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ASX Group Monthly Activity Report March 2026

ASX Limited released its monthly activity report for March 2026, showing total new capital quoted of $3.6 billion, up 43% from $2.5 billion in the previous corresponding period. Average daily trades increased 39% year-on-year to 3,044,176, while average daily on-market value traded rose 28% to $9.067 billion. Total net new capital quoted reached $3.2 billion versus negative $0.5 billion in the prior period.

Responds to Final Report from ASIC Inquiry Panel

ASX has announced its response to the ASIC Inquiry Panel's Final Report, committing to implement a comprehensive Commitments Plan addressing governance, capability, and risk management deficiencies identified across the group. ASIC imposed a $150 million capital charge on ASX that will remain until milestones in the Accelerate Program reset are achieved, with the reset required to be agreed with ASIC and the RBA by 30 June 2026.

Vic Jokovic Joins ASX Board as Non-Executive Director

ASX Limited announces the appointment of Vic Jokovic as a new non-executive director, effective 4 May 2026. Mr Jokovic brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience across global exchanges and financial markets, including prior service as CEO of Cboe Australia and 26 years at Deutsche Bank. He will stand for election by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in October 2026.

S&P Downgrades ASX Credit Rating to AA- to A+

S&P Global Ratings has downgraded ASX Limited's long-term issuer credit rating from AA- to A+ with a stable outlook. The downgrade follows a December 2025 revision of ASX's outlook from stable to negative, with S&P citing findings from the ASIC Inquiry's final report as contributing to the action. ASIC has imposed an additional $150 million capital charge on ASX until milestones in the Accelerate Program are achieved. ASX states this rating action does not affect its capital, liquidity, or funding position.

SECP Grants BNPL License to Alibaba-Backed KTPL

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has granted a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) license to KOKO TECH PAKISTAN (PRIVATE) LIMITED (KTPL). KTPL is ultimately owned by Alibaba.com Holdings, marking Alibaba's entry into Pakistan's fintech market. SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu stated that this development represents growing international confidence in Pakistan's digital economy and financial services market.

SECP Expands Pension Reform, Approves 9 Additional Funds for Balochistan and Punjab

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) approved eight additional pension funds for the Government of Balochistan and one for the Government of Punjab. Balochistan's total authorized pension funds now stands at fifteen, while Punjab's total has reached twenty-five. The approvals are part of the government's transition from the traditional Defined Benefit (DB) pension system to a more sustainable Defined Contribution (DC) framework.

SECP Approves IPO of Wahdat Poultry Farm Limited

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the prospectus for the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Wahdat Poultry Farm Limited. The offering comprises 50,000,000 new ordinary shares plus an offer for sale of 3,102,350 shares representing 15.84% of post-IPO paid-up capital. This is the 8th IPO approved in FY 2025-26.

CSA Launches Semi-Annual Reporting Pilot for Venture Issuers

The Canadian Securities Administrators announced adoption of the Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) Pilot, permitting eligible venture issuers listed on TSX Venture Exchange or CSE to file semi-annual reports instead of quarterly reports under National Instrument 51-102. The pilot operates via Coordinated Blanket Order 51-933. The CSA indicated the pilot reduces regulatory burden for smaller venture issuers while maintaining investor protection.

CSA and CIRO Remind Industry of Prediction Market and Event Contract Rules

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) and Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) issued a joint notice reminding industry participants and investors that trading or facilitating trading in prediction market event contracts that constitute securities or derivatives requires compliance with applicable registration, recognition, and other requirements under Canadian securities and derivatives legislation. Two CIRO members have been authorized to facilitate Canadian client access to event contracts on foreign prediction markets under specific terms and conditions. No prediction market has yet been recognized as an exchange or registered as a dealer in Canada.

CSA Publishes CIRO, CIPF Oversight Report

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) published Staff Notice 25-315 summarizing key oversight activities for the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) during the 2025 calendar year. For CIRO, the CSA reviewed rules consolidation, delegated registration functions, Dealer Member Fee Model amendments, the new proficiency model for investment dealers, and response to the August 2025 cybersecurity breach. For CIPF, activities included integration of two protection funds, investment policy alignment, and assessment of a credit-risk based fund model.