International policy development
An important aspect of the Office of International Relations' work is the coordination of ASIC's role in international policy and regulatory development.
SEC-Australia mutual recognition discussions
China's QDII scheme – Recognition of Australia
Changes to China's Qualified Domestic Institutional Investors (QDII) scheme mean that Chinese investors are now able to invest in recognised overseas equities markets through relevant products offered by approved Chinese banks, securities institutions and insurers. ASIC has been working to facilitate recognition of Australia as an approved jurisdiction for investment under the scheme.
International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)
The organisation through which member agencies cooperate towards promoting high standards of regulation in order to maintain just, efficient and sound markets. ASIC hosted the 25th IOSCO Annual Conference in Sydney in May 2000 (see IOSCO conference papers).
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Through the Australian Government's membership with the OECD, ASIC has participated in a number of inter-departmental committees and working groups that report on Australia's compliance with various OECD guidelines and principles.
More information about ASIC's OECD-related work and the OECD guidelines and principles
Financial Stability Forum (FSF)
The Financial Stability Forum (FSF) was convened in April 1999 to promote international financial stability through information exchange and international cooperation in financial supervision and surveillance.
See also our list of international contacts.
International cooperation
ASIC's Office of International Relations assists in the coordination of international enforcement activities by obtaining information and evidence from overseas for ASIC investigations as well as obtaining information and evidence in Australia for overseas regulators' investigations.
Enforcement activities
Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and other international agreements
ASIC is a signatory to the IOSCO Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding and also several bilateral MOU's and other international agreements. These documents outline the relationship between the signing parties with regard to mutual assistance and the exchange of information for the purpose of enforcing and securing compliance with the respective laws and regulations of the signing authorities.
ASIC is able, under the certain circumstances, to provide information to other foreign regulators who as yet have not entered into a MOU or other multilateral or bilateral agreement with ASIC.
Download copies of MOUs and other international agreements to which ASIC is a signatory.
Global EnforceNet
A news, information and discussion web site for personnel from securities commissions and law enforcement agencies who want to stay informed about electronic enforcement within the global securities and investments arena.
Technical assistance
The Office of International Relations coordinates ASIC's provision of training and other technical assistance for securities regulators in the region. An example of ASIC's work is that which has been conducted through AusAID's Public Sector Linkages Program. The aim of the program is to assist in the regulation and enforcement of capital markets, financial services industries and laws of these countries, promoting greater confidence and accountability in financial systems.
Information for foreign regulators
If you require information from ASIC in relation to the fulfilment of your statutory purpose as a securities regulator, contact us with your request via: email International@asic.gov.au, or fax 61 2 9911 2634.
ASIC releases information in accordance with Regulatory Guide 103.
For foreign regulators seeking information from ASIC as part of your licensing or registration processes read the following information.
You may also find ASIC's registers, publications and issue-specific regulatory road maps to be of assistance.
Visits to ASIC by foreign delegations
Each year ASIC receives a large number of requests to meet overseas delegations. Generally, ASIC will only accept delegations from national government departments or regulatory agencies responsible for the regulation of financial services, markets and/or corporations. However, we will consider requests from non-government or non-regulatory agencies in exceptional circumstances.
If you wish to visit ASIC, read our procedure for making a request
Information for international businesses
International businesses may be interested in subscribing to the ASIC Digest and related products which contain comprehensive information about ASIC policies, ASIC activities, and complying with and obtaining relief from the Australian Corporations Act 2001.
Please note that while ASIC exchanges information with foreign regulators, ASIC does not provide letters of support in relation to your dealings with foreign regulators.