Founded in 1960 in Sydney, ASA provides educational resources and professional learning opportunities for its members, who are largely independent small-scale investors.
[1] ASA does not believe itself to be a proxy advisor, given its not-for-profit status, as well as the fact that its research is published as 'intentions' rather than recommendations.
Most recently, ASA has been one of the primary advocates against a Federal Government proposal to loosen disclosure requirements for directors of public companies, on the basis of their belief that the proposal "threatens the rights of investors".
Sponsors for its 2020 conference included controversial mining company BHP and investment fund provider Fidelity International.
[9][10] ASA is led by CEO Rachel Waterhouse, and is overseen by a board of directors.