AFSL Responsible Manager Masterclass 2026
The Responsible Manager Masterclass is a focused regulatory update designed to ensure Responsible Managers and AFSL leaders remain informed, prepared and regulator-ready.
Lead with Confidence. Govern with Clarity.
Responsible Managers operate at the frontline of regulatory accountability – where governance oversight, organisational capability and ASIC scrutiny intersect. As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, Responsible Managers are expected not only to satisfy their formal obligations but also to demonstrate sound judgement, effective governance and proactive oversight across their licence.
The next Responsible Manager Masterclass will be held on Thursday 10th September, 12.00-2.30pm AEST.
The Responsible Manager Masterclass delivers a comprehensive legal and regulatory update designed to strengthen your governance capability and enhance your understanding of the issues shaping Australia’s financial services landscape. Led by specialist financial services lawyers from Cowell Clarke Commercial Lawyers, the Masterclass examines the practical responsibilities of Responsible Managers, ASIC’s evolving enforcement priorities, developments in Australia’s capital markets, and emerging privacy, cybersecurity and AI governance obligations.
More than a regulatory update, this Masterclass provides practical insight into how regulatory developments translate into day-to-day governance responsibilities. You will gain a clearer understanding of ASIC’s expectations for Responsible Managers, recent enforcement lessons, the regulator’s strategic direction, and the growing governance challenges presented by private markets, artificial intelligence and information security.
What You’ll Learn
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. ASIC’s public and private markets project
Stay informed on the rapidly evolving capital markets landscape, including:
- Recap of Australia’s evolving capital markets: A discussion paper on the dynamics between public and private markets
- REP 814 Private credit in Australia
- ASIC’s discussion paper response report and related reports
- The 10 core benchmarks of ASIC’s private credit principles
- ASIC’s capital markets project roadmap for the next 12–18 months
- Private credit mention in APRA’s System Risk Outlook 2026
4. Special Interest Topic – Privacy and information security
- ASIC and APRA statements about AI governance
- National AI strategy update announced by Australia’s prime minister
- New automated decision-making (ADM) measures under the Privacy Act
- Home Affairs consultation on amendments to Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) framework
- Origin Energy and other notable data breaches.
5. Key Takeaways & Q&A
The Masterclass concludes with:
- Practical implementation insights
- Strategic governance considerations
- Live Q&A with specialist financial services lawyers
Who Should Attend this Masterclass?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Responsible Manager Training and Courses
Whether becoming a responsible manager is the next step in your career, you’re being nominated as one, or you need continuing professional development, we have a solution for every stage. Our responsible manager programs provide all you need to know about your roles and responsibilities and the industry regulations licensees must comply with – wherever you are along your RM journey.
