ASIC Number
What the ASIC number field means on an ABN record, how ACN and ARBN relate to ABN, and when this field appears.
- Definition
ASIC Number
A field on some ABN records that shows the Australian Securities and Investments Commission registration number — typically an ACN for companies or an ARBN for registered bodies.
Why it matters
Some ABN records include an ASIC number. This links the ABN to a company or registered body that is also registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
If you are reviewing an ABN record and see an ASIC number, it tells you the entity has a parallel registration with ASIC. This is common for companies — both private and public — and for certain registered bodies such as foreign companies operating in Australia.
Not every ABN record has an ASIC number. Sole traders, partnerships, trusts, and other non-corporate entity types typically do not appear in the ASIC register and will not have this field populated.
ACN and ARBN
The ASIC number field can hold two types of identifier:
- ACN (Australian Company Number) — a nine-digit number assigned to companies registered with ASIC. This is the most common type.
- ARBN (Australian Registered Body Number) — a nine-digit number assigned to foreign companies or other bodies registered to operate in Australia.
The ABN record also includes a related field, asic_number_type, which indicates whether the number is an ACN or ARBN.
How it relates to ABN
ABN and ASIC number serve different purposes:
- ABN is issued by the Australian Taxation Office for tax and business identification.
- ACN or ARBN is issued by ASIC for company and corporate body registration.
A company typically holds both. The ABN identifies it for tax purposes. The ACN identifies it as a registered company. They coexist on the same record but come from different registries.
For sole traders and other non-corporate entities, only the ABN applies.
What this means
When an ASIC number appears on an ABN record, it means the entity is also registered with ASIC — usually as a company. The number lets you cross-reference the entity across both registries. When the field is empty, the entity type is likely non-corporate and does not require ASIC registration.
What the ASIC number tells you
When present, the ASIC number confirms the entity is a registered company (ACN) or registered body (ARBN) with a parallel ASIC registration. It lets you cross-reference the entity across both the ABR and ASIC systems. When absent, the entity type is typically non-corporate — sole trader, partnership, or trust.
For current company status and corporate details, check the ASIC register. For ABN-specific details, see the ABR.
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