ASIC is launching a new streamlined professional registers search (PRS) in late June, which will allow users to review and search all professional registers databases with just one search.
The regulator said the new PRS provides a more intuitive experience for users, making it easier to access information and make sure the person or company being dealt with is licensed.
The search has been designed with a “user-first” approach, making it easier for anyone to find the information and user experience feedback will be collected through a survey tool on the homepage to be used to inform continuous improvements to the search.
The following ASIC Connect registers are moving across to the PRS:
- Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensees
- AFS authorised representatives
- Credit licensees
- Credit representatives
- Official liquidators
- Registered auditors (registered company auditors and authorised audit companies)
- Registered liquidators
- Registered managed investment schemes
- Approved self-managed super funds (SMSF) auditors
Other search registers on ASIC Connect will not be impacted by the changes, including searching for company and business names.
A second update of the PRS is scheduled for late 2024 when all professional register extracts and documents will be made available.
The Professional Registers Search Project is a core part of the digital transformation of ASIC that will provide a single, convenient and intuitive point of contact for all our stakeholders, including consumers and regulated entities, for their digital interactions with ASIC.
That would be on the proviso that there would some approved SMSF auditors left!