ASIC takes action over misuse of ‘sophisticated investor’ certificates

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ASIC is concerned that some accountants may be harming retail investors by inappropriately providing ‘sophisticated investor’ certificates. In general, companies raising money by offering shares to retail investors must give... Read more continue reading

ASIC acts to improve transparency of super websites

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ASIC has intervened in relation to 21 superannuation trustees, representing 15 per cent of the trustee population, to improve ‘Transparency Information’ (TI) on their super fund websites. Under s29QB of... Read more continue reading

ASIC releases superannuation member experience report

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ASIC has released a report about our review of key aspects of consumer engagement with their super funds, focusing on the experience of less-engaged superannuation fund members. The review sets... Read more continue reading

ASIC extends relief excluding multifunds, superannuation platforms and hedge funds from the shorter PDS regime

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ASIC has extended Class Order [CO 12/749] Relief from the Shorter PDS regime for one year. The class order relief was due to expire on 30 June 2017. The class... Read more continue reading

ASIC clarifies its position on the use of ‘independently owned’

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ASIC has clarified its position on the use of restricted terms relating to the independence of financial advisers after seeking external legal advice on whether phrases such as ‘independently owned’... Read more continue reading

ASIC temporarily extends time to provide Statements of Advice for urgent superannuation advice

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ASIC has issued ASIC Corporations (Urgent Superannuation Advice) Instrument 17-530 (the Instrument) to temporarily extend the time financial advisers have to provide retail clients with a Statement of Advice (SoA).... Read more continue reading

Japan and Australia cooperate on fintech

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The Japan Financial Services Agency (‘JFSA’) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (‘ASIC’) last week announced the completion of a framework for co-operation to promote innovation in financial services in Japan... Read more continue reading

ASIC commences consultation on proposed guidance on crowd-sourced funding

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ASIC yesterday released two consultation papers proposing guidance for public companies and intermediaries (i.e. crowd funding platform operators) to assist them in using the new crowd-sourced funding (CSF) regime commencing on... Read more continue reading

ASIC reports on decisions to cut red tape – October 2016 to March 2017

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ASIC has released its latest report outlining decisions on relief applications, highlighting ASIC’s efforts to reduce red-tape and achieve a practical, positive outcome for companies seeking some regulatory flexibility. The... Read more continue reading

ASIC welcomes the dawn of a new regulatory era

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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has welcomed the passage of legislation enabling a more secure and accountable funding of the model for regulation of the Australian corporate sector. Effective... Read more continue reading