Company Internet alert

THE Australian Securities and Investments Commission has launched Australia’s first free company alert service through the Internet.

The service will alert millions of Australians to any changes that Australia’s 1.1 million companies register on ASIC’s national database.

ASIC commissioner Jillian Segal said Australian shareholders, professionals and small businesses could register for the service at www.asic.gov.au

The new service can email people changes registered by the companies they nominate that may affect their investment decisions.

Ms Segal said small businesses would also benefit.

“Early notice of changes can help small businesses manage their credit risks,” she said.

Accounting professionals, credit providers and mercantile agents have paid for a fax service of this type for some years. This service is free.