Responsible Managers operate at the frontline of regulatory accountability — where governance oversight, operational competence and ASIC scrutiny intersect. In an environment of heightened enforcement activity and ongoing reform, understanding not only your formal obligations but the regulator’s practical expectations has never been more critical.

The Responsible Manager Masterclass delivers a comprehensive, high-level legal and regulatory update designed to strengthen your oversight capability and sharpen your regulatory awareness. Led by specialist financial services lawyers from Cowell Clarke Commercial Lawyers, this session provides clear, commercially grounded guidance on evolving compliance obligations, enforcement trends, AML/CTF reform impacts and emerging developments in digital asset regulation.

More than a technical update, the Masterclass equips attendees with practical insight into how regulatory developments translate into real-world governance responsibilities. You will gain clarity on current expectations, emerging risk areas and the strategic direction of regulatory policy — enabling you to approach your role with confidence, defensibility and foresight in the year ahead.

1. Responsible Managers – Role, Accountability & Governance

Ensure you fully understand the scope and practical expectations of the RM function:

• Core responsibilities and regulatory obligations
• Accountability within the licensee organisation
• Skills, experience and “fit and proper” requirements
• Managing conflicts of interest
• Key person risk and succession planning considerations
• Practical onboarding expectations for new RMs

2. ASIC – Enforcement Trends & Strategic Priorities

Stay ahead of regulatory focus areas:

• Key regulatory updates and guidance changes
• Notable enforcement action and sector lessons
• ASIC’s Corporate Plan priorities
• Strategic initiatives impacting licensees
• Areas of heightened scrutiny for 2026–27

Understand not only what ASIC has done — but where it is heading.

3. AML/CTF – Regime Reform & AUSTRAC Expectations

Responsible Managers must understand how AML reform impacts governance oversight.

This session covers:

• Overview of AML/CTF legislative changes
• Practical impact on RMs and AFSL holders
• Risk-based compliance expectations
• AUSTRAC’s supervisory and enforcement priorities
• Reporting and program governance obligations

4. Digital Assets – Regulatory Reform & Emerging Obligations

Stay informed on the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape, including:

• Revised ASIC guidance on digital assets and licensing expectations
• Clarification of when digital asset activities trigger AFSL obligations
• Treasury’s proposed digital asset legislation and regulatory framework
• Governance implications for Responsible Managers and licensees
• Risk, disclosure and compliance considerations for crypto and tokenised products

5. Key Takeaways & Q&A

The Masterclass concludes with:

• Practical implementation insights
• Strategic governance considerations
• Live Q&A with specialist financial services lawyers

This Masterclass is designed for:

• Responsible Managers (existing or prospective)
• AFSL Compliance Managers
• Directors of AFSL holders
• Senior executives in financial services
• Governance and risk professionals

If your name is nominated to ASIC — this Masterclass is for you.