ASIC has confirmed John Bligh in the new position of CEO, covering such administrative functions as IT, finance, HR and customer service.

ASIC Chairman Tony D’Aloisio says Mr Bligh will play a key role in helping the regulator achieve its six priorities outlined in May last year – improving operational effectiveness, helping retail investors manage their wealth, tackling insider trading and market manipulation, reducing red tape for SMEs, facilitating investment in the capital markets and positioning ASIC for the next five years.

Mr Bligh, who has been acting in the role since February, has more than three decades’ experience in the IT and services industries, and has previously worked for Accenture and IBM.