IPO reforms set to boost M&A activity
Australia’s dealmaking environment may be entering a more dynamic phase. Over the last 12 months, Australia has introduced targeted reforms to shorten IPO timetables and reduce execution risk for eligible ASX listings: ASX’s update to Guidance Note 1 (effective 30 May 2025) clarifies admissions practice and encourages earlier, more structured engagement. ASX is also considering […]
ReadmoreAustralian M&A: A review of 2025 and outlook for 2026
In 2025, Gadens’ Corporate team advised on over 50 M&A transactions totalling more than AUD3.8 billion. This marked an increase on 2024 and reflects the breadth of our involvement across the Australian M&A market throughout the year. In this year’s edition of our Australian M&A review, we examine the key trends and developments that shaped […]
ReadmoreFinder: ASIC to continue to pursue cases to clarify crypto regulation as the Federal Court finds that a crypto-asset is not a debenture
On 24 July 2025, the Full Federal Court dismissed ASIC’s appeal against Finder Wallet Pty Ltd (Finder Wallet) and ordered it to pay costs.[1] The Court held that the primary judge made no error in concluding that the ‘Finder Earn’ product did not amount to a ‘debenture’ within the meaning of s 9 of the […]
ReadmoreFull Federal Court decision in BPS Financial litigation – More questions than answers for AFS licensees and authorised representatives?
In the latest development in ASIC’s litigation against digital asset business BPS Financial Ltd (BPS), on 30 May 2025 the Full Federal Court has allowed ASIC’s appeal against the primary judge’s decision that BPS was entitled to rely on the widely utilised ‘authorised representative’ exemption (AR Exemption) in section 911A(2)(a)(i) of the Corporations Act for […]
ReadmoreCrypto judgment overturned: Block Earner succeeds in cross-appeal against ASIC
*Article updated as of 22 May 2025 The Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia handed down its much-awaited decision on 22 April 2025, overturning the judgment of Justice Jackman in the Block Earner case.[1] The decision should give digital asset providers and market participants further clarity around the application of the complex financial services regime […]
ReadmoreAustralian mid-market M&A: A review of 2024 and outlook for 2025
In 2024, Gadens’ Corporate team achieved remarkable growth, advising on over 50 M&A transactions with a total value more than double that of 2023. This expansion reflects both our growing market presence and the trust our clients place in us to deliver high-value, strategic deals. In our inaugural edition of our M&A review, we reflect […]
ReadmoreGadens Regulatory Recap – 24 September 2024
This edition of the Gadens Regulatory Recap highlights recent developments from ASIC, APRA, and ACCC including various enforcement actions taken by the regulators. ASIC ASIC calls on product issuers to review distribution practices for DDO compliance: ASIC is urging product issuers to improve their distribution practices following a review that found significant issues with how […]
ReadmoreGadens Regulatory Recap – 4 September 2024
This edition of the Gadens Regulatory Recap highlights recent developments from ASIC, APRA, ACCC, OAIC, Treasury, and the Federal Parliament including various enforcement actions taken by the regulators. ASIC ASIC continues extensive action against greenwashing ASIC has made 47 regulatory interventions in relation to greenwashing misconduct, including commencing two Federal Court proceedings and issuing over […]
ReadmoreProposed National Electricity Market (NEM) changes to accelerate VPPs – what it means for retail electricity businesses and aggregators
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has recently proposed a draft electricity rule that presents a significant opportunity for aggregators and innovative retailers that would work well to help manage hedging risks, reduce costs and earn revenue in existing markets and through the provision of ancillary services. The National Electricity Amendment (Integrating price-responsive resources into […]
ReadmoreGadens Regulatory Recap – 21 August 2024
This edition of the Gadens Regulatory Recap highlights recent developments from ASIC, APRA, OAIC, ACCC, and Treasury including various enforcement actions taken by the regulators. ASIC Financial advice update: The Financial Advice Update, published by ASIC on 9 August 2024, highlights key regulatory developments affecting Australian financial services (AFS) licensees and financial advisers. The update […]
ReadmoreGadens Regulatory Recap – 8 August 2024
This edition of the Gadens Regulatory Recap highlights recent developments from ASIC, APRA, OAIC, ACCC, and Treasury including various enforcement actions taken by the regulators. ASIC ASIC’s first greenwashing case results in landmark $11.3 million penalty for Mercer The Federal Court has ordered Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited (Mercer) to pay $11.3 million in penalties in […]
ReadmoreGadens Regulatory Recap – 29 July 2024
This edition of the Gadens Regulatory Recap highlights recent developments from ASIC, APRA, OAIC, ACCC, and Treasury including various enforcement actions taken by the regulators. ASIC ASIC and OAIC share Memorandum of Understanding on information sharing to accelerate data and privacy breach responses: ASIC and the OAIC have agreed to and entered a Memorandum of […]
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