ANZ faces charges for alleged cartel conduct

Major lender ANZ is facing proceedings for being knowingly concerned in alleged cartel conduct by the joint lead managers of ANZ's underwritten Institutional Equity Placement of approximately 80.8 million shares in August 2015.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) advised ANZ late yesterday it intends to commence proceedings.

These relate to an arrangement or understanding allegedly made between the joint lead managers in relation to the supply of ANZ shares. ANZ understands the CDPP also intends to bring proceedings against ANZ group treasurer Rick Moscati.

ANZ Chief Risk Officer Kevin Corbally said: “We believe ANZ acted in accordance with the law in relation to the placement and on that basis the bank intends to defend both the company and our employee.”

ANZ is also co-operating with an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in relation to the placement.

ASIC is investigating whether ANZ's announcement of 7 August 2015 should have stated the joint lead managers took up approximately 25.5 million shares of the placement. This represented approximately 0.91% of total shares on issue at that time.

ANZ does not intend to provide further comment at this time.