For overseas businesses entering Australia, setting up a company also means staying compliant with ongoing ASIC obligations, governance requirements, and reporting deadlines. This is where ABN Australia's ASIC compliance and corporate secretarial service becomes critical. We act as your local compliance partner, helping your companies meet your Australian obligations accurately and on time so you can focus on running the business.
Why ASIC compliance matters for global businesses
ASIC compliance matters for global businesses because failure to meet Australian reporting and governance obligations can result in penalties, operational disruption, and reputational damage.
Even global brands can get caught by ASIC deadlines. ASIC recently announced in June 2026 that the companies operating under the Zara, H&M and Sephora brands in Australia paid a combined $596,000 in infringement notices for allegedly failing to lodge financial reports on time. ASIC has also made financial reporting misconduct one of its key enforcement priorities for 2026, with more than $4.5 million in infringement notices already issued through its targeted surveillance program.
The recent ASIC action demonstrates that compliance risks are not limited to small or inexperienced businesses. For international companies operating in Australia, having a trusted local partner to manage ASIC obligations, monitor deadlines, and maintain corporate records can help reduce the risk of penalties and governance issues.
How ABN Australia helps you stay compliant with ASIC
ABN Australia helps your international businesses stay compliant with ASIC by managing your ongoing company compliance, corporate secretarial obligations, and governance requirements. Our ASIC compliance and corporate secretarial service is designed specifically for companies that want a reliable Australian team handling their statutory obligations.
ASIC registered agent
We become your company's official link with ASIC and manage statutory lodgements, communications, and annual review obligations on your behalf.
Corporate registry management
Our team maintains your director and shareholder registers, company records, and governance documentation so your ASIC filings and internal records remain aligned.
Annual ASIC compliance
We prepare and lodge your annual review documentation, coordinate ASIC fee payments, and ensure key deadlines are met.
Company changes and resolutions
Whether you are changing directors, addresses, shareholders, share structures, or company details, we prepare the required ASIC forms and supporting resolutions.
Governance obligations managed
We help keep your company records complete and up to date by maintaining minutes, resolutions, share certificates, and other governance documentation required under Australian company law.
Compliance challenges for foreign-owned companies
Overseas companies often face compliance challenges because they are unfamiliar with Australia's corporate regulations, reporting requirements, and governance obligations. While ASIC penalties attract attention, they are only one of several risks associated with non-compliance.
Director exposure
Even when compliance responsibilities are delegated internally, directors remain legally responsible for ensuring the company meets its statutory obligations. Missing ASIC deadlines or governance requirements can expose directors to regulatory scrutiny, penalties, and unnecessary risk.
Governance issues
Incomplete records can create complications during audits, transactions, fundraising activities, or due diligence processes.
Operational delays
Missed filings frequently require remediation work, additional professional advice, and valuable management time.
Reputational concerns
Public enforcement action can affect stakeholder confidence and business credibility.
Our role is to act as your local compliance partner in Australia. We monitor key deadlines, provide proactive reminders, maintain governance documentation, and manage ongoing ASIC obligations on your behalf, helping you stay compliant while focusing on your core business activities.
Why international businesses choose ABN Australia
International businesses choose ABN Australia because we provide a complete local compliance solution backed by extensive experience supporting overseas-owned companies in Australia.
Full-service compliance partner
Our ASIC compliance and corporate secretarial support are delivered through one integrated service.
Reduced administrative burden
Your team can focus on business growth while we manage compliance and documentation requirements.
Australian regulatory expertise
Drawing on decades of experience in Australian corporate compliance, we help international businesses navigate ASIC requirements, governance obligations, and regulatory changes with practical, reliable advice.
Proactive deadline management
Our monitoring systems and proactive reminders help ensure key ASIC deadlines are met, reducing the risk of late lodgements and associated penalties.
Trusted by thousands of companies
Thousands of international businesses, from growing start-ups to established multinational organisations, rely on ABN Australia to manage their compliance obligations.
Need ASIC compliance support in Australia?
If you are an international business operating in Australia, ABN Australia can help you stay compliant, meet ASIC deadlines, and reduce the risk of penalties and governance issues.
The recent ASIC action involving Zara, H&M and Sephora demonstrates that even sophisticated global organisations can encounter compliance challenges. However, you do not need to manage these obligations alone.
ABN Australia provides the local compliance infrastructure that overseas companies often lack, including ASIC Registered Agent services, corporate secretarial support, deadline monitoring, governance documentation, and ongoing regulatory guidance. The outcome is simple: accurate company records, on-time ASIC lodgements, strong governance, reduced administrative burden, and greater confidence for directors operating in Australia.
Get in touch with ABN Australia to discuss a compliance solution tailored to your Australian operations.
Last updated: 19th June 2026
About the Author
Ro Elvinia is ABN Australia's Customer Success and Marketing Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, majoring in journalism, and also has an academic background in civil engineering. With over a decade of experience in professional writing and a background spanning journalism, Australian immigration, and business services, Ro brings a unique mix of communication and analytical expertise. She works closely with international clients and contributes to ABN Australia's content strategy, helping global businesses stay informed and confident as they navigate the Australian market.
Ro Elvinia
Customer Success and Marketing Manager