News Brief: ASX Commits to Major Overhaul After Critical Regulator Report
Summary
Australian corporate regulator ASIC has published a damning report criticizing the ASX for being insular, defensive, and overly profit-focused at the expense of reliable market operations. In response, ASX leadership has pledged a comprehensive reform program, including governance changes and increased financial reserves.
Key Points
- Critical Findings: An ASIC-appointed expert panel found the ASX has cultural, leadership, and governance deficiencies, underestimated required fixes, and failed to prioritize its core exchange operations.
- Agreed Reforms: ASX will “reset” its Accelerate remediation program, appoint independent directors to key clearing subsidiaries, and hold an extra $150 million in liquid assets.
- Market Reaction: ASX shares fell 5.68% on news of a dividend cut linked to the agreement with ASIC.
- Leadership Pressure: CEO Helen Lofthouse, who forfeited her short-term bonus, faces increased scrutiny. The board has pledged closer supervision of management.
- Regulatory Stance: ASIC Chair Joe Longo vowed to ensure ASX delivers on its commitments to restore trust in Australia’s financial markets.
新闻简报：ASX在监管机构严厉报告后承诺进行全面改革
总结
澳大利亚公司监管机构ASIC发布了一份严厉的报告，批评澳大利亚证券交易所（ASX）封闭、防御性强，且过度关注盈利而牺牲了可靠的市场运营。作为回应，ASX领导层承诺实施全面的改革计划，包括治理变革和增加财务储备。
关键点
- 严厉的调查结果：由ASIC委派的专家小组发现，ASX存在文化、领导力和治理缺陷，低估了所需的修复工作，并且未能优先考虑其核心的交易所运营。
- 商定的改革：ASX将“重置”其Accelerate补救计划，为关键的清算子公司任命独立董事，并额外持有1.5亿澳元的流动资产。
- 市场反应：由于与ASIC协议相关的股息削减消息，ASX股价下跌5.68%。
- 管理层压力：已放弃短期奖金的CEO海伦·洛夫豪斯面临更严格的审查。董事会承诺加强对管理层的监督。
- 监管立场：ASIC主席乔·隆戈誓言将确保ASX履行其承诺，以恢复对澳大利亚金融市场的信任。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-15/asx-limited-shares-fall-stock-exchange-operator-inquiry/106145156