Regulatory and Compliance Law for Corporations

With extensive experience advising regulated entities and government authorities, we have provided guidance and representation during significant investigations and inquiries into corporate conduct across Australia.

Corporate Governance

We acknowledge that best-practice corporate governance approaches vary among entities and evolve as the company grows. When we advise our clients, we always consider existing and emerging legislation, the entity's purpose, governing body composition, and stakeholders. We help establish a governance model that fosters improved performance and desired outcomes while meeting regulatory requirements. Some of our extensive experience includes:

• Board member duties and responsibilities

• Breach of director duties

• ASIC regulatory matters

• Protecting company assets from a family law claim

• Protocols and governance policies

• Implementation of board reviews

• Insurance

• Statutory reporting obligations

• Probity reviews and implementation

Corporate Affairs

Our lawyers regularly counsel some of Australia's most prominent entities, possessing strong knowledge and experience when it comes to corporate rules and regulations, including substantial work on:

• Mergers and acquisitions

• Financial reporting

• Continuous disclosure

• Securities and investments

• ASX listings

• Initial Public Offering (IPO) strategy and management

• Shareholder rights and remedies

Competition and Consumer Law

We provide extensive support to companies concerning Australian competition and consumer laws, assisting with various are includes:

• Entry into new markets

• Mergers and acquisitions

• Regulated transactions

• Market power and cartel conduct

• Exclusive dealing and third-line forcing

• Resale price maintenance

• Consumer related disputes

• ACCC investigations and actions

• Retail and product liability

Privacy and Data Security

Given the tightly regulated nature of personal information and data storage and transmission in Australia and overseas, we advise organisations on meeting obligations and mitigating reputational risk.

Our experience is broad and includes:

• Strategies and systems

• Privacy disclosures for employees, customers, and investors

• Preparation of privacy principles and relevant notices

• Breaches of privacy and complaints

• Disclosure between related entities

• Emerging and established businesses

Financial Services

With Australia's finance sector under scrutiny, implementing new financial technologies and services requires specialist knowledge of Australian and international laws. We routinely advise companies on navigating associated compliance risks.

Foreign Investment

As Australia is an attractive destination for foreign investment, our corporate regulatory and compliance lawyers focus on assisting foreign direct investors in acquisitions, divestments, business structures and restructures, and operational legal requirements to flourish in the Australian marketplace.

Our experience and services are broad and encompass:

• Incorporation of Australian companies

• Preparation and amendments of company constitutions

• Acquisitions, takeovers, and takeover defence measures

• Joint ventures

• International cross-border transactions, which extends to recently working on a world wide events management and risk mitigations company and heading their American and Chinese law firms to work in cohesion and towards a common goal

• Application of Australia's foreign investment regulatory scheme and obtaining approval of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) where relevant

• Employment relations and incentive schemes

• Corporate governance and director liability

Inquiries & Investigations

Having worked on significant investigations and inquiries into corporate and professional conduct, we understand how to navigate inquiries and investigations to minimise financial and reputational damage.

Our experience and services include:

• ASIC, ACCC, and WorkCover matters

• State and federal ombudsman matters

• Disciplinary hearings and professional boards

• Advice on investigations and document seizures

Compliance Assistance

Our corporate regulatory and compliance lawyers can help companies effectively identify and mitigate compliance issues. With experience in various sectors, we collaborate with clients through various contact platforms, includes Teams.

Some of our compliance experience involves work closely with barristers and industry professionals in relation to audits, technological solutions and security vulnerabilities and other compliance strategies.