Regulatory simplification
ASIC has identified that navigating regulatory complexity is a significant challenge. We are considering what we can do, within our powers, to address the issue.
As a regulator, our experience is that simplicity enhances our ability to take regulatory action. It’s good for consumers, investors and businesses, and it is in line with government aims to reduce the regulatory burden throughout the economy.
We are seeking a broad range of views on how we can more efficiently and effectively administer the law in the areas we regulate, how we can make it easier to transact with us, and how we can simplify guidance, legislative instruments and forms.
Our focus is on making the most difference as quickly as possible for consumers and investors, for businesses and directors. This work also sits within the broader culture of continuous improvement to which ASIC is committed.
ASIC will update this webpage as this work develops.
ASIC Simplification Consultative Group
In 2025, ASIC Chair Joe Longo established the ASIC Simplification Consultative Group (ASCG), comprising highly respected consumer, business and industry leaders. The Group is co-chaired by Joe Longo and Nicola Wakefield-Evans (Board member of the Future Fund, non-executive director Viva Energy Group and Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and Board Chair of MetLife Australia).
The role of this group is to provide ASIC with fresh thinking and practical ideas to address key issues of regulatory complexity in areas of law administered by ASIC.
Members of the group are drawn from a broad range of organisations, including:
- the Australian Institute of Company Directors
- the Consumer Action Law Centre
- Super Consumers Australia
- the Governance Institute
- Business Council of Australia
- Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- the Council of Small Business Organisations.
The group met in February and April 2025 and will convene again in June.
ASCG members
- Joseph Longo (Co-Chair), ASIC Chair
- Nicola Wakefield-Evans (Co-Chair), Board Member of Guardians of Future Fund, Non-Executive Director Viva Energy Group, Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Chair of MetLife Australia, Member of Takeovers Panel, GO Foundation Board, UNSW Foundation
- Anna Bligh, CEO, Australian Banking Association
- Professor Ross Buckley, ARC Laureate Fellow & Scientia Professor, UNSW & Member RBA Payments System Board
- Stephanie Tonkin, CEO, Consumer Action Law Centre
- Bran Black, CEO, Business Council of Australia
- Andrew McKellar, CEO, Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Naomi Edwards, Chair, Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Pauline Vamos, Chair, Governance Institute of Australia
- Xavier O'Halloran, CEO and Founding Director, Super Consumers Australia
- Luke Achterstraat, CEO, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia
Expert advisor panel
ASIC has also established a panel of expert advisers who will provide technical advice on the ideas proposed by the ASIC Simplification Consultative Group, as well as sharing their own ideas for consideration. Input from these expert advisers will be co-chaired by Kate O’Rourke (ASIC Commissioner) and Professor Andrew Godwin (Principal Fellow, Melbourne Law School, ex Special Counsel Australian Law Reform Commission).
The expert group engagement will be targeted, based on the particular background and skills of the membership and the topics to be discussed.
How to provide input
We welcome information or suggestions from the public relevant to our simplification work.
You can email the simplification group secretariat directly: simplificationconsultativegroup@asic.gov.au
For all other enquiries, please see alternative contact options on our Contact Us page.
What is ASIC going to do next
ASIC will publish a discussion paper in the second half of 2025
Relevant Media Releases
Speech by Chair Joe Longo at ASIC Annual Forum 2024: Bridging generations – regulating for all Australians