ASIC Takes Legal Action Against ASX Over CHESS System Delay
ASIC Takes Legal Action Against ASX Over CHESS System Delay
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The corporate regulator has taken legal measures against ASX due to alleged misleading statements regarding the progress of its failed attempt to replace the Clearing House Electronic Subregister System (CHESS).
On February 10, 2022, ASX had publicized that the CHESS replacement was “on track for go-live” by April 2023. However, subsequent developments painted a different picture, prompting sharp criticism and legal actions from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
ASIC's complaints arise from reassurances given by the ASX suggesting that the project was "progressing well." Yet, by late March 2022, ASX consulted Accenture, whose findings led to the project's shelving and $250 million in write-offs.
In his statement unveiling the court action, ASIC chair Joe Longo remarked, “There was a collective failure by the ASX board and senior executives.” He underscored that ASX’s promises are vital for trust within the financial markets.
“Companies and investors rely heavily on ASX’s communications regarding their operations to make investment decisions. A breach of confidence at this level induces extensive repercussions across the market,” Longo added.
The legal actions come on the heels of a pre-existing penalty amounting to $1,050,000 paid by ASX after an ASIC investigation scrutinized its adherence to market integrity rules.
Moreover, criminal charges were recently directed at four individuals allegedly involved in a "pump and dump" operation via Telegram, spotlighting ASIC's dedication to regulatory compliance.
The CHESS system, originating in 1994, initially replaced a laborious paper-based clearing approach. The award-winning transaction clearing system proved instrumental for brokers who floated the exchange in 1998, now known as ASX Ltd. The shift from manual to digital processes was seen as a massive leap in operational efficiency at the time.
ASX had planned to replace the decade-old CHESS system beginning in 2016, targeting an April 2021 completion date. However, the project timeline was redefined to April 2023 after re-planning in March 2020.
Subsequently, Digital Assets, ASX’s advisory consultants, flagged the project with a “red RAG” status from June to November 2021, indicating severe risks to timely delivery without appropriate mitigations.
This red status, an IT project management term for serious concerns, was documented and presented to ASX’s audit committee in early February 2022. Nonetheless, ASX published its half-yearly report a week later, asserting that the project was "tracking to plan and progressing well," a statement that ASIC now disputes.
Longo emphasized, “We will argue that the project was not ‘progressing well’ as of February 10, 2022. The postponement and subsequent pause in November 2022 have significantly impacted ASX and the market participants dependent on these assurances.”
Highlighting the necessity for transparent and efficient management of such pivotal projects, Longo remarked, “Ineffective handling erodes confidence in Australia's market's ability to attract investment.”
The original article was published by Neale Prior for The West Australian
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Westpac has sharpened its warning that the Reserve Bank of Australia could lift the cash rate again at its August meeting, adding another layer of uncertainty for mortgage holders already managing higher repayments. The bank remains the only major lender group expecting an August increase, while CommBank, NAB and ANZ currently see the present hiking cycle as having run its course. - read more
Xero’s launch of Ultra for Australian businesses is more than a software update. It points to a bigger shift in the way growing small and medium-sized enterprises are expected to manage their finances, report performance and prepare for future funding needs. - read more
Australia’s new-car market has delivered another major signal to borrowers: the vehicle choices shaping car finance are changing quickly. In June 2026, combined new-vehicle deliveries reached 140,058, making it the strongest month recorded for the local market. The headline number matters, but the detail matters even more for buyers planning personal or business car loans. - read more
Australian credit card debt is again moving in the wrong direction, with Canstar’s latest analysis of Reserve Bank of Australia figures showing personal credit card debt accruing interest reached $19.4 billion in May 2026. The increase was $61 million for the month, and while that may look modest beside the national total, it signals a deeper issue for households already stretched by rent, mortgage repayments, groceries, utilities and other everyday costs. - read more
Fresh Q1 2026 marine search data suggests Australian buyers are still highly engaged with boating, even as household budgets remain under pressure. Retain Media’s latest Marine Market Brand Consideration Report tracked 94 marine brands, around 31,000 keywords and more than 1.47 million Australian searches, giving dealers, lenders and would-be buyers a useful read on where attention is moving. - read more
Small businesses that require regular transportation of goods may find it essential to purchase a truck. However, this acquisition can become a significant investment that requires careful consideration before making a decision. The two options available are buying or leasing a truck. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed choice. - read more
The commercial vehicle market in Australia is a cornerstone of the transportation and logistics industries, with trucks playing an indispensable role. Whether for long-haul deliveries across the vast distances of the continent or for urban distribution, trucks are critical assets for businesses and entrepreneurs alike. This significance makes it essential for commercial vehicle buyers to understand the dynamics of truck resale values in Australia. - read more
Getting the right truck loan can be essential for business owners who rely on commercial vehicles. These loans cover a variety of commercial vehicle types and are crucial for ensuring your business operations run smoothly. Truck loans, specifically, provide the necessary finances to purchase trucks, which are indispensable in industries like logistics and delivery services across Australia. - read more
When purchasing a truck, whether for personal use or business, navigating the financial landscape can be daunting. This is where pre-approval comes into play. But what exactly does pre-approval mean in the context of buying a truck? - read more
Stepping into the realm of commercial truck financing can be a highway riddled with complex terms and conditions. Understanding commercial truck loans is not only about getting the keys to a new vehicle; it's a crucial investment in your business's future. As a borrower, you need to navigate through the fine print to find a loan that fits like a glove. - read more
Start Here
Get a free truck loan eligibility assessment and compare truck finance and leasing options
without accessing your credit file!!
Knowledgebase
Return on Investment (ROI): A measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or compare the efficiency of several different investments.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.