CP 391 Access to information on the companies register

ASIC has released Consultation Paper 391, seeking feedback on proposed settings for who can access information held on the companies register. The register records details about Australian companies and people connected with them, and supports transparency and market confidence, but ASIC notes that some of the information, such as personal details of officeholders, is sensitive and requires settings that balance transparency with privacy and security. The consultation is being run as ASIC upgrades its registry technology and implements new legislative requirements for registry access.

ASIC has invited feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, including companies, officeholders, company agents, small businesses, creditors, investors, accountants, legal practitioners, registered liquidators, real estate agents, community advocates, journalists, banking and credit associations, information brokers, digital service providers and debt collection agencies. The consultation paper sets out the proposed categories of information and who would be able to access each category under the new arrangements.

Submissions can be made by email and close at 5pm AEDT on 12 October 2026. Submissions will not be treated as confidential unless specifically requested. ASIC has indicated it will also hold online information sessions to explain the proposals before the consultation closes. No final settings have yet been adopted, and the proposals remain subject to feedback.