The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has finalized technical settings and guidance for enhanced substantial holding and beneficial ownership disclosure obligations applying to entities listed on Australian financial markets from Dec. 4, 2026. The changes are intended to improve transparency over ultimate ownership, control and significant economic exposure while reducing the compliance burden. ASIC consolidated three substantial holding forms into a single Substantial Holding Notice, simplified calculations for deemed economic interests and offsetting short positions in listed securities, and adopted an index-based format for registers of relevant interests. Before June 4, 2027, interest holders may comply by using either the new notice or replacement versions of Forms 603, 604 and 605. The regulator also updated guidance on relevant interests, takeover bids, substantial holding disclosure and tracing requirements, alongside consequential amendments to other regulatory guides. ASIC is exploring a web-based portal with market operators for submitting substantial holding information.
Australian Securities & Investments Commission2026-07-30
Australian Securities and Investments Commission simplifies compliance with enhanced beneficial ownership disclosure reforms
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has simplified the technical settings for enhanced beneficial ownership and substantial holding disclosures applying from Dec. 4, 2026. Changes include a consolidated Substantial Holding Notice, simpler economic-interest calculations and an index-based register format, with transitional form options available before June 4, 2027.