ASX Media Centre

ASX Confirms CHESS Release 1 Ready for Market Open

ASX announced on 20 April 2026 that CHESS Release 1, providing clearing services on a modernised platform, is ready for market open. All Approved Market Operators successfully connected ahead of market open following extensive testing. Project costs remain within the previously provided estimate of approximately $125 million. Work on Release 2 (settlement and sub-register services) is progressing with the industry test environment opened on 30 March 2026, targeting delivery by 2029.

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.

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.

Updated ASX Group Dealing Rules Policy - Insider Trading Prevention

ASX Limited released an updated ASX Group Dealing Rules Policy effective 25 March 2026, in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 12.10. The Policy establishes principles, requirements and governance arrangements to mitigate insider trading risk for ASX people and their Connected Persons. The Policy requires pre-clearance approval to deal in Covered Securities and prohibits dealing during designated ASX Trading Windows except in exceptional circumstances.