IPA recognises ASIC support

"The IPA has been a long-standing advocate of adequate funding for all regulators, including ASIC, so we welcome the news about restoring funding for ASIC,” said IPA chief executive officer Andrew Conway.

“But more than just funding is needed; the right people, the right tools and the appropriate regulatory approach are all essential requirements, so it is good to see that ASIC will also focus on improving its technology-based capability and recruit experts."

Mr Conway stressed the IPA's hopes that proper funding will be allocated in the forthcoming budget to government agencies such as ASIC, Treasury, the ACCC and APRA.

"It should also be remembered that there is a public good which is being undertaken by our regulators.

“While we note successive governments have been moving to a more user-pay type model for funding, we hope that banks and other institutions do not just simply pass on the cost to customers.  It begs the question as to how this will be adequately monitored," said Mr Conway.

“We understand the pressures created by a widening budget deficit but there has to be a reasonable limit to how much cost can be transferred to users or those being regulated, especially when the cost is ultimately borne by customers, shareholders and ordinary taxpayers,” he added.