Rated excellent on Google
Lawyers for discretionary mutual funds
Structure your discretionary mutual fund with clear regulatory & structuring advice for member-based protection outside the insurance framework.
- Regulatory perimeter advice for DMFs
- Structuring outside the insurance regime
- Member documentation & rules drafted for you
- Governance, capital adequacy & AML/CTF support
FREE · NO OBLIGATION · QUICK REPLY
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Confidential. We never share your details.
Trusted by industry leaders
300+ AFSL holders · excellent on Google
HOW WE DO IT
Structure your DMF with clear regulatory advice & compliance
We advise discretionary mutual funds on structuring, regulatory characterisation, member documentation & ongoing governance so they can operate with confidence.
BY THE NUMBERS
Discretionary mutual funds, by the numbers
SERVICE LINE
Discretionary Mutual Funds
Regulatory & structuring advice, member documentation, governance & AML/CTF support for discretionary mutual funds (DMFs).
Fund AFSLs obtained
Application success rate
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
Property Funds
Equity Funds
Alternative Funds
Discretionary Mutual Funds
Investment Managers
Responsible Entities
VC & Private Equity
HOW IT WORKS
From licence to ongoing compliance
From licence to ongoing compliance
Two clear tracks: first we get you licensed and registered, then we keep you compliant as you scale.
Two clear tracks: first we get you licensed and registered, then we keep you compliant as you scale.
1
Discovery & regulatory characterisation
We confirm how your fund is characterised, that it sits outside the insurance and APRA framework, and which AFSL authorisations are engaged.
2
Structuring & licensing strategy
We structure the fund and map your AFSL pathway with ASIC, plus AUSTRAC registration where AML/CTF obligations apply.
3
Member documentation & lodgement
We draft your fund rules, member documentation and disclosure, then prepare and lodge your AFSL application with ASIC.
4
Authorisation & launch
We manage ASIC queries through to authorisation, so you launch licensed and ready.
1
Governance & conduct framework
We build your governance, compliance and AML/CTF frameworks so obligations are workable from day one.
2
Monitoring & reviews
We run periodic compliance reviews and monitoring so issues surface early, not at audit.
3
Reporting & breach management
We support regulatory reporting, breach reporting and ASIC correspondence as they arise.
4
Ongoing advisory
We act as an extension of your team, variations, new arrangements and regulator engagement as you grow.
WHAT WE DO
Specialist licensing & compliance for funds & investment managers
We advise fund managers across structuring, licensing, disclosure & day-to-day compliance.
Regulatory Perimeter & Licensing Advice
We advise whether your fund or investment business requires an AFSL & which authorisations suit your structure & clients.
AFSL Applications & Variations
We prepare licence applications & variations, including the dealing, advice & scheme-operator authorisations fund managers commonly need.
Fund Structuring & Constitutions
We structure wholesale & retail funds & draft constitutions, trust deeds & scheme documents that fit your strategy & investors.
PDSs, IMs & Target Market Determinations
We draft or refine Product Disclosure Statements, Information Memoranda & TMDs that meet disclosure & DDO obligations.
Compliance Plans, Custody & Governance
We design compliance plans, custody arrangements & governance frameworks that meet ASIC’s expectations for managed funds.
AML/CTF & AUSTRAC Programs
We develop AML/CTF programs & advise on AUSTRAC obligations tailored to fund & investment management activity.
Peter Hagias, Founder
OUR FIRM
Who we are
In a regulated industry, the wrong partner can cost you your licence, your timeline and your sleep. AFSL House was built to be the opposite. Since 2020, founder and senior financial services lawyer Peter Hagias has led a team trusted by financial services businesses of every size. We take the stress and guesswork out of operating in a regulated environment.
We are more than a law firm. Alongside our 100% AFSL application success rate, we help you meet your ongoing regulatory obligations and commercial objectives with a number of complementary services. So whatever you need to launch your business and stay compliant, it is all under one roof.
CLIENT RESULTS
Real mandates, real outcomes
01/07
BTC Markets
Crypto Exchange
The first AFSL ever granted to a crypto exchange in Australia, backed by ongoing fixed-fee legal & compliance support.
THE OUTCOME
1st
AFSL for a crypto exchange in Australia
Retainer
Ongoing fixed-fee legal & compliance
AFSL APPLICATION • LEGAL • COMPLIANCE & REGULATION • RM RECRUITMENT
THE SITUATION
Australia’s leading crypto exchange needed legal and compliance expertise to navigate an ever-evolving crypto regulatory landscape, and wanted an AFSL to establish a payments business.
WHAT THEY NEEDED
Specialist legal and compliance expertise to stay ahead of fast-moving crypto regulation, and an AFSL to underpin a new payments business.
HOW WE HELPED
We secured the first AFSL ever granted to a crypto exchange in Australia, including the authorisations to support a payments business, and continue to act as an extension of their team under a fixed-fee retainer, providing dependable legal and compliance support as the landscape evolves.
Fixed fee · No obligation
Damisa
Cross-Border Payments & Crypto Brokerage
AFSL secured to power cross-border payments using stablecoin rails, crypto buy & sell and multi-currency capabilities, giving customers same-day settlement and the ability to settle payments in cryptocurrency.
THE OUTCOME
AFSL
Granted by ASIC
Stablecoins
Cross-border payments, crypto & multi-currency
AFSL APPLICATION · LEGAL · COMPLIANCE & REGULATION
THE SITUATION
A cross-border payment provider moving money in and out of Australia on behalf of customers using stablecoin rails, and wanting customers to be able to buy, sell and hold crypto and multiple currencies on its platform.
WHAT THEY NEEDED
A full-scope AFSL authorising cross-border payment services using stablecoins, the ability for customers to buy and sell crypto, and multi-currency capabilities.
HOW WE HELPED
We guided Damisa through a rigorous ASIC application and secured its AFSL, authorising cross-border payment services, enabling customers to buy and sell crypto, and providing multi-currency capabilities. We also assisted with AML registration as a remitter, ongoing legal and compliance set-up, PDS, FSG, TMD and T&Cs preparation, and support securing local banking and liquidity providers.
Fixed fee · No obligation
Bless Payments
Payments & Remittance
A turn-key path to market, covering the full legal stack, an AFSL and AUSTRAC remittance registration.
THE OUTCOME
Turn-key
Legal, disclosure & licensing build
AFSL + AUSTRAC
Licence & remittance registration
AFSL APPLICATION • LEGAL • COMPLIANCE & REGULATION • RM RECRUITMENT
THE SITUATION
A payments and FX business preparing to come to market and needing its entire regulatory and legal foundation built from the ground up.
WHAT THEY NEEDED
Support across every element of operating a payments and FX business, including an AFSL, AUSTRAC registration and the full suite of legal documents.
HOW WE HELPED
We delivered a turn-key solution across their payments and FX business, preparing the legal documents and securing the AFSL and AUSTRAC remittance registration, and we continue to provide ongoing services today.
Fixed fee · No obligation
Curated Capital
Wholesale Property Fund
Licensed to offer wholesale property syndicates, with ongoing legal and compliance support.
THE OUTCOME
AFSL
Granted for wholesale syndicates
Ongoing
Legal & compliance support
AFSL APPLICATION • LEGAL • COMPLIANCE & REGULATION
THE SITUATION
A wholesale property fund preparing to offer property syndicates to its clients.
WHAT THEY NEEDED
An AFSL and the disclosure documents required to offer wholesale property syndicates, plus ongoing legal and compliance support, including assistance administering each wholesale property syndicate.
HOW WE HELPED
We obtained their AFSL and established the disclosure documents required to offer wholesale property syndicates, and we provide ongoing legal and compliance support, including assistance administering each wholesale property syndicate.
Fixed fee · No obligation
Hello Clever
Fintech & Payments
From an established business to a fully licensed, regulated product offering.
THE OUTCOME
Full-scope
AFSL secured
RMs placed
Responsible Managers sourced
AFSL APPLICATION • LEGAL • COMPLIANCE & REGULATION
THE SITUATION
An existing business looking to expand its product set into regulated financial offerings for the first time.
WHAT THEY NEEDED
To move through the AML registration phase, uplift its AML/CTF documentation and processes, and obtain a full-scope AFSL with the right Responsible Managers.
HOW WE HELPED
We guided them through AML registration, updated their AML/CTF documentation and processes, sourced Responsible Managers and secured a full-scope AFSL, and now support them with their ongoing legal and compliance requirements on a fixed-fee retainer.
Fixed fee · No obligation
Toss
Global Super-App
Korea’s leading financial SuperApp, now licensed to provide remittance services in Australia.
THE OUTCOME
5 months
To a granted AFSL
End-to-end
Market entry & licensing
AFSL APPLICATION • LEGAL • COMPLIANCE & REGULATION • RM RECRUITMENT
THE SITUATION
Korea’s leading financial SuperApp seeking to establish a licensed remittance business in Australia.
WHAT THEY NEEDED
To establish a licensed remittance business in Australia, including a local presence and the licences and registrations required to provide domestic P2P payment services.
HOW WE HELPED
We stood up their Australian operations, covering incorporation, resident director, Responsible Manager, AFSL application and AML remittance registration, and secured the licence in five months. We now provide ongoing legal and compliance support.
Fixed fee · No obligation
Immersve
Crypto Payments
Licensed, supported on an ongoing basis, and progressed toward Mastercard principal membership.
THE OUTCOME
AFSL
Granted & maintained
Mastercard
Principal membership work
AFSL APPLICATION • LEGAL • COMPLIANCE & REGULATION • RM RECRUITMENT
THE SITUATION
A global crypto-to-card payments business looking to establish operations in Australia and access card-scheme infrastructure.
WHAT THEY NEEDED
An AFSL, ongoing legal and regulatory support, and assistance securing Mastercard principal membership.
HOW WE HELPED
We obtained their AFSL and assisted them in accessing card-scheme infrastructure, including their Mastercard principal membership, at the outset. We now provide ongoing legal support, helping them navigate and comply with their local legal and regulatory requirements.
Fixed fee · No obligation
Interstellar Capital
Wholesale Property Fund
AFSL secured and disclosure documents built for wholesale property syndicates.
THE OUTCOME
AFSL
Granted for wholesale syndicates
Ongoing
Legal & compliance support
AFSL APPLICATION • LEGAL • COMPLIANCE & REGULATION
THE SITUATION
A wholesale property fund bringing property syndicates to its investors.
WHAT THEY NEEDED
An AFSL and compliant disclosure documents for wholesale property syndicates, backed by ongoing legal and compliance support.
HOW WE HELPED
We obtained their AFSL and established the disclosure documents required to offer wholesale property syndicates, and we provide ongoing legal and compliance support.
Fixed fee · No obligation
TESTIMONIALS
Rated 5-star by our clients
Book your free, no-obligation consultation
Have a related, no-pressure chat with one of our senior AFSL lawyers. You’ll walk away knowing exactly where you stand and what to do next.
Peter Hagias & team
WHY AFSL HOUSE
Why choose AFSL House for your fund?
We understand how fund & investment managers operate, from structuring & capital raising to compliance & investor protection.
Funds & investment expertise
We understand how fund & investment managers operate, from structuring & capital raising to compliance & investor protection.
Integrated licensing & compliance
We align licensing strategy, fund structuring, PDSs/IMs & TMDs, compliance plans & AML/CTF programs into one coherent framework.
Commercially practical advice
We explain regulatory constraints & help you protect your strategy, returns & investor relationships: practical options, not red-flag lists.
AFSL VIDEO SHORTS
AFSL, explained by our lawyers
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most, straight from the specialists who handle your licence.
Book your free, no-obligation consultation
Have a related, no-pressure chat with one of our senior AFSL lawyers. You’ll walk away knowing exactly where you stand and what to do next.
INSIGHTS LIBRARY
The latest news & insights
News, regulatory updates and analysis from our financial services lawyers, straight from the AFSL House desk.
Free 90-seconds Assessment
Not sure where you stand with your AFSL?
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll build you a personalised AFSL action plan, based on the very things ASIC will expect from you. It takes about 90 seconds.
- Takes under 2 minutes
- Tailored to your business type
- No cost, no obligation
FREE DOWNLOADS
Free & practical AFSL guides & checklists
Practical guides, roadmaps and checklists that make getting ready simple, written by the lawyers who do this every day.
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Book your free, no-obligation consultation
Have a related, no-pressure chat with one of our senior AFSL lawyers. You’ll walk away knowing exactly where you stand and what to do next.
WHY WE DO
Market-leading, comprehensive AFSL services
A comprehensive range of services tailored to financial services companies seeking an Australian Financial Services Licence and ongoing compliance support.
AFSL Applications
A 100% success rate in AFSL applications, helping clients obtain their licence in record time.
ACL Applications
End-to-end Australian Credit Licence applications for lenders, brokers and credit providers, prepared and lodged for you.
Compliance & Regulation
Tailored risk and compliance frameworks to ensure you comply with your AFSL obligations.
Legal Support
Specialised AFSL lawyers providing holistic legal services to AFSL holders & applicants.
AFSL Audits & Investigations
Comprehensive governance audits to avoid enforcement action and assist in ASIC & AUSTRAC investigations.
AFSL for Hire
Be appointed as a Corporate Authorised Representative under our AFSL to start operating quickly.
Marketplace for AFSL
Connecting AFSL holders and applicants with qualified Responsible Managers, with expert sourcing and placement handled for you.
AFSL Responsible Manager Recruitment
Connecting AFSL holders and applicants with qualified Responsible Managers. Expert RM sourcing and placement.
White-Label Services
Enabling legal and consulting firms to offer AFSL expertise under their own brand.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a discretionary mutual fund (DMF)?
A DMF is a member-based arrangement that provides discretionary protection against agreed risks, operating outside the traditional insurance framework. We advise on how a DMF is characterised and what regulatory perimeter applies.
Does a DMF need an AFSL?
It depends on the structure and what is offered. Some DMF arrangements engage the AFSL or other regimes; others sit outside them. We assess your model and advise precisely what authorisations, if any, are required.
How is a DMF different from insurance?
A DMF provides discretionary (not contractual) protection and is member-owned, which changes its regulatory treatment. We help structure the arrangement so this distinction is clear and defensible.