ASIC clarifies adviser obligation in relation to AFSL
In response to industry confusion, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has clarified that authorised representatives do need to identify their Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFSL) in business documentation.
According to ASIC director of compliance Jennifer O’Donnell, this measure is necessary to avoid creating the impression that authorised representatives are acting as a principal when they are not.
“This is particularly important for consumers because it is the licensee who is ultimately responsible for the financial services provided by an authorised representative,” she said.
Recommended for you
The top five licensees are demonstrating a “strong recovery” from losses in the first half of the year, and the gap is narrowing between their respective adviser numbers.
With many advisers preparing to retire or sell up, business advisory firm Business Health believes advisers need to take a proactive approach to informing their clients of succession plans.
Retirement commentators have flagged that almost a third of Australians over 50 are unprepared for the longevity of retirement and are falling behind APAC peers in their preparations and advice engagement.
As private markets continue to garner investor interest, Netwealth’s series of private market reports have revealed how much advisers and wealth managers are allocating, as well as a growing attraction to evergreen funds.

