deceased estate fee handling.
Pump and dump scammers put regulators on high alert
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC warns about 'pump and dump' scams targeting Australian investors, particularly in small-cap stocks and overseas markets. It highlights the growing sophistication of these schemes and the need for increased vigilance and coordination among regulators globally.
ASIC sues BDO Audit and its director Dean Just alleging materially false or misleading audit reports
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves allegations of materially false or misleading audit reports by BDO Audit, an audit firm, regarding the financial statements of Dubber Corporation, an ASX-listed technology company.
ASIC secures nearly $40 million in refunds to investors and drives change after CFD sector falls short
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on the contracts for difference (CFD) sector, which involves high-risk leveraged trading products. ASIC has taken enforcement action, secured refunds for investors, and driven compliance improvements across the industry.
Fund manager sentenced to 6 years’ jail in $3 million Platinum Asset Management insider trading case
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers a high-profile insider trading case involving a fund manager at Platinum Asset Management. It is relevant for investment managers and broker-dealers due to the market abuse and disclosure issues involved.
This media release from ASIC is informational in nature, covering general regulatory updates. It is likely relevant for a range of financial services firms, particularly those in the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors.