AFSL Compliance Made Simple
Ensure compliance with Australian Financial Services Licence Obligations & Regulations
- Expert Guidance for AFSL Compliance Success
- Tailored Compliance Solutions for Your Business
- Ongoing Support for Peace of Mind
- Proven Track Record with 100% Success Rate
Access our award-winning compliance & risk frameworks tailored to your business to ensure 100% compliance.
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Don't Put Your AFSL at Risk. Achieve 100% AFSL Compliance, Guaranteed.
Australia's Leading AFSL Firm
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AFSL Application
Success Rate
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Award-Winning
Complying with Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) Regulations & Obligations.
What is an AFSL?
An AFSL is a licence issued by ASIC that permits businesses to conduct financial services activities, including offering financial products or advice to retail and wholesale clients.
This licence ensures that only competent and adequately resourced businesses can operate within the financial services industry, protecting consumers through regulatory standards set by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
The Importance of Compliance
Compliance with AFSL obligations is essential for maintaining the integrity of financial services providers. AFS licensees must adhere to the general obligations in Section 912A of the Corporations Act 2001, which require them to provide efficient, honest, and fair financial services.
Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including fines or cancellation of the AFSL.Â
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Once an organization obtains an AFSL, it must continuously meet its compliance obligations. This includes ensuring that all representatives comply with financial services laws and managing conflicts of interest.
AFS licensees are also required to have a dispute resolution system in place for retail clients.Â
Get Your Free Initial Consultation
Request a Free Consultation with one of our experienced AFSL Lawyers today.
Our Comprehensive, 7-Part Solution for AFSL Compliance
At AFSL House, we offer a comprehensive suite of compliance and regulation services designed to support financial service providers in meeting their AFSL obligations.
Our 7-Part Compliance Stack is tailored to your business to help navigate compliance with confidence.
95%
Reduction in Compliance Breaches
80%
Improvement in Internal Compliance Audit Scores
Part 1: Monitoring & Supervision
We provide ongoing monitoring and supervision to ensure compliance with AFSL obligations through:
- Regular assessments of compliance frameworks
- Updates to reflect changes in regulations
- Proactive strategies to maintain adherence to legal requirements
Part 2: Audits
Our audit services help evaluate compliance with AFSL requirements by offering:
- Internal and external audits to identify areas for improvement
- Assurance of meeting obligations effectively
- Safeguarding against potential compliance risks
Part 3: Legal Help Desk
Our legal help desk offers timely access to expert legal advice on AFSL compliance queries, including:
- Guidance on regulatory matters
- Assistance with specific compliance-related concerns
- Availability for immediate support as needed
- Support for document management processes to maintain transparency
Part 4: Compliance Meetings
We facilitate regular compliance meetings to maintain alignment on objectives, focusing on:
- Discussion of compliance status and updates on regulatory changes
- Strategies for improvement and fostering accountability
- Encouragement of a culture of transparency
Part 5: Policies & Procedures
We assist in developing tailored compliance policies and procedures through:
- Customised policy creation to meet specific client needs
- Implementation of best practices in compliance
- Support for ongoing policy management and updates
Part 6: Registers & Reporting
Our services include assistance with maintaining necessary registers and compliance reporting, ensuring:
- All records are accurate and up-to-date
- Guidance on maintaining ongoing compliance obligations
Part 7: Compliance GPT Platform
We provide clients with exclusive access to our AI-powered AFSL compliance platform that streamlines AFSL compliance obligations.
Get Your Free Initial Consultation
Request a Free Consultation with one of our experienced AFSL Lawyers today.
Core AFSL Obligations
Key obligations for all AFSL holders include:
- Provide efficient, honest, and fair financial services.
- Manage conflicts of interest effectively.
- Comply with all financial services laws.
- Ensure staff competence and training.
- Maintain robust risk management systems.
- Establish a compliant dispute resolution system.
Reporting to ASIC
Stay compliant by fulfilling these reporting requirements to ASIC:
- Notify ASIC of business changes (e.g., responsible managers, address).
- Report significant breaches and investigations promptly.
- Report on financial adviser compliance with professional standards.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
potential repercussions of failing to meet your AFSL obligations include:
- Financial penalties and fines.
- AFSL suspension or cancellation.
- Reputational damage and loss of client trust.
Expert Compliance Support
AFSL House provides the tools and resources you need to stay compliant:
- Tailored compliance plans & resources.
- AI-powered Compliance GPT portal.
- Staff training on best practices.
Maintaining Your AFSL: Ongoing Compliance is Key
After AFSL approval, maintaining a robust compliance framework is crucial for continued success and avoiding penalties.
AFSL House provides comprehensive support to navigate these requirements.
Why Choose AFSL House?
Our point of difference is simple: we specialise in working exclusively with financial services companies, offering solutions that combine best practice processes with full legal compliance.
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Deep Industry Understanding
We have an intimate understanding of the issues financial services companies face and how leading businesses in your industry are addressing them.
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Best Practice + Legal Compliance
Our solutions marry best practice processes with legally compliant strategies to ensure your business operates efficiently and effectively.
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Broader Perspective
We apply a different perspective to your challenges, going beyond the narrow focus of traditional law firms or compliance providers to deliver holistic, practical solutions.
Get Your Free Initial Consultation
Request a Free Consultation with one of our experienced AFSL Lawyers today.
Rated 5-Star By Our Clients
Erina W
"AFSL House made our license application process incredibly smooth. Peter's expertise and hands-on guidance helped us secure our AFSL faster than expected, and his ongoing compliance support has been invaluable."
Marcus O
"Having AFSL House manage our application meant we could focus on building our business. Their team was responsive and explained everything clearly without drowning us in regulatory jargon."
Omar M
"They understood both regulations and business realities. When we faced challenges with our structure, they proposed practical alternatives that worked both commercially and regulatory-wise."
Maeve S
"AFSL House focused on what was actually needed rather than unnecessary complications. The compliance framework they designed continues to work well as we grow."
J K
"An absolute pleasure working with Peter and the team at AFSL House. Peter's expert knowledge and experience in the field, made for a swift process in obtaining our AFSL. Thank you- looking forward to our ongoing work together."
Free & Practical AFSL Guides & Checklists
Free 90-seconds Assessment
Are you complying with your AFSL?
We understand the challenges of complying with your AFSL obligations. That’s why we created this free 90-second assessment.
Quickly check your status and get the insights you need. Take the test now.
101 Guide to Applying for AFSL
A practical guide covering the key steps and requirements for obtaining an Australian Financial Services License.
AFSL Roadmap
An illustrative chart with key milestones and steps in applying for an AFSL and ongoing compliance.
AFSL Compliance Checklist
Easy-to-use checklist to assess compliance with key AFSL obligations.
Market-Leading, Comprehensive AFSL Services
AFSL House offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of financial services companies seeking Australian Financial Services Licences (AFSLs) and compliance support.
Get Your Free Initial Consultation
Request a Free Consultation with one of our experienced AFSL Lawyers today.
Insights Library
Practical AFSL Guides & Insights
Unlock free AFSL guides, checklists, and insights in our regularly updated Insights Library, written by our legal experts.
Who We Are
Founded in 2020 by senior financial services lawyer Peter Hagias, AFSL House specialises in regulatory and legal services for AFSL holders. Our expert team serves fintech companies, fund managers, and financial planners both locally and internationally, delivering compliance solutions that withstand regulatory scrutiny.
Under Peter’s leadership as an industry consultant and compliance committee chair, we continue to provide outstanding support to Australia’s financial services sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I outsource my AFSL compliance function?
While you can outsource compliance tasks, the responsibility for compliance remains with the AFSL holder, necessitating proper oversight. It is crucial to ensure that any outsourced services align with your compliance framework and that you maintain control over compliance processes.
Does AFSL compliance need to be outsourced?
While AFSL compliance can be handled internally, it requires considerable time and resources. The AFSL holder remains responsible for compliance even if outsourced, so appropriate oversight and supervision measures must be in place.
Why do you need AFSL policies and procedures?
AFSL policies and procedures represent the risk and compliance framework implemented by the AFSL holder to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. They should be tailored to the business and embedded in day-to-day activities, not just generic templates.
What are the general obligations of an AFSL holder?
AFSL holders must provide efficient, honest, and fair financial services, manage conflicts of interest, and comply with financial services laws. These obligations are outlined in Section 912A of the Corporations Act and are essential for maintaining trust with clients and regulators.
How often should AFSL policies and procedures be reviewed?
AFSL policies and procedures should be reviewed at least annually or more frequently if there have been material changes in the business or events indicating deficiencies in the current framework.
Should I appoint an external member to the AFSL compliance committee?
Yes, AFSL holders should appoint an external member to their board and compliance committee to provide an independent and objective view on existing arrangements and areas for improvement. External compliance providers may not be sufficiently disconnected or conflict-free to serve this role.
What is a Responsible Manager in the context of AFSL?
A Responsible Manager is an individual with the necessary competence to oversee compliance with AFSL obligations and ensure the licensee operates effectively. They play a critical role in maintaining the licensee’s adherence to regulatory requirements and managing the overall compliance framework.
What happens if I fail to comply with AFSL obligations?
Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, including fines, suspension, or cancellation of the AFSL. Additionally, non-compliance may damage your organization’s reputation and lead to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies.