Postgraduate - UnitLAW7437 - Equity capital markets law in Australia

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit is intended to provide a detailed overview of the law surrounding the Australian equity capital markets. The unit will consider the background to the regulation of disclosure in this area, the policy underpinnings supporting that regulation, the content of the disclosure regimes that apply and the sanctions regimes that support enforcement of that regulation.

Topics include:

1. Background to the fundraising regime in Australia
• a short history of disclosure regulation
• How do investors make decisions?
2. Prospectus requirements
• When disclosure is required
• Prospectus exemptions
3. Continuous disclosure
4. Prospectus content
5. Different offering structures
• Traditional forms of equity capital raisings
• Accelerated rights issues
6. Australian due diligence practices
7. Managed investment schemes
8. Liability for defective disclosure
• General liability for misleading or deceptive conduct
• Prospectus liability
• Continuous disclosure liability
9. Introduction to underwriting, advertising and marketing
10. Scope of US securities laws.

Outcomes

A student who successfully completes this unit should have a good understanding of:

1. the policy underpinning the regulation of Australian equity capital markets
2. the content of the disclosure regimes that apply
3. the sanctions that support enforcement of that regulation.

Assessment

Research assignment (3,750 words): 50%
Take-home examination (3,750 words): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Evie Bruce

Contact hours

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)

Prerequisites

LAW7263 Australian corporate law OR LAW7275 Principles of corporations law OR equivalent study or experience.