ASIC Unveils Updated Guidance to Strengthen Financial Advice Standards

ASIC Unveils Updated Guidance to Strengthen Financial Advice Standards

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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has rolled out a fresh set of guidelines aimed at enhancing the quality of financial advice in the wake of significant legislative reforms.

This move aligns with the recently enacted Treasury Laws Amendments (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Act 2024, which is designed to foster better financial outcomes for consumers.

The new guidance comprises several key information sheets tailored specifically for financial advisers. These sheets provide essential clarifications on various aspects of client interactions and consent requirements, crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance.

• Information Sheet 286 FAQs: Ongoing fee arrangements and consents (INFO 286) - This document offers answers to common questions surrounding the necessity for written consent from clients prior to entering or renewing ongoing fee arrangements.
• Information Sheet 287 FAQs: Non-ongoing fee requests or consents (INFO 287) - Focused on non-ongoing fees, this resource elaborates on the need for clients' written permission when charging such fees against their superannuation accounts.
• Information Sheet 291 FAQs: FSGs and website disclosure information (INFO 291) - This sheet clarifies obligations concerning Financial Services Guides (FSGs) and the requisite disclosures on websites.
• Information Sheet 292 FAQs: Informed consents for insurance commissions (INFO 292) - It outlines the requirements to obtain informed consent to avoid potential conflicts of interest related to certain insurance commissions.

This initiative comes at a time when there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability within the financial services sector. ASIC’s proactive approach in providing these updates reflects its commitment to ensuring that financial advisers are equipped with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of client consent effectively.

Looking ahead, ASIC has indicated that additional guidance will follow once the second phase of the Government’s Delivering Better Financial Outcomes package is legislated. This continuous enhancement in regulatory guidance signifies ASIC’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving financial landscape and consumer needs.

As firms begin to integrate these updates into their practices, industry stakeholders are urged to closely evaluate their current processes for client consent to ensure full compliance with the new requirements. The clarity provided by these information sheets is expected to assist advisers in better servicing their clients while upholding the integrity of the financial advisory profession.

For financial professionals looking to deepen their understanding of these updates, ASIC encourages ongoing education and training. Subscribing to relevant newsletters and exploring video courses can provide valuable insights and ensure advisers stay ahead in this dynamic field.

These updates convey a clear message: a commitment to empowering consumers with better financial advice and outcomes is central to the future of the industry. As stated by David Jacobson, Principal at Bright Corporate Law, maintaining adherence to these updated standards is crucial for fostering trust in financial advice.

For more detailed information, visit the ASIC website or consult specific guidelines outlined in the published sheets. Staying informed and proactive will be essential for financial advisers seeking to thrive in a post-reform environment.

Published:Tuesday, 14th Jan 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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