Australia · Federal Court of Australia in ASIC civil penalty proceedings

Matt Bekier: director ban

Under appeal ASIC said Bekier filed a notice of appeal on 14 July 2026. SCCG reported on 9 October 2026 that the appeal is pending and that a limited leave order does not lift the disqualification. No start or end date is stated in ASIC's release or the penalty reasons.

Grounds

ASIC said the Court found that Mathias Bekier, former chief executive and managing director, breached his duty of care and diligence to Star Entertainment under section 180 of the Corporations Act 2001 in how he handled risks linked to money laundering and criminal activity. The Court also imposed a penalty of 700,000 dollars.^1,3

Companies

The Star Entertainment Group Limited

Record

• 12 December 2022ASIC began proceedings against 11 current and former Star directors and officers.¹
• 5 March 2026The Federal Court found that Bekier had contravened section 180 of the Corporations Act 2001. ASIC's case against seven former non-executive directors was dismissed.¹
• 17 June 2026Justice Lee delivered the penalty judgment, [2026] FCA 756, fixing a six year disqualification and a 700,000 dollar penalty. ASIC said the Court also ordered payment of 45 per cent of ASIC's costs.^1,3
• 14 July 2026Bekier filed a notice of appeal, according to ASIC. AGB reported the appeal has 11 grounds and also challenges the penalty.^1,4
• October 2026SCCG reported that Justice Elizabeth Cheeseman gave him leave to manage one company, Leliwa Holdings Pty Limited, which acts as trustee of his self managed superannuation fund. It said the leave does not lift the disqualification.²

Sources

1. Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Former Star Entertainment executives Mathias Bekier and Paula Martin disqualified and ordered to pay penalties (26-123MR) (17 June 2026)
2. SCCG Management, Australian Federal Court grants narrow exemption to disqualified former Star CEO Matt Bekier (9 October 2026)
3. Federal Court of Australia, Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Bekier (Penalty Judgment) [2026] FCA 756 (17 June 2026)
4. AGB (Asia Gaming Brief), Former Star legal chief appeals ASIC ruling over money laundering failures (21 July 2026)

A disqualification restricts acting as a company director for the period stated. It is a civil measure and is not a criminal conviction unless stated. How bans work.