Digital Future Summit Series Episode 5: ASIC Chair Joe Longo

Presenters:

• Alex Elser, KWM
• David Friedlander, KWM
• Joe Longo, ASIC Chair

In this episode of the Digital Future Summit series, ASIC Chair Joe Longo discusses the corporate regulator’s discussion paper into private and public capital markets in Australia, considering the impact of AI, markets’ operation, and the role of superannuation money. Longo shares insights from ASIC's recent paper and outlines the commission's approach to enhancing transparency and data collection in private markets.

Key Points:

1. ASIC's recent discussion paper aims to reshape public and private markets in Australia, emphasising the need for market transparency.
2. Why Joe Longo believes the decline in public listings is influenced more by structural factors than regulatory burdens.
3. Why ASIC seeks greater data visibility in private markets to enhance its understanding of capital flows and investment practices.
4. How the commission is exploring the potential of digital financial reporting as a way to modernise market practices – and wider potential law reform.
5. The importance of balancing regulation and innovation, particularly in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Additional Resources here:

https://download.asic.gov.au/media/44hh5ctv/australia-s-evolving-capital-markets-a-discussion-paper-on-the-dynamics-between-public-and-private-markets.pdf

https://www.kwm.com/au/en/insights/latest-thinking/asics-private-markets-review-the-next-chapter.html

https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/inside-asic-podcast/#series2-episode2

https://www.asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/find-a-document/consultations/dp-australia-s-evolving-capital-markets-a-discussion-paper-on-the-dynamics-between-public-and-private-markets/#submissions

https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2025-releases/25-096mr-asic-clears-path-for-faster-ipos/