The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) published its 2024–25 annual report, reporting a material increase in enforcement activity alongside new regulatory work aimed at reducing complexity and strengthening Australia’s markets. The report links the uplift to investments in operational capabilities, including digital technologies, cyber resilience and data analytics. Over the year, ASIC recorded a 50% increase in investigations, an almost 20% increase in new civil enforcement proceedings and the completion of 829 targeted surveillances. Key regulatory and supervisory actions included publishing its first discussion paper on the dynamics of Australia’s public and private markets, launching the Regulatory Simplification Consultative Group, starting an inquiry into ASX governance, capability and risk management following serious and repeated failures, identifying death benefit failures in the superannuation sector and launching enforcement actions against Cbus and AustralianSuper, reviewing the use of artificial intelligence by financial services and credit licensees, taking down more than 6,900 investment scam and phishing websites, and securing AUD 104.1 million in court-ordered civil penalties and AUD 16.8 million in court-imposed criminal fines.
Australian Securities & Investments Commission 2025-10-08
Australian Securities & Investments Commission annual report shows 50% increase in investigations and near-20% rise in new civil enforcement proceedings
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) reported increased enforcement in its 2024–25 annual report due to enhanced capabilities. ASIC recorded a 50% rise in investigations, a nearly 20% increase in new civil proceedings, and completed 829 surveillances. Key actions included ASX governance inquiries, enforcement against superannuation funds, and removing over 6,900 scam websites, resulting in AUD 104.1 million in civil penalties and AUD 16.8 million in criminal fines.