Handling corporate information

Continuous disclosure

The continuous disclosure obligations in the Corporations Act 2001 are fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the market by ensuring transparency and equal access to information.

Listed companies must disclose material price sensitive information on a timely basis and comply with listing rules of the relevant market.

ASIC can issue infringement notices for breaches of these obligations.

Handling of confidential information

Listed companies must take responsibility for the management of their confidential information.  Poor practices in relation to the handling of confidential price sensitive information can negatively affect market integrity, reputation, jeopardise the success of a transaction and may lead to ASIC action.

Speeches

John Price, Commissioner, August 2014, Speech to Australasian Investor Relations   Association, Sydney	Handling of confidential information
John Price, Commissioner, March 2015, Speech to Institute of Internal Auditors   Conference, Sydney	Auditing continuous disclosure risk
John Price, Commissioner, September 2015, Speech to Deloitte Australia, Melbourne	Challenges for our capital markets

Regulatory documents

ASIC Report 393	Handling of confidential information: Briefings and unannounced transactions
Regulatory Guide 198	Unlisted disclosing entities: continuous disclosure obligations
Regulatory Guide 73	Continuous disclosure obligations: infringement notices