On 4 September 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) of India in Sydney. The MoU was executed by ASIC Chair Joe Longo and IFSCA Chair Shri K Rajaraman, in the presence of senior Indian and Australian officials. The arrangement aims to deepen cooperation between the two jurisdictions in areas such as information sharing, regulatory compliance, market supervision, and the adoption of technology in financial markets. ASIC and IFSCA highlighted that the MoU represents a mutual commitment to collaboration, built on shared values of trust, transparency, and innovation. The partnership is expected to strengthen financial market resilience, support supervisory coordination, and enhance regulatory frameworks in both Australia and India. This development positions Australia as a proactive regional hub in cross-border regulatory alignment at a time of accelerating globalisation and digital transformation.
In para 3 of the ASIC announcement (09 September 2025), ASIC and IFSCA committed to “facilitate mutual assistance and information sharing between ASIC and IFSCA on areas such as trends and best practice and the use of technology in financial markets, regulatory compliance and the supervision and enforcement requirements of market participants.”
In para 4, ASIC Chair Joe Longo stated: “This Memorandum of Understanding between our two authorities reinforces our shared values and vision that is future focused and grounded in mutual trust.”
In para 6, IFSCA Chair Shri K Rajaraman emphasised: “This engagement demonstrates the dynamic ties between our countries and reinforces the mutual commitment to work closely with each other to support a robust and effective financial services ecosystem in both the jurisdictions.”
Australia–India Regulatory Cooperation Framework
The MoU establishes a channel for enhanced collaboration between ASIC and IFSCA, covering:
- Information exchange on emerging financial market trends and best practice.
- Coordination in supervisory standards and enforcement of market rules.
- Joint focus on technology adoption in regulatory compliance.
- Mutual support in strengthening the resilience of financial services ecosystems.
Global Compatible Compliance for Market Participants
For financial institutions, fintechs, and service providers operating across Australia and India, this MoU provides an increased ease of regulatory compliance and cooperation. Market participants should anticipate:
- Closer alignment of supervisory expectations.
- Stronger emphasis on digital compliance solutions.
- Greater scope for regulatory information-sharing affecting cross-border operations.
The ASIC–IFSCA MoU reinforces Australia’s position and complements India’s influence in international finance through IFSCA, while highlighting Australia’s role in advancing digital market regulation. This cooperation deepens bilateral ties and supports the broader strategic aim of building robust and trusted financial systems across the Asia-Pacific region.
