Unlocking the Secrets of ASIC: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)? We’ve crunched the numbers and picked apart their annual report, so you don’t have to. In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about ASIC—from its key functions and finances to the qualifications and skills in demand. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or fresh out of school, this guide will equip you with the essentials to start a rewarding government career in Australia.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Location: Australia-wide
CEO: Greg Yanco (Chief Executive Officer)
Total Revenue: AUD $2.06 billion collected on behalf of the Commonwealth
Total Number of Employees: 1,676 (average staffing level, 2023–24)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Accounting & Finance – Helps ASIC regulate financial products and ensure auditing compliance.
Law & Legal Studies – Critical for understanding legislation, drafting regulations, and conducting investigations.
Business & Commerce – Assists in market analysis and promotes an efficient financial system.
Economics – Equips you to interpret market trends, assess financial stability, and contribute to policy work.
IT & Cybersecurity – Supports fintech innovation, data protection, and combatting cyber risks.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
CPA or CA (Accounting Bodies) – Demonstrates high-level financial acumen for monitoring complex data.
Legal Practice Admission (Australian Jurisdictions) – Qualifies you to provide legal insights into financial regulations.
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMBOK) – Ensures efficient coordination of government projects and initiatives.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – Strengthens ASIC’s governance and compliance framework.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – Helps tackle cybersecurity and operational resilience.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
Auditors – Scrutinise company finances and reinforce compliance.
IT Professionals (Developers, Network Engineers) – Enhance ASIC’s digital infrastructure and surveillance tools.
Investigators / Enforcement Officers – Conduct in-depth assessments of misconduct and fraud in financial markets.
Data Analysts – Provide data-driven insights that protect consumers and maintain market integrity.
Compliance Specialists – Oversee policy frameworks and ensure entities meet statutory obligations.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Analytical Thinking – Break down complex data and legislation to pinpoint risks.
Communication – Translate regulations into clear guidance for stakeholders.
Problem-Solving – Devise creative solutions to emergent market challenges.
Attention to Detail – Vital for drafting regulatory instruments and investigating breaches.
Stakeholder Engagement – Collaborate effectively with industry, government, and consumer groups.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, Superannuation) – Offers critical insights into the sector ASIC regulates.
Regulatory or Government Experience – Familiarity with policymaking and agency processes.
Legal / Litigation Background – Integral for enforcement actions and compliance oversight.
Audit and Assurance – Helps uphold financial standards and reporting obligations.
Technology & Cybersecurity Roles – Essential for addressing cyber threats and digital innovations.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Name of CEO: Greg Yanco
Location: Australia-wide
Year Founded: 1991 (with earlier precursor bodies)
Main Mission and Purpose of the Department:
ASIC ensures fair, strong, and efficient financial systems. For example, it protects everyday Australians from scams and enforces rules so businesses play fairly.Main Duties of the Department:
ASIC licenses and monitors financial services businesses, enforces laws against misconduct, and maintains business registers to protect consumers. For instance, it investigates misleading advertising by companies or shuts down scam investment sites.Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Combating Scams: Removing fake investment websites and stopping disruptive scam operations. ⚠️
Sustainable Finance: Preventing ‘greenwashing’ and supporting accurate ESG disclosures.
Technology Risks: Strengthening cyber resilience across the financial services sector.
Retirement Outcomes: Assisting Australians in making informed superannuation decisions.
Did you know? ASIC took down over 7,300 investment scam and phishing websites in 2023–24!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 1,676 (average staffing level)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Ranges from ASIC Levels 1–4 to Executive Levels and Senior Executive Service roles.
Salary Bands: Generally aligned with APS or ASIC Enterprise Agreement levels, reflecting skills and responsibilities.
Average Salary in the Department: Varies by classification; consult official ASIC pay scales for details.
Total Revenue: AUD $2.06 billion (collected on behalf of the Commonwealth)
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately AUD $1.23 million (calculated by dividing $2.06 billion by 1,676 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT ASIC
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Business Administration: Ideal for administrative or registry support.
Accounting Fundamentals: Useful in auditing tasks or financial data review.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Law, Commerce, Finance, Economics, IT, Cybersecurity: Directly aligned with ASIC’s investigative and regulatory responsibilities.
PhDs:
Economics, Data Science, Law, Finance: Valuable for advanced research, high-level data analytics, and expert advisory roles.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
From investigative roles and auditing to data analysis, IT, and legal services—diverse professionals can thrive at ASIC.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Banking, financial services, legal firms, auditing bodies, consulting, or government experience—all bring critical insights for ASIC’s enforcement and oversight mission.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, problem-solving.
Technical Skills: Legal drafting, data analytics, compliance auditing, cybersecurity.
General Skills: Report writing, project management, critical thinking, research.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of This Department?
Research & Analysis: Enjoy dissecting case studies or problem-solving puzzles.
Finance & Investing: Track market trends for personal or professional growth.
Technology & Innovation: Explore fintech, crypto, or AI developments.
Public Policy & Governance: Passionate about community welfare and fair marketplaces.
Want more information on this department? 💬
Contact the department’s HR or Recruitment Team:
Address: Level 7, 120 Collins Street, GPO Box 9827, Melbourne VIC 3000
Telephone: +61 1300 935 075
Email: enquiries@asic.gov.au (for general enquiries)
Website: asic.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.