Australia’s key market participants gathered at a late‑month roundtable hosted by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, focusing squarely on the global race for capital.
The group argued that policy and market changes must centre on lifting productivity, deepening liquidity and strengthening global connectivity for Australian securities.
ASIC’s published summary of the discussion stressed that Australia has to remain an appealing venue for listings and capital flows as international markets grow more accessible.
Participants also emphasised reducing listing and trading costs, cutting structural barriers for new entrants and modernising market infrastructure.
According to the discussion summary, attendees believe Australia cannot attempt ambitious transformation until it first resolves basic market frictions.
They highlighted the need to upgrade clearance, trading and settlement systems so transactions flow more efficiently and reliably.
Improving liquidity and sharpening price discovery across listed assets also featured as core priorities.
Regulatory clarity was another theme, with calls for more predictable and consistent settings to support both domestic issuers and global investors.
Collectively, these changes are framed as essential groundwork for any deeper market reform.
Australia could become a secondary choice for capital if it moves too slowly.
Other financial centres are investing heavily in technology, connectivity and streamlined rules, which makes it easier for global investors to bypass smaller markets.
Australia’s push to fix the basics is an attempt to avoid that marginalisation and keep pace with those rival hubs.
