Prudential / Capital Requirements regulatory updates from Australia.
We track 48 Prudential / Capital Requirements updates from Australia regulators, published by ASIC. The archive covers 39 enforcement actions, 5 reports and 3 consultations. Most recent update: October 2026.
ASIC consults on financial resources requirements for market operators
AI Analysis
ASIC is consulting on a substantial clarification of the financial-resources guidance in RG 172 for Australian licensed market operators. The proposed framework would make six months of operating expenses a minimum baseline, require clearer separation of liquidity and capital resources, and impose stronger scenario analysis, stress-testing, reporting and monitoring expectations, particularly for significant market venues.
Key dates
2026-12-04 Deadline
ASIC consultation on CS 69 and the proposed RG 172 update closes at 5pm AEDT.
Suggested considerations
Market licensees should consider submitting responses to CS 69 by 5pm AEDT on 4 December 2026, addressing whether the proposed methodology is workable for their business model and venue type.
Compliance teams may wish to map current financial-resources calculations against the proposed six-month minimum and identify whether all venue, group, outsourcing and related-party operating costs are included.
Licensees should consider separating liquid resources supporting continuity and recovery from capital buffers supporting positive net assets and loss absorption, and documenting the legal availability of each resource.
Market operators may wish to perform severe-but-plausible recovery and orderly-wind-down scenarios, including critical-service recovery, prolonged disruption, higher professional costs and support for affected users.
Significant market venues should consider developing or enhancing scenario analysis, stress-testing governance, assumptions, frequency, management information and escalation thresholds.
Finance and compliance functions may wish to prepare evidence linking financial-resources calculations to specific balance-sheet items and to the methodologies and assumptions reported under section 792F.
Boards and senior management should consider reviewing dividend, distribution, intra-group funding and other capital-management controls to prevent actions that could cause or reasonably be expected to cause a financial-resources shortfall.
Licensees should consider establishing documented monitoring, notification and remediation processes for actual or prospective shortfalls, including assessment of notification obligations under section 792B and restoration timeframes agreed with ASIC.
What changed
The consultation proposes revised RG 172 guidance supporting the existing obligation in section 792A(1)(d) of the Corporations Act 2001 to maintain sufficient resources to operate a market properly. A licensee would assess resources for all of its activities, not only a particular venue, and would generally need resources sufficient to cover at least six months of operating expenses; the assessment should include relevant service and outsourcing costs, including related-party arrangements.
Compliance impact
The proposal does not yet create final additional binding requirements, but it materially sharpens ASIC's stated expectations under the existing section 792A(1)(d) obligation. A shortfall could raise questions about continued compliance, trigger notification under section 792B, require corrective action and resource restoration agreed with ASIC, and increase the risk of supervisory intervention or an orderly-wind-down concern.
ASIC consults on implementation of new digital asset laws
AI Analysis
ASIC has opened Consultation Paper 392 on the standards and guidance for the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Act 2026, which will bring digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms into the Australian financial services regulatory framework from 2027-04-08. The proposals indicate that affected operators will generally need an Australian financial services licence or variation, customer disclosures and platform rules, and compliance with asset-holding, transaction and settlement, and financial-requirement standards.
Key dates
2026-09-30
The extended sector-wide no-action position associated with INFO 225 ended.
2026-11-27 Deadline
Deadline for submissions on ASIC Consultation Paper 392, at 5pm AEDT.
2027-04-08
The DAF Act and the new DAP and TCP framework are scheduled to commence.
2027-10-07 Deadline
The proposed transition deadline by which platforms already operating as DAPs or TCPs should apply for an AFS licence or variation.
Suggested considerations
Firms should assess whether their products, custody arrangements and platform activities fall within the DAP or TCP definitions under the DAF Act and the proposed ASIC guidance.
Affected operators should consider whether they need a new Australian financial services licence or a variation to an existing licence, including whether any streamlined process may apply.
Compliance teams may wish to map current custody, segregation, asset-control, reconciliation, trading, settlement and incident-management processes against the proposed standards.
Firms should assess the likely impact of the proposed net tangible asset and other financial requirements on capital planning, liquidity and licence documentation.
Operators should review proposed customer disclosure documents and platform rules, including how digital-asset risks, custody arrangements, execution and settlement are explained to clients.
Businesses affected by the framework should consider submitting comments to ASIC by 2026-11-27 and engaging with ASIC's consultation events or targeted roundtables.
Firms should maintain evidence of their licensing analysis and transition planning, particularly because the sector-wide INFO 225 no-action position ended on 2026-09-30 and independent commentary indicates that existing licensing obligations apply outside the relief period.
What changed
CP 392 proposes implementation guidance for digital asset platforms (DAPs), which hold digital tokens for clients and provide associated platform services, and tokenised custody platforms (TCPs), which record underlying client assets as digital tokens. ASIC is proposing standards covering asset holding, trading and settlement activities, and financial requirements including net tangible asset requirements where relevant.
Compliance impact
The proposal signals a substantial licensing and operating-model change for digital-asset businesses, although the detailed standards remain subject to consultation and finalisation. Non-compliance after commencement could expose operators to operating without the required authorisation, inadequate customer disclosure and platform governance, and failures to meet custody, settlement or financial-resource requirements, with ASIC supervision and enforcement expected after the transition period.
ASIC calls platform trustees to account over persistent failures to safeguard super savings
Why this matters
ASIC media release reporting on regulatory review findings regarding superannuation platform trustees' failures in monitoring and safeguarding retirement savings. Covers persistent gaps in advice fee controls, insufficient oversight of advisers, and inadequate risk monitoring.
ASIC sues Equity Trustees alleging First Guardian onboarding failures
Why this matters
ASIC enforcement action against superannuation trustee for onboarding failures related to First Guardian Master Fund. Addresses trustee conduct, member protection, and prudential oversight in superannuation context. Informational news release regarding regulatory proceedings.
ASIC disqualifies Gold Coast director for maximum 5-year period
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC disqualifies a director for failing to meet his obligations, including non-compliance with statutory obligations and inadequate record-keeping.
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.
ASIC disqualifies Ashod Balanian from managing corporations for maximum five-year period
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC disqualifies an individual from managing corporations for 5 years due to serious misconduct related to the operation of a cryptocurrency fund. This impacts crypto and digital asset firms, with implications for licensing, consumer protection, and prudential requirements.
ASIC applies to wind up 12 companies associated with NSW accountant and former solicitor Christopher Malcolm Edwards
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC indicates concerns about the management and affairs of 12 companies associated with an accountant and former solicitor. ASIC has applied to wind up the companies and appoint provisional liquidators, citing issues with fundraising, compliance, and lack of commercial activity.
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.
ASIC disqualifies Victorian director for maximum 5-year period
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC disqualifies a director for misconduct related to multiple companies, including fraud, improper use of funds, and failure to meet reporting obligations.
ASIC disqualifies Simon Raftery from managing corporations for two and a half years
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC disqualifies an individual from managing corporations for 2.5 years due to his involvement in multiple failed companies. This is relevant for banks, wealth managers, and other firms in the financial services industry from a governance and conduct perspective.
ASIC disqualifies NSW director for the maximum period of five years
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC disqualifies a director for misconduct, which impacts banking, investment management, and wealth management firms. The topics covered include consumer protection, prudential requirements, and governance. The high urgency reflects the significant disqualification period imposed.
ASIC disqualifies Victorian property development director Kylie Campbell for 5 years
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC disqualifies a director of several property development and investment companies due to failures in meeting director duties and obligations.
ASIC cancels AFS and AC licences of Centre Capital Securities for failure to pay industry funding levies
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves the cancellation of AFS and AC licenses for failure to pay industry funding levies, which is a critical compliance issue for regulated firms.
Director of Warwick Gold and Impact Gold disqualified from managing corporations for four years
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves the disqualification of a director from managing corporations, which has implications for investment management firms, wealth managers, and banks in terms of governance, conduct, and prudential requirements.
ASIC cancels Australian financial services licence of Velos Global Markets Pty Ltd
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves the cancellation of an Australian financial services license, which impacts firms operating in the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors. The key topics covered are authorization and licensing, consumer protection, and prudential requirements.
ASIC cancels AFS licence of CPG Research & Advisory for ceasing business operations and unpaid industry funding levies
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to the cancellation of an Australian financial services (AFS) license due to the licensee ceasing business operations and failing to pay industry funding levies.
ASIC flags risks in offshore outsourcing after review identifies governance gaps
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC highlights risks and governance gaps in the use of offshore service providers by financial advice licensees and responsible entities. It is a high priority issue as it can expose consumers and investors to potential harm through data breaches, disruptions, and lack of oversight.
Federal Court orders remaining ALAMMC Group companies wound up
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms due to the concerns raised around misuse of investor funds, potential breaches of directors' duties, and the winding up of the ALAMMC Group companies.
Two former Statewide Super executives acquitted on charges of dishonesty offences
Why this matters
This regulatory update relates to the acquittal of two former executives of a superannuation fund on charges of dishonesty offences. It is a news article with informational content, so the urgency is low.
Construction industry director charged with breach of director’s duties and providing false and misleading documents
Why this matters
This regulatory update involves allegations of misconduct by a construction industry director, including breach of director's duties and providing false and misleading documents to ASIC.
Perth fraudster Chris Marco sentenced to 14 years imprisonment
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves a high-profile fraud case against an individual who defrauded multiple investors of over $34 million. The case is significant as it resulted in the highest sentence imposed by an Australian court in relation to an ASIC criminal investigation.
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.
ASIC cancels AFS licence of Arrumar Private for licence failures
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves the cancellation of an Australian financial services (AFS) license due to compliance failures, which is a significant regulatory action that impacts the affected firm and may have broader implications for the financial services industry.
Freezing orders against Gregory Cotton and First Mutual Private Equity continue
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves freezing orders against an individual and their private equity firm due to concerns over potential fraud and misuse of investor funds. This is a high-urgency issue that impacts banks, wealth managers, and asset managers who may have been affected by this case.
This regulatory update from ASIC relates to the cancellation of the Australian financial services (AFS) licence of Ricard Securities Pty Ltd, an investment management and wealth management firm.
ASIC review raises fresh concerns over risks to retirement savings from poor SMSF advice
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC raises concerns over the quality of financial advice related to the establishment of self-managed super funds (SMSFs), which could put retirement savings at risk.
Mansa Group director sentenced to imprisonment for more than four years for forgery and dishonesty offences
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as it involves a director being sentenced for forgery and dishonesty offenses related to obtaining financial advantages and causing detriment.
ASIC disqualifies NSW hospitality director for five years
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC disqualifies a director from managing corporations for 5 years due to failures in meeting statutory obligations, improper use of position, and allowing companies to trade while insolvent.
ASIC suspends AFS licence of Surety Compliance Limited
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC suspends the AFS license of Surety Compliance Limited, which is the responsible entity of the Private Investment Fund. This impacts investment management and wealth management firms, as it relates to licensing and prudential requirements.
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.
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.
Former director of private lending companies permanently banned over fraud conviction
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banking, consumer credit, and mortgage lending firms, as it involves the permanent banning of a former director of private lending companies due to a fraud conviction.
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 takes contempt action against David McWilliams and Laura Fullarton over alleged freezing order breaches
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves alleged breaches of court-ordered freezing orders by individuals involved in the ALAMMC Group, which operated financial services businesses.
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 suspends AFS licence of Focused Financial Advice following failure to replace key person
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC suspends the AFS license of a wealth management firm, Focused Financial Advice, due to its failure to replace a key person as required by its license conditions.
ASIC sues Diversa Trustees alleging failures relating to First Guardian
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC involves allegations against a superannuation trustee, Diversa Trustees, for failures related to the First Guardian Master Fund. This impacts investment management firms, wealth managers, and banks that offer superannuation products.
ASIC suspends AFS licence of MW Planning Pty Ltd following failure to replace responsible manager
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC suspends the AFS license of MW Planning Pty Ltd due to its failure to replace a responsible manager after the previous one was banned.
ASIC announces transformational package to safeguard Australia’s financial markets in response to ASX Inquiry interim report
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC announces a transformational package of reforms to address shortcomings in the governance, capability, risk management and culture of the ASX Group, which operates critical national market infrastructure.
Federal Court appoints receivers over the assets of Gregory Raymond Cotton and First Mutual Private Equity Pty Ltd
Why this matters
This regulatory update involves the appointment of receivers over the assets of an investment firm and its director due to concerns about alleged misuse of investor funds.
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.
This regulatory update from ASIC indicates that the AFS license of Rynco Pty Ltd has been cancelled due to ongoing non-compliance, including failure to maintain competence, lack of adequate resources, and non-compliance with key person and financial reporting requirements.
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.
Directors of collapsed agri-businesses linked to corruption scandal disqualified for maximum 5-year period
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banks, wealth managers, and asset managers as it involves the disqualification of directors of failed agri-businesses linked to a corruption scandal. The update covers topics related to AML/financial crime, consumer protection, and prudential requirements.
Richard Ernest Auricht’s liquidator registration cancellation overturned on appeal, substituted with five-year suspension
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant to banks, wealth managers, and the broader financial services industry as it involves the suspension of a registered liquidator's license. The topics covered include authorization and licensing, prudential requirements, and governance issues related to the conduct of the liquidator.
Former financial advisor Anthony Torre sentenced to six years imprisonment for fraud and stealing
Why this matters
This regulatory update involves a former financial advisor who was sentenced to prison for fraud and stealing from clients, which is a serious breach of trust and consumer protection violation.