Applying for AFSL
Get You Your Australian Financial Service Licence, Guaranteed.
- Expert Guidance for AFSL Applications
- 100% Success Rate in Applications
- Tailored Compliance Solutions for Your Business
- Streamlined Process for Quick Approvals
Access our award-winning legal & compliance services to obtain an AFSL in record time.
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Get Your Australian Financial Services Licence, Guaranteed & In Record Time
Australia's Leading AFSL Firm
200+
Successful AFSL
Applications
100%
AFSL Application
Success Rate
80+
Compliance
Platform Users
6
AFSL Lawyers
8x
Award-Winning
Obtaining an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL)
Understanding AFSL Applications
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 an Australian Financial Services Licence
Obtaining an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is essential for businesses operating in the financial services sector in Australia. Businesses that typically require an AFSL include financial planners, investment advisers, fund managers, and those dealing in foreign exchange or insurance products.
The AFSL allows companies to provide financial services and products legally while maintaining strict compliance with industry regulations.
Why Choose AFSL House for Your AFSL Application?
Partnering with AFSL House offers unique advantages, with our 100% success rate and extensive expertise in navigating the complexities of the AFSL application process.
We provide a tailored approach to meet your specific needs, ensuring thorough documentation while our commitment to understanding your business allows us to streamline the application process for successful outcomes.
Get Your Free Initial Consultation
Request a Free Consultation with one of our experienced AFSL Lawyers today.
Our 4-Step Process To Obtain an AFSL
At AFSL House, we follow a structured approach to streamline the AFSL application process, ensuring clarity and efficiency for our clients. Our four-step process is designed to guide you through each phase, from initial consultation to compliance setup.
200+
AFSL Applications
100%
Success Rate
Step 1: Book Consultation
Your journey begins with a strategic consultation to understand:
- Business requirements and your unique goals
- Best licensing pathways for your situation
- Application timelines & key milestones
- Risk management & compliance needs
Step 2: Engagement
Once ready, we formalise our partnership through:
- Service agreement & seamless setup
- Detailed requirement checklists completion
- Key business information collection
- Strategic application groundwork planning
Step 3: AFSL Application Submission
We streamline your submission process with:
- Comprehensive document preparation support
- Professional competency verification process
- Detailed financial assessment review
- Guaranteed 10-day lodgment timeframe
Step 4: AFSL Compliance
After approval, we establish your compliance foundation with:
- Customised compliance framework development
- Full compliance portal access & training
- Ongoing regulatory support & updates
- Strategic growth & scaling guidance
Get Your Free Initial Consultation
Request a Free Consultation with one of our experienced AFSL Lawyers today.
Ongoing Compliance Support After Your AFSL Approval
Once your AFSL application is approved, maintaining a robust compliance framework is essential to ensure you comply with your AFSL obligations and avoid ASIC scrutiny.
At AFSL House, we provide comprehensive compliance support to help you navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence:
Custom Compliance Plans
Tailored compliance arrangements aligned with your business operations and regulatory obligations.
Exclusive Resources
Tools and resources, including our AI-powered Compliance GPT platform, to streamline compliance management.
Ongoing Guidance
Continuous support to meet compliance requirements, including audits and documentation updates.
Training Programs
Staff training sessions to promote a deep understanding of compliance obligations and best practices.
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, milestones & timeframes for obtaining an AFS License.
Your AFSL Roadmap
An illustrative chart with key milestones & steps in applying for an AFSL & ensuring ongoing compliance.
AFSL Compliance Calendar
Comprehensive calendar outlining key compliance deadlines & obligations for AFSL holders throughout the year.
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
What is AFSL House's success rate with AFSL applications?
We have lodged over 100 AFSL applications and have a 100% success rate due to our expertise, deep knowledge of the AFSL application process, and stress-testing each application before submission to ASIC.
How do I know if I need an AFSL?
You need an AFSL if you carry on a financial services business, which involves providing financial services (such as advice, dealing, or custodial services) in relation to financial products (such as shares, options, or managed investment schemes).
What are the pros and cons of holding an AFSL vs being an Authorised Representative?
Holding an AFSL provides ultimate flexibility but comes with a higher compliance burden and longer setup time. Being an Authorised Representative involves less compliance responsibility but requires adherence to the AFSL holder’s restrictions and payment of AR fees.
How much does an AFSL cost?
Legal costs for preparing an AFSL application range from $10,000 to $30,000, while ASIC charges an assessment fee typically between $2,500 and $7,500, depending on the authorisations required.
What is the AFSL application process?
The AFSL application process involves three critical steps:
- Determining the required AFSL authorisations based on the financial products and services offered;
- Choosing appropriate responsible managers with relevant skills and experience to oversee the authorisations sought; and
- Drafting comprehensive core proof documents, such as the: Business Description (A5),
Organisational Competence (B1), and
Financial Resources (B5) proofs,
in the form preferred by ASIC to maximise the chances of a successful application.
What is a responsible manager?
A responsible manager is an individual who is responsible for the financial services provided by an AFSL holder. They must meet certain education standards and have practical experience in providing the financial services sought by the business.
How many responsible managers are required?
The number required depends on the size, complexity, and nature of the business, but there must be enough to collectively cover all authorisations and supervise the services provided.
Does a responsible manager have to be an employee?
No, responsible managers can be external consultants as long as they have the capacity and authority to supervise and make decisions.
When is a responsible manager liable?
Responsible managers are not personally liable for breaches by the AFSL holder but may face banning orders if they materially fail to comply with their obligations.