Sarah Court has been appointed as the incoming Chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, becoming the first woman to lead the regulator since its establishment 35 years ago.
Court, who has served as ASIC’s Deputy Chair since 2021, will commence in the role on June 1, 2026, following the conclusion of Joe Longo’s term.
Longo welcomed the appointment in a media release issued on February 2, describing Court as “an exceptional regulator with a strong record in enforcement that demonstrates her integrity and impact.”
“Her work as ASIC’s Deputy Chair has been instrumental to the success of the agency’s structural transformation that has strengthened our enforcement posture and work, leading to better outcomes for consumers and a fairer financial system,” Longo said.
“ASIC will be in very capable hands under her leadership.”
Court has worked in regulatory enforcement and consumer protection throughout her career. Before joining ASIC, she served three terms as a Commissioner at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission from 2008 to 2021, where she led consumer protection cases.
Prior to that, she held senior positions at the Australian Government Solicitor, specialising in government litigation and competition law.
As Deputy Chair, Court was closely involved in ASIC’s structural transformation under Longo, which moved the agency toward a more targeted, litigation-focused enforcement model.
Priorities for the incoming Chair
Court will oversee ASIC’s work on emerging risks in the financial sector. ASIC has identified artificial intelligence as a top-tier regulatory concern for 2026, with focus areas including AI-powered cybercrime, algorithmic governance in lending and insurance, and board accountability for AI-related operational risks.
The regulator is also intensifying scrutiny of private credit markets, misleading pricing practices, and digital assets operating at the edge of the licensing framework.
Longo, who chose not to seek a term extension, said he would support the transition over the coming months.
“Over the coming months, I will support Sarah, the Commission and all our staff to ensure a smooth and orderly transition,” he said.
