The position is a new one, created as part of a wider organisational restructure, and Kingston formally took up the post on 1 September. The restructure follows the recent completion of a strategic review, which ASIC hopes will put it in a better position to respond to changes in the market now and over the next three to five years.

In his new job, which ASIC says is akin to the role of corporate general counsel of large companies, Kingston will head ASIC’s new team of special counsel and will contribute also to the legal professional development of the whole of ASIC. He will report to directly to the commission.

Kingston — also a former partner of Mallesons Stephen Jaques — specialises in banking and finance, commercial law and companies and securities.