ASIC Eyes More Than $800M in Fines
Synopsis
Freedom of information data shows ASIC had already secured $423.8 million in civil penalties by April, quadrupling the total recorded in the previous financial year.
Australia's corporate watchdog is set to levy more than $800 million in civil penalties for 2025-26, after steep fines issued in the last six years catapulted the annual total to its highest levels.
By April this year, Australia Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) had already recovered $423.8 million in civil penalties, freedom of information documents reveal.
The annual estimate has now been topped by more than $800 million in a string of subsequent Federal Court judgments, many related to some of the regulator’s biggest cases.
Union Standard International Group Pty Ltd paid out the single largest penalty of $300.2 million over its business in bankrupt contracts for differences (CFDs) and authorised representatives due to the Federal Court's finding of a wide spread of illegal behavior.
CSFs, whereby investors speculate on the price of an asset without owning it, are leveraged financial products.
Major financial institutions drive enforcement total
Also contributing to the record year for the ASIC, banking has been involved in significant enforcement actions, with ANZ hit by total fines of $250 million across a range of court actions related to failing to act in customers' interests, inadequate disclosure, fees for deceased customers and misconduct in relation to a government bond transaction.
One of the cases considered by the court had impacted approximately 65,000 retail investors, ASIC said. More enforcement action is being undertaken by ASIC within Australia’s $4.2 trillion superannuation industry, focusing on governance and reporting obligations.
Mercer Super was ordered by the Federal Court in June to pay $10.3 million for breaching requirements relating to reporting two 'significant compliance issues' prior to the statutory deadline.
Broader compliance focus expands across corporate Australia
ASIC has also issued over $2.8 million in infringement notices to private companies over late financial reporting, alongside its big banks, thus making on-time corporate reporting and governance a priority.
According to its latest Enforcement and Regulatory Update, ASIC obtained $349.8 million in civil penalties during the latter half of 2025 and reported $583 million in enforcement outcomes and remediation for Australian consumers. The agency also increased its efforts in investigation and civil proceedings during 2026.
Australia’s stricter enforcement approach echoes regulatory approaches from other major financial markets, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continuing to aggressively pursue securities fraud and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) focused on consumer protection, financial crime and integrity of market operations.
While regulatory authority and scope may differ, jurisdictions globally have been sharpening their focus on governance, reporting and the conduct of businesses operating in the financial services industry.
Source: Capital Brief
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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