Australia's corporate watchdog ASIC has reported the key outcomes of its recent work to ensure the country's financial markets operate fairly and efficiently.

In its latest market integrity report, which covers the period July 1 to Dec. 31, 2017, ASIC said its action has led to the imprisonment of one person; four enforcable undertakings; $40.08m in community benefit payments; issuance of 10 infringement notices, $1.403m dollar value of infringement notices; and the disqualification of four people from providing financial services.

“At ASIC, we work hard to protect the success of Australia’s financial markets – so that firms can thrive and investors can participate with confidence,” ASIC Commissioner Cathie Armour said. “We do this by setting standards and educating stakeholders, pursuing behavioural change, and taking enforcement action to disrupt market misconduct.”

This 2018, ASIC said its ongoing priorities and areas of focus for its market integrity work include technology and cyber resilience, conduct, and effective capital markets.