Australia’s Widening Disclosure Net and What It Means for Investors
Introduction
Regulators globally are ramping up their approach to Substantial Shareholder Disclosure, signalling a clear global shift toward stricter transparency standards.
At Artius Global, we recognise that disclosure regimes are no longer evolving in isolation. Regulators are increasingly closing gaps, expanding scope, and strengthening enforcement to ensure that market influence whether direct or indirect, is visible to the public.
Australia has been quietly but decisively moving in this direction. The act has been passed by Australia’s Assent on December 4th 2025 but a majority of the coverage would be expected to take effect in the later section of 2026. The country has signalled a decisive move toward a more robust and comprehensive shareholder disclosure framework. While detailed implementation rules are still to come, the direction of travel is already clear.
Australia’s Direction
Broader Concept of Disclosure
The reform signals an expansion in how “relevant interest” is understood. Rather than focusing solely on voting power, regulators are indicating a greater interest in overall market exposure and influence.
This represents a clear move away from form toward substance, and a warning that strategies designed to remain outside disclosure requirements may face increasing scrutiny.
Greater Focus on Indirect Influence
Historically, Australia’s disclosure regime was anchored in direct ownership and formal rights. The reform signals a tougher stance:
The message is simple: holding influence without holding shares is no longer assumed to be outside the scope of regulatory attention.
A Step Change in ASIC’s Role
One of the most significant signals from the reform is the expansion of ASIC’s authority. The regulator is expected to take on a more active role in shaping disclosure expectations and enforcing compliance.
This includes:
For market participants, this represents a meaningful shift in enforcement posture, with increased emphasis on proactive compliance.
Strengthening Transparency End-to-End
Taken together, the reform signals a more comprehensive approach to shareholder transparency:
Australia is clearly signalling its intent to close gaps, remove ambiguity, and raise expectations around disclosure behaviour.
Final thoughts from Artius Global
With the introduction of this new bill, Australia’s direction is unmistakable. The country is signalling on a global stage that shareholder disclosure is now a regulatory priority with tighter capture, enhanced tracing and expanded enforcement powers.
This reform is likely just the beginning. While further changes will only become clear as additional guidance and rules emerge, the message from Australia is already clear: transparency matters, and the regulatory net is widening. It would not be surprising to see stricter requirements announced as regulators continue to close gaps and expand enforcement.
For companies and investors, the implication is simple staying alert is no longer optional. Disclosure obligations are evolving quickly, and missing a development can create unnecessary compliance risk.
That is why having a trusted, continuously updated source of regulatory intelligence is critical. As disclosure regimes tighten globally, compliance is becoming an area regulators are increasingly willing to enforce decisively.
If you would like to understand how these changes may impact your organisation, or how Artius Global helps firms stay ahead of regulatory developments, feel free to contact us or reach out directly at enquiries@artiusglobal.com.