Australian Securities and Investments Commission suspends GFA Capital Markets licence for five months over client money and compliance failures

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has suspended the Australian financial services licence of contract for difference issuer GFA Capital Markets Ltd. from July 23 to Dec. 18, 2026. The action follows findings that the firm mishandled and failed to segregate client money, breached derivatives transaction reporting obligations and lacked adequate compliance systems and controls. The deficiencies, identified through ASIC’s review of 52 licensed CFD issuers, also included inadequate financial resources, technology and staffing. During the suspension, GFA may operate only to maintain its Australian Financial Complaints Authority membership and professional indemnity insurance, and to comply with ASIC notices. Before the suspension expires, GFA must demonstrate improvements to its compliance, client money and reporting processes. ASIC may extend the suspension or cancel the licence if those improvements are inadequate, while GFA may seek review by the Administrative Review Tribunal.