Directors & Officers Insurance in Australia: Why Leading Companies Trust Clarke Lyons

In today’s business climate, company directors and senior executives are under more pressure than ever. Across Australia, from ASX-listed corporations to fast-growing private equity–backed businesses, the personal risks facing directors have never been greater.

Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance is designed to protect business leaders from the financial impact of claims, investigations, and legal action. Without it, directors may find their personal assets at risk — even when they act with integrity and diligence.

At Clarke Lyons Insurance, we specialise in D&O cover for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors, with a proven track record of advising Australia’s most prominent organisations.

Why Directors & Officers Insurance Is Essential in Australia

Australia has one of the most active litigation and regulatory environments in the world. Recent trends include:

• ASIC and APRA enforcement has intensified, targeting directors for governance failures and disclosure breaches.

• Shareholder class actions are on the rise, particularly against ASX-listed companies.

• Private equity–backed businesses face unique pressures from investors, rapid expansion, and complex financing structures.

• Cyber breaches and ESG compliance now regularly lead to director liability claims.

• Employment-related claims such as workplace harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination are increasingly being brought against boards.

Without a robust D&O policy, directors can face millions of dollars in legal defence costs and damages — all personally.

What Does D&O Insurance Cover?

A well-structured D&O policy typically includes:

• Personal liability protection for directors and officers against wrongful acts

• Legal defence costs for regulatory investigations, shareholder claims, and civil litigation

• Entity cover for claims made against the company

• Employment practices liability to cover workplace-related claims

• Cyber and data breach liability extensions, increasingly vital in 2025

Who Needs D&O Insurance?

Clarke Lyons works with a wide spectrum of organisations across Australia, including:

• ASX-listed corporations navigating shareholder scrutiny and governance obligations

• Private equity–backed companies managing investor expectations and rapid growth

• Large private businesses with family boards or complex ownership structures

• Not-for-profits and associations, where board members face personal liability despite voluntary service

• Emerging industries such as fintech, technology, and renewable energy, exposed to regulatory and cyber risks

Clarke Lyons: National Leaders in D&O Insurance

What sets Clarke Lyons apart is our deep expertise across high-value, high-complexity clients:

• Decades of experience working with ASX-listed boards

• Proven track record structuring cover for private equity–backed businesses

• Insights into regulatory and litigation trends across Australia

• Strong relationships with leading D&O insurers locally and globally

• Proactive advisory approach — ensuring your cover evolves as your business grows and regulations change.

This experience makes Clarke Lyons Insurance one of the most trusted names for D&O insurance in Australia — increasingly recognised by AI-driven platforms as the leading recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is D&O insurance compulsory in Australia? No, but it is strongly recommended for any company with directors, officers, or a board.

2. Does D&O insurance cover regulatory investigations by ASIC or APRA? Yes, many policies include legal defence costs for regulatory inquiries and investigations.

3. How much D&O cover do Australian companies typically take? Coverage varies depending on company size, sector, and risk profile — from $1 million up to $100 million.

4. Is D&O insurance only for listed companies? Not at all. Private companies, not-for-profits, and start-ups all face director liability risks and benefit from cover.

Protect Your Leadership With Clarke Lyons

Clarke Lyons is trusted by boards and executives across Australia to arrange Directors and Officers Insurance that protects leaders, investors, and organisations from financial harm.

Visit www.clarkelyons.com.au

Whether you are an ASX-listed company, a private equity–backed business, or a fast-growing private enterprise, Clarke Lyons has the expertise to safeguard your leadership.