Foreign company filings shift to email as ASIC expands digital access

Foreign companies will, for the first time, be able to lodge certain regulatory forms by email, following a major expansion of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) simplified lodgement system.

The change forms part of a broader update, which now enables around 70% of ASIC’s paper-based forms to be submitted electronically via email. Amongst the latest additions are 30 new forms introduced from 31 March 2026, marking a significant expansion of digital submission pathways. This is expected to eliminate approximately 13,000 paper lodgements each year. The latest expansion brings the total number of forms available for email lodgement to 88.

ASIC said the update builds on earlier improvements introduced in 2025 and forms part of its broader effort to simplify regulatory interactions and reduce administrative burden for customers.

The expanded list now covers a wider range of regulatory activities, including company notifications, foreign company updates, auditor appointments and consents, credit licence updates, debenture holder notifications, and other compliance-related lodgements.

ASIC stated that email lodgement provides a more convenient channel for submitting documents, offering faster turnaround times and reduced manual processing. Postal lodgement will remain available for users who prefer traditional submission methods.

The regulator said customers can now choose between email and postal lodgement for eligible forms, depending on their operational needs and preferences.

ASIC has published the complete list of forms eligible for email lodgement here.

Last updated: 24th Apr 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.