Compliance & Ethics

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has issued a draft policy rule clarifying how telecom providers must notify customers about expiring contracts, free termination rights, and cheaper rates. The rule targets loyalty penalties and sets specific requirements for timing, format, and content. Providers should assess their current communications now, as consultation closes 27 October 2026 and a final rule is expected before year-end.

ASIC Form 7051 (ASX Form 1001) is the certification notice that disclosing entities must lodge with their half yearly reports under the Corporations Act 2001. Lodgement is due within 75 days after the end of the accounting period, and late lodgement triggers fees. The document appears to be an existing form and guide (dated 2011 and 2014), not a new rule, so compliance teams should treat it as a reminder to confirm their lodgement processes.

The Board of Appeal of the European Supervisory Authorities published a signed declaration of commitment and interests from alternate member Matthias Haentjens, as required by Article 59(6) of the ESA founding regulations. The filing is routine and creates no new obligations for regulated firms. It does reinforce the independence safeguards behind the appeals process that firms may use to challenge ESA decisions.

The SEC has issued two proposing releases. One would rescind Rule 14a-8 (the federal shareholder proposal rule) and amend Rule 14a-4 on discretionary proxy authority. The other would modernize four proxy solicitation rules. If adopted, shareholder proposal governance would shift largely to state law and company governing documents, and several federal filing and timing requirements would be eliminated or shortened. Compliance and corporate governance teams should begin assessing operational and legal impacts now and consider submitting comments.

ASIC's Form 105 is a cover page that must accompany each office copy of a court order lodged under the Corporations Act 2001. It is a procedural form and does not introduce new obligations, but errors in completing or lodging it can mean a filing is not treated as lodged and may incur late fees. Compliance and legal teams should confirm their lodgement processes match the form's requirements.

The Norway Financial Supervisory Authority has listed a warning about AVCS Systemgroup Securities Pty Ltd, which the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) classified under its "boiler room" warnings. Compliance teams should treat the entity as a potential investment fraud risk and screen for any direct or indirect exposure.

The Norway Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) has published a warning about Neowintech, apparently relaying an alert issued by Portugal's securities regulator, the CMVM. Compliance teams should treat Neowintech as a potentially unauthorized or fraudulent investment entity and screen for any exposure. The source material is very limited, so details need to be verified directly.