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Timely commentary on legal issues affecting our clients, including corporate governance, fundraising, contract negotiation, and regulatory change. Our goal is not to give you everything. It is to give you what matters.
68 articles across 6 practice areas.
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ASX Listings
IPOs, reverse takeovers, continuous disclosure and post-listing compliance.
10 articles
Capital Markets
Placements, rights issues, convertibles and section 708.
17 articles
M&A
Share sales, asset sales, W&I insurance and earn-outs.
8 articles
Mining & Resources
Tenements, joint ventures and resources sector deals.
7 articles
Corporate & Commercial
Shareholders agreements, director duties, ESS and governance.
15 articles
Business Advisory
Structuring, founder dynamics, JVs and growth planning.
11 articles
All articles
Capital Markets
Placement Capacity Under Listing Rules 7.1 and 7.1A: A Refresher for Explorers
For exploration companies, placement capacity is working capital. A practical refresher on the 15% rule, the additional 10%, and the structures that sit around them.
July 2026 · 3 min read
Capital Markets
ASIC’s review of RG 228: what may change in prospectus disclosure, and what applies now
ASIC has committed to reviewing RG 228, its core prospectus disclosure guidance, with consultation expected in FY2026-27. Here is what is on the table, what the timing looks like, and why issuers must keep applying the current settings in full.
July 2026 · 4 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Preparing for the 2026 AGM season: a checklist for ASX-listed boards
AGM season rewards early preparation. Timing obligations, remuneration report strikes, the LR 7.1A mandate, ratifications, director elections, incentive scheme approvals and meeting format, with the traps that catch small-cap boards each year.
July 2026 · 5 min read
Corporate & Commercial
ASX’s revised approach to employee incentive scheme securities: more headroom under exception 13
From December 2025, securities issued to directors with separate shareholder approval under LR 10.14 no longer count toward the scheme maximum approved under LR 7.2 exception 13. What changed, why it matters, and how to draft the next notice of meeting.
July 2026 · 4 min read
Mining & Resources
Metal equivalents in exploration reporting: how announcements get rejected
Metal equivalent grades are a legitimate way to communicate polymetallic results, and a fast way to attract ASX intervention when the workings are not disclosed. The JORC Code requirements, ASX’s expectations on headlines, and a pre-release checklist.
July 2026 · 4 min read
Capital Markets
Recapitalising a suspended company: funding options, cleansing traps and the path back to trading
A suspended ASX company can still raise capital, but the usual shortcuts fall away. Why placements and rights issues work differently during suspension, the cleansing notice problem, reinstatement conditions, and the two-year removal deadline.
July 2026 · 4 min read
ASX Listings
ASX’s close review procedure: what triggers it, what it involves, and how to stay off the list
Since June 2025, ASX can place an entity with poor disclosure practices under a six-month close review, with every market announcement pre-vetted by ASX Compliance and the status announced publicly. The triggers, the process, and the escalation ladder around it.
July 2026 · 4 min read
Capital Markets
Cleansing notices under s708A and s708AA: when you cannot cleanse, and what to do about it
The five-business-day cleansing notice is the workhorse of secondary trading relief after a placement or rights issue. The conditions are strict, the suspension trap is unforgiving, and the fallback is a prospectus. A practical guide to the regime.
July 2026 · 4 min read
ASX Listings
Naming counterparties in market-sensitive announcements: ASX’s position and its narrow exceptions
If a contract is material enough to announce, the identity of the counterparty is generally material too. ASX’s March 2025 update slightly widened the room to describe rather than name a counterparty, but the starting position and the consent expectation remain firm.
July 2026 · 4 min read
Business Advisory
The 50 shareholders rule for pre-IPO companies: two different limits, two different counts
The proprietary company shareholder cap and the takeover threshold are counted differently, and companies discover the difference at the worst time: on the eve of a sale or an IPO. What s113 actually says, when Chapter 6 bites, and how to structure the register before a transaction.
July 2026 · 5 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Selective buy-backs and selective capital reductions: buying out a departing shareholder
When a shareholder exits and the remaining holders will not fund the purchase personally, the company can buy the shares itself. Two mechanisms in Part 2J.1 do it, the approval thresholds differ, and the ASIC lodgement sequence controls the timetable.
July 2026 · 6 min read
Capital Markets
Equal access share buy-backs: the 10/12 limit, the offer documents and the timetable
An equal access scheme buys back the same percentage of every ordinary shareholder’s holding on the same terms, and needs no shareholder approval if it stays within the 10/12 limit. A guide to the conditions, the ASIC forms and the ASX notification lifecycle.
July 2026 · 5 min read
Capital Markets
Capital consolidations for ASX-listed companies: the resolution, the timetable and what the ratio does to your options
A consolidation looks like an ordinary resolution and a ratio. In practice it touches every convertible security on the register, the unmarketable parcel tail, escrow, and the way ASX calculates placement capacity. Most of the work sits downstream of the resolution.
July 2026 · 5 min read
Capital Markets
Ratification under Listing Rule 7.4: what it refreshes, and what it cannot fix
Ratification is the cheapest capacity a listed company can obtain, and the rule most often misdescribed in board papers. It refreshes Listing Rule 7.1 headroom. It does not cure a breach, and an issue that exceeded capacity cannot be ratified at all.
July 2026 · 4 min read
Capital Markets
Substantial holder notices: Forms 603, 604 and 605, and the errors that make them defective
The obligation in Chapter 6C is not to disclose what you own. It is to disclose your voting power, which counts your associates and every relevant interest you have, whether or not you are the registered holder and whether or not you paid for it.
July 2026 · 4 min read
ASX Listings
Trading halts and voluntary suspensions in a capital raising: which one, for how long, and the cost of getting it wrong
The choice looks like a scheduling decision. It is not. A halt costs you two trading days. A voluntary suspension can cost you the ability to raise without a prospectus for the next twelve months.
July 2026 · 5 min read
Capital Markets
Raising capital while you hold inside information: wall-crossing, sequencing and the announcement that has to come first
Most placements involve telling someone something the market does not know. That is what a wall-crossing is for, and it is lawful if done properly. The failures happen when a company sitting on other undisclosed information tries to raise around it.
July 2026 · 4 min read
Mining & Resources
FIRB and resources transactions: tenements, entities and the exploration exemption
The foreign investment regime treats a mining or production tenement as Australian land. That classification is why resources deals attract a zero dollar threshold, and why the exploration exemption has a conversion trap sitting in the middle of it.
July 2026 · 5 min read
Capital Markets
Related party participation in placements: section 208 and Listing Rule 10.11 are not the same approval
A director wants to take part in the placement. It engages two separate approval regimes with different tests and different exceptions, and satisfying one does not satisfy the other. The most common error is treating a Listing Rule 7.1 approval as if it answers the question.
July 2026 · 5 min read
Business Advisory
Choosing Your Legal Structure in Australia: An Overview
A practical overview of Australian business legal structures, including sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts.
May 2026 · 5 min read
Business Advisory
Founder Vesting: Why It's Good for You, Not Just Investors
Why founder vesting benefits founders, not just investors. Practical guidance on vesting schedules, triggers and documentation.
May 2026 · 5 min read
Business Advisory
When to Use an IP Holding Company and How to Structure It
When to use an IP holding company in Australia, how to structure it, and the tax, asset protection and commercial considerations.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Business Advisory
Legal Structuring for Joint Ventures: Practical Tips and Common Risks
Practical guidance on legal structuring for joint ventures in Australia, including incorporated and unincorporated structures, governance and exit.
May 2026 · 7 min read
Business Advisory
Managing Founder Dynamics: Legal Mechanisms to Support Long-Term Success
Legal mechanisms to support long-term founder relationships, including shareholders' agreements, vesting, restraints and dispute resolution.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Business Advisory
Preparing Your Business for Private Investment: A Legal Roadmap
A practical legal roadmap for preparing your business for private investment, including governance, capital structure, IP and due diligence readiness.
May 2026 · 7 min read
Corporate & Commercial
How to Draft a Compliant Privacy Policy under Australian Law
How to draft a compliant privacy policy under the Australian Privacy Act and Australian Privacy Principles. Practical guidance for businesses.
May 2026 · 7 min read
Business Advisory
How to Restructure Your Company for Strategic Growth
A practical guide to restructuring your company for strategic growth in Australia, including triggers, options and execution considerations.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Business Advisory
Legal Checklist for Scaling from Private to Public Company
A legal checklist for scaling from a private company to a public company in Australia, including governance, capital structure and listing readiness.
May 2026 · 7 min read
Corporate & Commercial
What is a Shareholders' Agreement, and Why Does It Matter?
A practical introduction to shareholders' agreements in Australia, including what they cover, why they matter and key clauses to consider.
May 2026 · 5 min read
Business Advisory
Navigating Legal Requirements for Starting a Business in Australia
A practical guide to the legal requirements for starting a business in Australia, including structure, registrations, licences, employment and IP.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Business Advisory
How to Structure Your Business for Growth and Scale
Practical legal guidance on structuring your business for growth and scale, including entity choice, group structures and governance.
May 2026 · 7 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Website Terms & Conditions: What Every Australian Business Needs to Cover
What every Australian business needs to cover in website terms and conditions, including liability, IP, consumer law and dispute resolution.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Corporate & Commercial
When Is a Members' Voluntary Liquidation Appropriate?
When members' voluntary liquidation is the right closure option for an Australian company. Decision framework for directors and shareholders.
May 2026 · 5 min read
Mining & Resources
Joint Ventures and Farm-In Agreements in Australian Mining
Practical guidance on joint ventures and farm-in agreements for Australian mining and exploration projects, covering structure, key terms and common pitfalls.
May 2026 · 7 min read
Mining & Resources
Native Title and Indigenous Land Use Agreements in Mining
An overview of native title and Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) for Australian mining and resources projects, including the right to negotiate, ILUA structures, and practical compliance.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Mining & Resources
JORC Compliance for ASX-Listed Mining Companies
A guide to JORC Code compliance for ASX-listed mining and exploration companies, covering reporting obligations, Competent Person requirements, and common compliance failures.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Mining & Resources
Royalty Agreements in the Australian Resources Sector
Practical legal guidance on royalty agreements in Australian mining, including royalty types, drafting considerations, and risk management for grantors and holders.
May 2026 · 6 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Board Governance Essentials for Growing Companies
Practical board governance guidance for growing Australian companies, including board composition, processes, decision-making and director duties.
April 2026 · 6 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Director Duties in Australia: Practical Guidance for Founder-Directors
Practical guidance on director duties under Australian law for founder-directors, including conflicts, financial distress and decision-making.
April 2026 · 6 min read
Corporate & Commercial
How to Draft Commercial Contracts That Protect Your Business and Enable Growth
How to draft commercial contracts that protect your business and enable growth, including key clauses, drafting principles and common pitfalls.
April 2026 · 6 min read
Corporate & Commercial
How to Structure Employee Share Schemes (ESS) for High-Growth Companies
How to structure employee share schemes (ESS) for high-growth companies in Australia, including options, vesting, tax and common pitfalls.
April 2026 · 7 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Managing IP Ownership and Licensing in Corporate Transactions
Practical guidance on managing intellectual property ownership and licensing in Australian corporate transactions, including diligence, transfers and licences.
April 2026 · 6 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Members' Voluntary Liquidation (MVL): A Legal Guide for Company Directors and Shareholders
A comprehensive legal guide to members' voluntary liquidation (MVL) in Australia, covering process, timing, tax and director responsibilities.
April 2026 · 7 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Shareholders' Agreements: Key Clauses You Shouldn't Overlook
The most important clauses to include in a shareholders' agreement, with practical drafting guidance for founders, investors and growing businesses.
April 2026 · 7 min read
Corporate & Commercial
Voluntary Deregistration of a Company: Legal Process and Common Traps
A practical guide to voluntary deregistration of an Australian company, including eligibility, process, common traps and alternatives.
April 2026 · 5 min read
M&A
A Legal Guide to Undertaking an Asset Sale in Australia
A practical guide to asset sales in Australia, covering preparation, due diligence, sale agreements, consents and post-completion matters.
March 2026 · 6 min read
M&A
Board Considerations in Public Company M&A Transactions
Director duties, process and governance considerations for boards navigating public company M&A transactions in Australia.
March 2026 · 7 min read
Capital Markets
Exploring Capital Raising Options for Private Companies in Australia
A practical guide to capital raising options for private companies in Australia, including equity, debt, government grants and crowdfunding.
March 2026 · 6 min read
M&A
Key Legal Risks in Cross-Border M&A Transactions
Key legal risks in cross-border M&A involving Australian targets and how to mitigate them, including FIRB, tax, governance and integration considerations.
March 2026 · 7 min read
M&A
Earn-Outs in M&A Deals: Structuring Tips and Common Pitfalls
How to structure earn-outs in Australian M&A deals, common pitfalls and practical drafting tips for buyers and sellers.
March 2026 · 7 min read
Mining & Resources
Key Legal Risks in Tenement Sales: A WA Mining Guide
Key legal risks in Western Australian tenement sales, including Ministerial consent, native title, and due diligence considerations for buyers and sellers.
March 2026 · 5 min read
M&A
Warranty & Indemnity Insurance: How It Works and When It Makes Sense
A practical guide to W&I insurance in Australian M&A. How it works, when it makes sense, and what buyers and sellers need to know.
March 2026 · 6 min read
ASX Listings
Pre-IPO Publicity: What You Can and Cannot Say
The advertising restrictions in the Corporations Act remain a persistent trap for pre-IPO companies, and they apply to LinkedIn posts and podcast interviews just as they apply to roadshow materials.
March 2026 · 3 min read
M&A
Buying a Business in Australia: Legal Considerations
What you need to know before buying a business in Australia. Structure, due diligence, contracts, regulatory consents and post-completion integration.
February 2026 · 7 min read
Capital Markets
How to Navigate ASX Listing Rule 7.1 and 7.1A Placements
A practical legal guide to ASX Listing Rule 7.1 and 7.1A capacity, how it works, who qualifies, and common mistakes to avoid.
February 2026 · 6 min read
M&A
How to Prepare Your Business for Sale: Legal Readiness Checklist
A practical legal readiness checklist for business owners preparing to sell, including governance, contracts, IP, employment and financial records.
February 2026 · 7 min read
Capital Markets
Raising Capital Under Section 708: What You Need to Know
A practical guide to section 708 of the Corporations Act and how Australian companies can raise capital without a full disclosure document.
February 2026 · 5 min read
M&A
Share Sale vs Asset Sale: Key Legal and Commercial Differences
Comparing share sales and asset sales in Australian M&A, including legal, commercial and tax considerations for buyers and sellers.
February 2026 · 6 min read
ASX Listings
The Fast-Track IPO Pathway: A Practical Guide
ASX's expedited listing process can cut the period between lodgement and trading to around two weeks. Eligibility turns on scale and preparation: the pathway rewards issuers whose pathfinder is genuinely complete.
February 2026 · 3 min read
Capital Markets
Convertible Notes vs Equity Placements: What's Right for Your Raise?
Choosing between convertible notes and equity placements for your capital raise. Legal, commercial and dilution considerations explained.
January 2026 · 6 min read
Capital Markets
Rights Issues: How to Structure and Communicate Effectively
Practical guide to structuring rights issues and entitlement offers in Australia, including renounceable vs non-renounceable structures and shareholder communication.
January 2026 · 7 min read
Capital Markets
Key Legal Risks in Secondary Capital Raisings (And How to Mitigate Them)
The key legal risks in secondary capital raisings on the ASX and how to mitigate them, from continuous disclosure to shareholder approval.
January 2026 · 6 min read
ASX Listings
Common Legal Mistakes During the IPO Process and How to Avoid Them
The most common legal mistakes that derail or delay an IPO, and practical steps boards and management teams can take to avoid them.
December 2025 · 6 min read
ASX Listings
Continuous Disclosure Obligations: What Every Newly Listed Company Should Know
Continuous disclosure obligations under the ASX Listing Rules and Corporations Act explained for newly listed companies and their boards.
December 2025 · 6 min read
ASX Listings
Cross-Listing on the ASX: Key Legal and Regulatory Issues to Navigate
Key legal and regulatory considerations for foreign-incorporated companies cross-listing on the Australian Securities Exchange.
December 2025 · 6 min read
ASX Listings
How to Structure Your Pre-IPO Capital Raise (and Avoid Common Pitfalls)
Practical legal guidance on structuring a pre-IPO capital raise in Australia, including SAFE notes, convertible securities and common pitfalls.
November 2025 · 6 min read
ASX Listings
Reverse Takeovers vs IPOs: Legal Considerations for Boards and Investors
Comparing reverse takeovers and IPOs as paths to ASX listing. Legal, regulatory and commercial considerations for boards and investors.
November 2025 · 7 min read
Capital Markets
ASIC's Capital Markets Roadmap: What It Means for Small and Mid-Cap Issuers
ASIC has released its roadmap for Australia's public and private capital markets. For small and mid-cap issuers, three workstreams matter most: IPO settings, fundraising publicity and prospectus disclosure.
November 2025 · 3 min read
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