ASIC Removes or Restricts 87 Financial Services Firms and Individuals in FY2025-26

Australia’s financial regulator ASIC has taken stronger enforcement action against the financial services industry, removing or restricting 87 individuals and businesses from providing financial services during the 2025-26 financial year.

ASIC reported 150 administrative enforcement outcomes, up from 105 a year earlier. These actions, including banning orders and licence cancellations, can be imposed directly by ASIC without court proceedings.

Among the affected sectors, CFD providers remained a key focus. ASIC’s review of 52 CFD issuers resulted in around A$40 million being returned to investors through regulatory intervention.

During the same period, ASIC secured a record A$830 million in civil penalties, with CFD-related cases accounting for a significant portion. The regulator previously imposed a A$300.2 million penalty against collapsed CFD broker Union Standard and related entities.

Of the 150 administrative actions, 77 involved permanent bans or licence cancellations, including 31 individuals and 46 companies.

ASIC Chair Sarah Court said administrative powers allow the regulator to act faster and intervene before misconduct causes further harm.

The latest figures highlight ASIC’s continued crackdown on high-risk financial services providers, particularly in the retail derivatives and CFD sector.