Advisers get extensions under new ASIC guidance
ASIC has changed the reporting dates for certain notifications under the new adviser education standards, which mainly relates to when advisers need to go on the Financial Adviser Register.
In an update on its website, ASIC indicated that it has made changes to the timing of the notification requirements under the professional standards reforms.
One of the key changes, ASIC said, is an adjustment to when licensees need to notify ASIC about new advisers who are joining the industry for the first time after 1 January 2019.
Originally details about new ‘provisional relevant providers’ needed to be added to the financial adviser register from 1 January 2019, but the date has now been extended to 15 November 2019 at the earliest.
“As a result, new ‘provisional relevant providers’ can only be added to the financial adviser register from 15 November 2019,” ASIC stated.
ASIC also clarified that financial advisers who are listed on the financial advisers register (FAR) between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2019 will be recognised as an 'existing provider' under the new professional standards.
“Therefore, financial advisers who are currently authorised to provide personal advice to retail clients on more complex financial products should make sure they are on FAR,” the corporate regulator stated.
Without recognition as an ‘existing provider' an adviser must pass an exam and complete an approved qualification by 1 January 2019 to work as a financial adviser. They must also undertake a year of work and training, ASIC explained.
“If a person is an 'existing provider', they have until 1 January 2021 to pass the exam, and 1 January 2024 to complete an approved qualification. In the meantime, they can continue to work as a financial adviser,” it said.
Miranda Brownlee
Miranda Brownlee is the deputy editor of SMSF Adviser, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the SMSF sector.
Since joining the team in 2014, Miranda has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest superannuation stories in Australia, and has reported extensively on technical strategy and legislative updates.
Miranda also has broad business and financial services reporting experience, having written for titles including Investor Daily, ifa and Accountants Daily.
