ASIC consults on margin lending
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has reminded Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) holders that they will need to apply for a variation to their existing licence if they intend to provide services in relation to margin lending.
The reminder is contained in the regulator’s documentation calling for industry feedback on proposed upgraded arrangements and training for those providing margin lending facilities.
Inviting public comment on the training and financial requirements being proposed for margin lending, ASIC Commissioner and former Department of Finance head, Dr Peter Boxall, pointed to the thrust of the key discussion papers on margin lending, which have proposed specific training requirements for those advising on margin lending as well as specific financial resource requirements.
Boxall said that as well as the two discussion papers released by ASIC this week, it would shortly be releasing a third paper dealing with dispute resolution requirements for consumer credit, margin lending and trustee companies.
Recommended for you
Compared to four years ago when the divide between boutique and large licensees were largely equal, adviser movements have seen this trend shift in light of new licensees commencing.
As ongoing market uncertainty sees advisers look beyond traditional equity exposure, Fidante has found adviser interest in small caps and emerging markets for portfolio returns has almost doubled since April.
CoreData has shared the top areas of demand for cryptocurrency advice but finds investors are seeking advisers who actively invest in the asset themselves.
With regulators ‘raising the bar’ on retirement planning, Lonsec Research and Ratings has urged advisers to place greater focus on sequencing and longevity risk as they navigate clients through the shifting landscape.

