ASIC Moves to Boost Transparency of Listed Entity Ownership

Australia’s corporate watchdog is taking steps to increase transparency around who owns and controls listed companies. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced it is exploring a web-based portal with market operators that would allow users to submit substantial holding information more efficiently.

The regulator has also implemented an index-based format for Registers of Relevant Interests (RORI), a move designed to make ownership structures easier to navigate and scrutinize. The changes aim to streamline disclosure and improve public access to key corporate ownership data.

Further details on the portal’s timeline or technical specifications were not provided. The initiative aligns with broader regulatory efforts to enhance market integrity and investor confidence.