Australian Regulatory Updates

NSW director Usman Siddiqui sentenced to 6 years 6 months jail for transferring $1.75m from company funds under the Corporations Act 2001.

The Woomera Prohibited Area Rules 2026 replace the 2014 rules, introducing red, amber and green zones and a transition period from 1 July to 31 December 2026.

A new federal prudential standard registered 7 August 2026 sets rules on aggregate risk, board duties, internal reporting and notifications for financial groups

A new prudential standard registered 7 August 2026 sets rules for intra-group transactions, board roles, and reporting in banking, insurance and life insurance

ASIC INFO 198 explains when extended warranties are financial products under the Corporations Act 2001 and what AFS licence obligations apply to sellers.

ASIC INFO 166 explains how international financial market infrastructure standards apply in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001.

ASIC INFO 178 summarises findings from its 2012 review of dark liquidity and high-frequency trading in Australian financial markets.

ASIC INFO 184 explains annual audit transparency report rules under the Corporations Act 2001 for auditors, audit firms and authorised audit companies.

From May 2021, businesses providing debt management services are required to hold an Australian credit licence with a debt management authorisation.

ASIC Information Sheet 182 sets out compliance requirements for financial advisers giving superannuation switching advice, including SOA content and SMSF rules.

ASIC INFO 253 explains AFS licence requirements for claims handling and settling services for insurance products, including who needs a licence from 1 January 2

ASIC Information Sheet 180 explains when ASIC joins private court cases under the Corporations Act or National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

ASIC Information Sheet 42 explains director duties, penalties and options when a company cannot pay its debts. Key facts for Australian business owners.

ASIC INFO 65 explains the rules for registered company auditors resigning from public company audits, including consent requirements and Form 315 lodgement.

Bankruptcy or a Part X personal insolvency agreement automatically disqualifies a person from acting as a company director, alternate director, or secretary.

Book up or tab arrangements in remote and regional businesses may be covered by the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009. Key rules explained.

ASIC Information Sheet 31 explains which companies must lodge financial reports, required documents, and lodgement deadlines of three or four months.

ASIC Information Sheet 152 explains when ASIC issues public statements on investigations and enforcement, and how to request a takedown.

Since 1 July 2016, accountants advising on SMSFs are required to hold or be covered by an AFS licence. ASIC INFO 216 explains limited and full licence options.

ASIC INFO 156 explains how to apply for or vary an AFS licence to provide financial services involving carbon credits and emissions units in Australia.