ASIC Consults on Renewing Exchange-Traded Derivatives and Securities Relief Measures

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has launched a consultation on proposals to remake four legislative instruments relating to exchange-traded derivatives and securities, which are scheduled to sunset in September and October 2026.

ASIC said the instruments continue to operate effectively and remain an important part of Australia's regulatory framework. The regulator therefore proposes to renew them for a further five years with only minor amendments that would not materially alter their effect.

The instruments cover several areas, including disclosure requirements for certain exchange-traded derivatives involving multiple issuers, the recognition of Australian securities transferred through New Zealand’s settlement system, transfer arrangements for foreign securities quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), and relief from substantial holding disclosure requirements for securities lending and prime broking activities.

According to ASIC, the proposed remakes are intended to preserve existing regulatory settings and maintain legal certainty for market participants rather than introduce new obligations.

Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on Consultation Paper CS 56 by 20 July 2026. The consultation forms part of ASIC’s periodic review process under Australia’s legislative sunsetting framework, which requires legislative instruments to be reviewed and renewed every ten years if they remain necessary.

The regulator noted that the proposed changes are administrative in nature and are not expected to have a significant impact on regulated entities or investors.