New ASIC data released today highlights the important role reports from the public play in helping ASIC identify misconduct, emerging risks and scams across Australia's financial system.

Between 1 January and 30 June 2026, ASIC received 9,807 ‘Reports of Misconduct’ with retail investor issues and governance matters continuing to dominate reports received by ASIC, which together account for over four in five of all reports.

ASIC Chair Sarah Court said, ‘The data ASIC receives provides critical insights into the trending issues facing consumers and businesses, helping to inform our enforcement priorities. We continue to welcome tip-offs from the public.’

ASIC recorded 170 reports that directly assisted existing surveillance or investigation matters, while 351 reports raised issues that were linked to other reports and were considered together.

Reports from the public have helped ASIC take swift action against emerging pump-and-dump scams, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated using fake celebrity endorsements, causing substantial harm to Australian investors. Scams accounted for nearly one in five reports. Scam disruption is prioritised for assessment because of the harm caused to consumers.

Additionally, the registered agent status of entities has been cancelled where they have been found to breach ASIC’s Registered Agent terms and conditions, following reports from the public.

Other matters progressed for further action include creditor-defeating dispositions in companies being wound up, allegations of whistleblower victimisation and failures to obtain a director identification number.

Common concerns in the reports included unlicensed financial services, governance failures, insolvency concerns and failures to provide company books and records to liquidators.

‘ASIC encourages members of the public to continue reporting suspected misconduct to help identify patterns and trends. Reports from the public remain a vital source of intelligence for ASIC, that help us identify consumer harm and to target resources where they will have the greatest deterrence and consumer benefit,’ Ms Court said.

Reports of misconduct and tip-offs can be made to ASIC online at Reporting misconduct to ASIC.

Background

ASIC has secured a record $830 million in civil penalties orders giving $644 million back to Australians in 2025-26. Many of the actions ASIC has taken have come from reports of misconduct.

Further information about reporting misconduct and the latest reports of misconduct data is available on ASIC's website: Reports of misconduct data.

ASIC also encourages members of the public to report scams to Scamwatch, a service run by the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), which has three simple steps to help Australians avoid scams online:

• Stop before you share money or personal information
• Check who you're really dealing with using contact details you find yourself
• Protect yourself and others by reporting scams to your bank, cyber.gov.au and Scamwatch.