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Australian assets under custody hit record AU$6.7tn, ACSA finds
17 August 2026 Australia
Image: structuresxx/stock.adobe.com
Assets under custody in Australia rose by 7.9 per cent during the six months to 30 June 2026, reaching a record AU$6.7 trillion (US$9.4 trillion), according to new data from the Australian Custodial Services Association (ACSA).
The increase came despite continued market volatility, with markets maintaining positive momentum during the first half of 2026.
Australian investors also increased their exposure to overseas assets, with allocations rising 11.9 per cent during the period to AU$2.52 trillion.
Australian-domiciled investments increased by 5.6 per cent to AU$4.16 trillion, while assets held in Australia on behalf of offshore investors — or sub-custody assets — rose 6.0 per cent to AU$2.92 trillion.
ACSA noted that individual custodians recorded differing movements in assets during the period, reflecting the composition of client portfolios, industry flows, and client transitions.
Meanwhile, asset servicing providers in Australia managed AU$7.7 trillion in assets as of 30 June, representing an increase of 7.0 per cent.
Providers also settled more than AU$15.6 million trades during the six-month period, up 10 per cent compared with the previous half. ACSA members settled approximately 119,000 trades per day on behalf of clients on average.
David Travers, CEO of ACSA, says the association and its members continued to respond to significant market and regulatory developments during the first half of the year.
He comments: “In the June half, total asset levels reported by ACSA grew, client portfolio structures and client transitions resulted in changes to individual custodians’ reported assets under custody and administration, and offshore allocations to Australia rose as investors took advantage of investment opportunities and ongoing market momentum.”
Travers adds that ACSA remains focused on regulatory and market infrastructure developments, including continued support for the ASX CHESS replacement programme, tax changes announced in the 2026 Budget, and the implementation of measures relating to beneficial ownership and climate reporting.
“Innovation, regulatory change, industry engagement, and best practice remain a critical focus for driving efficiency in custody and investment administration,” Travers says.
“Through our working groups and dedicated industry volunteers, ACSA remains well placed to address the opportunities and challenges in the year ahead.”
The increase came despite continued market volatility, with markets maintaining positive momentum during the first half of 2026.
Australian investors also increased their exposure to overseas assets, with allocations rising 11.9 per cent during the period to AU$2.52 trillion.
Australian-domiciled investments increased by 5.6 per cent to AU$4.16 trillion, while assets held in Australia on behalf of offshore investors — or sub-custody assets — rose 6.0 per cent to AU$2.92 trillion.
ACSA noted that individual custodians recorded differing movements in assets during the period, reflecting the composition of client portfolios, industry flows, and client transitions.
Meanwhile, asset servicing providers in Australia managed AU$7.7 trillion in assets as of 30 June, representing an increase of 7.0 per cent.
Providers also settled more than AU$15.6 million trades during the six-month period, up 10 per cent compared with the previous half. ACSA members settled approximately 119,000 trades per day on behalf of clients on average.
David Travers, CEO of ACSA, says the association and its members continued to respond to significant market and regulatory developments during the first half of the year.
He comments: “In the June half, total asset levels reported by ACSA grew, client portfolio structures and client transitions resulted in changes to individual custodians’ reported assets under custody and administration, and offshore allocations to Australia rose as investors took advantage of investment opportunities and ongoing market momentum.”
Travers adds that ACSA remains focused on regulatory and market infrastructure developments, including continued support for the ASX CHESS replacement programme, tax changes announced in the 2026 Budget, and the implementation of measures relating to beneficial ownership and climate reporting.
“Innovation, regulatory change, industry engagement, and best practice remain a critical focus for driving efficiency in custody and investment administration,” Travers says.
“Through our working groups and dedicated industry volunteers, ACSA remains well placed to address the opportunities and challenges in the year ahead.”
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