Australian Securities and Investments Commission
All research and analytical reports from the ASIC (Australia).
ASIC releases 2026–27 supervisory priorities to support better regulation and give industry greater certainty
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement of ASIC's supervisory priorities for 2026-27 across banking, superannuation, general insurance, life insurance, and markets sectors.
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...
Scams and governance failures dominate misconduct report
Why this matters
This is an informational news release reporting ASIC's H1 2026 misconduct data. It highlights enforcement priorities (pump-and-dump scams, governance failures, unlicensed financial services) and encourages public reporting.
ASIC warns insurers cash settlements should not short-change homeowners in need
Why this matters
This is a formal regulatory review by ASIC covering approximately 65% of the home insurance market, identifying material consumer harm risks in cash settlement practices (63% of claims affected), inadequate support for vulnerable consumers (4 of 5 insurers failed), and reliance on single quotes from preferred...
ASIC sets plan to be easier to deal with, harder to avoid
Why this matters
This is an informational news release announcing ASIC's strategic priorities and regulatory approach for the coming year. It contains noteworthy guidance signals (AI oversight, scams/debt collection focus, BNPL regulation, superannuation fee deductions) and operational commitments (simpler guidance, efficient...
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.
Hidden mortgage offset failures costing Australians millions in lost interest savings
Why this matters
ASIC media release reporting on regulatory review findings regarding mortgage offset account failures across 8 major banks. Covers systemic consumer protection issues, compensation requirements, and disclosure weaknesses. Informational content announcing completed review and regulatory expectations for remediation.
ASIC review provides insights into voluntary administration and deed of company arrangement outcomes
Why this matters
This is an informational regulatory update from ASIC providing data insights into voluntary administration and deed of company arrangement processes. It is not sector-specific financial services regulation but rather insolvency/restructuring framework analysis.
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 lifts bonnet on car finance costs and distribution concerns
Why this matters
ASIC regulatory review of car finance sector identifying consumer protection concerns including excessive fees, inadequate hardship support, and third-party distributor oversight failures. Informational media release announcing Report 832 findings and enforcement actions against non-compliant lenders.
Super stragglers dampen progress on death benefits delivery for grieving Australians
Why this matters
ASIC progress review on superannuation trustee death benefit claims handling. Addresses consumer protection failures, operational service delivery deficiencies, and governance accountability. Informational regulatory update with enforcement context but no immediate compliance deadline.
Australia well-placed to unlock opportunities from innovation in the financial system
Why this matters
ASIC media release announcing research on fintech and regtech innovation in Australia. Covers AI integration in financial operations, regulatory sandbox initiatives, and simplification efforts.
ASIC continues to ease regulatory burden
Why this matters
ASIC regulatory simplification progress report covering streamlined guidance, digital services modernization, and reduced compliance burden across multiple regulated sectors. Informational news release announcing initiatives to ease regulatory requirements while maintaining consumer protections.
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.
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.
ASIC urges Gen Z to ‘sense-check’ money advice as social media fuels riskier financial decisions
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC focuses on the risks associated with young Australians (Gen Z) using social media and AI platforms for financial information and decision-making, particularly in relation to cryptocurrency investments.
Misconduct reports to ASIC highlight spike in corporate governance issues
Why this matters
The regulatory update highlights a spike in corporate governance issues reported to ASIC, including failures to provide company records, insolvency matters, and shareholder issues. This is relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as well as the broader financial services industry.
ASIC urges super trustees to step up and address serious gaps in anti-scam and fraud protections
Why this matters
This regulatory update from ASIC highlights significant gaps in anti-scam and fraud protections across the superannuation industry, which poses risks to consumers and their retirement savings.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A roadmap for capital markets to grow our economy
Why this matters
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.
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.
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 announces 2026 enforcement priorities
Why this matters
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.
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 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.