Who can complete the online business name registration on behalf of my business?

A. As the proposed business name holder, you can authorise any person to lodge an online application for business name registration on your behalf.

Can authorised lodgers sign up their firm to ASIC Connect, instead of each employee of the firm?

A. No, each individual authorised lodger must sign up for an ASIC Connect account and (to handle renewals) link each relevant business name to their account.

Can more than one authorised lodger be linked to a business name account?

A. Yes, providing they are authorised by the business name holder. We do not need to see the authorisation, but we will ask them to declare their authority online as part of a transaction.

How should a person be authorised by a business name holder to transact with ASIC?

A. Authorisation is a private arrangement between a person and a business name holder - we are not involved. Authorised lodgers should consider written authorisation to ensure they have express permission to conduct transactions for the business name holders they represent.

Who will ASIC give a 'bulk' list of ASIC keys to?

A. We will email a list of ASIC keys to an ASIC registered agent where we know the agent represents companies that hold the relevant business names. On a case-by-case basis, we will provide similar support to other authorised businesses such as large corporate groups or franchisors. We may require further details such as a letter of authorisation or request on firm letterhead.

As an authorised lodger, can I have the ASIC key sent to me rather than my client?

A: Yes, if you can provide approval from the business name holder, authorising you to transact on their behalf. You can do this online by submitting a request through www.asic.gov.au/question.

You should include:

• the business names and, if available, ABNs

• business name holder details

• a statement of authorisation from the business name holder(s)

• your ASIC registered agent number (if you have one)

• your name and contact details, and

• a business email address where we can send the ASIC keys.

We may contact you to ask you to email us additional information to ensure you are authorised to transact for the business name holder. This may include any or all of the following:

• a written statement from you on letterhead that you are authorised by each of the business name holders

• a letter on company letterhead (if the business name holder is a company)and further details of the basis of the request (e.g. for franchises or large corporate groups), and/or

• direct evidence of authority from business name holder – for example, an authorisation on company letterhead where the business name holder is a company.

As an authorised lodger, if I register a business name, will I automatically receive renewal and other notices from ASIC for the business name holder?

A. No, this will only occur IF you link the business name to your ASIC Connect account (using the ASIC key) and include your email under the business details for the business name.

Can more than one lodger be authorised for a single business name?

A. Yes, a business name holder can authorise more than one person to transact with us on their behalf. They do this by sharing their ASIC key with the people they authorise, who can use it to link the business name to their ASIC Connect account. Business name holders can also transact themselves.