Why does Sarah Court’s appointment matter for ASX investors?

Sarah Court ASIC chair signals tougher ASIC enforcement. We expect quicker investigations, more litigation, and closer checks on pricing and disclosure. That can raise short‑term costs and legal provisions. Over time, stronger standards may reduce conduct risk and benefit high‑quality firms with clear communications and solid governance.

Which companies face the most scrutiny under the new chair?

Financial advice, insurers, superannuation trustees, managed funds, and ASX‑listed issuers with complex fees or heavy retail marketing face higher risk. Expect close review of pricing claims, product disclosures, remediation programs, and market announcements. Firms with transparent reporting and independent reviews should be better placed.

What is misleading pricing in this context?

Misleading pricing includes unclear discounts, drip fees that appear late in checkout, or comparison prices that lack a fair basis. Under tougher oversight, disclosures must be clear and prominent. Companies should test customer journeys and remove ambiguity. Investors should watch customer complaints and remediation trends for early warning signs.

How should boards prepare for tougher ASIC enforcement?

Boards should order rapid reviews of pricing, disclosures, and product governance. Strengthen complaints analysis and incident escalation to market disclosure. Refresh training for frontline and digital teams. Ensure legal contingencies are updated and communicated. Clear plans can lower penalties, reduce volatility, and protect long‑term value.

Global Market Insights

February 03: ASIC Picks Sarah Court—Enforcement, Pricing Scrutiny to Rise

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

The appointment of Sarah Court ASIC chair marks a clear shift toward tougher action in Australia. As an enforcement veteran, Court is expected to prioritise consumer protection and misleading pricing cases across banks, insurers, super funds and listed companies. We expect faster investigations, more litigation, and larger compliance programs. For investors, this raises near‑term risk in sectors with complex fees and disclosures, but it can reward firms with strong governance. Here is what to watch and how to prepare.