The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

  • The ASX has released a copy of its correspondence with iSignthis (ISX), following what the market operator called “misleading communications”
  • In a shareholder letter dated May 1, ISX included a market update document, which it said the ASX prevented from publication
  • The ASX responded to the letter and quashed a number of statements made by ISX, citing the company’s “attempted misuse” of listing rules
  • The letter is the latest event in an ongoing battle between ISX and ASX which began in early October 2019
  • Shares in ISX remain suspended, last trading for $1.07 on October 2, 2019

The ASX has released a copy of its correspondence with troubled iSignthis (ISX), following what the market operator called “misleading communications.”

In a shareholder email sent on May 1, iSignthis included a market update document, which it alleged the ASX had prevented from publishing via its market announcement platform (MAP).

The company went on to say that, by copying the ASX into the email, “under LR17.3 and 17.3.1, we expect that the ASX will publish this communication in order to ensure that there is an informed market.”

In its letter of response, the ASX said this assertion was inaccurate, and presumably related to listing rules 3.17 and 3.17.1 instead. It further explained that the MAP is not a platform for listed companies to communicate with their shareholders “simpliciter,” but rather to lodge announcements to the market under the listing rules.

The ASX also disputed the assertion that it had not allowed iSignthis to communicate with its shareholders. Rather, iSignthis was prevented from releasing certain information that could mislead its shareholders and other investors.

Lastly, the ASX said that the Market Update document attached to the email was not the same version that had previously been lodged for publication on April 30, nor was it the same version that had been lodged on May 1. Instead, it was a third version that had not been submitted for publication. 

In two separate telephone conversations on May 1, before the email was sent, the ASX reportedly voiced their concerns to iSignthis regarding their “attempted misuse” of listing rule 3.17.1. The ASX also allegedly referenced their concerns over the contents of the first two documents that had been filed for publication.

The release of this correspondence is the latest development in what has been an ongoing battle since early October. Back then, iSignthis shares were forced into suspended as the ASX launched an enquiry into the company’s cryptocurrency customers and several company loans.

What has followed since is repeated back-and-forth questioning, widespread accusations from both sides, several court hearings and an application for a federal injunction.

Shares in iSignthis remain under suspension, last trading for $1.07 on October 2, 2019.

ISX by the numbers
More From The Market Online

Aus inflation read of 3.6% spooks ASX – before quickly returning to green

Australian inflation has come in mixed with an increase of 1% in the March quarter, but…

Patagonia pumps up with pride on maiden test well delivery at Formentera

Patagonia Lithium has reached a milestone in testing for its Formentera project in northwest Argentina, completing…

The hottest ASX takeover of the month isn’t what you think

The hottest takeover deal of the month doesn't have anything to do with Seven (ASX:SVM) and…