The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Financial advisers in Australia are finding themselves under increased financial pressure as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) seeks to raise additional funds through heightened levies for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
A substantial part of this increase is attributed to the establishment of new regulatory frameworks and compliance measures.
The bulk of the additional levy is directed towards the funding of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR), a mechanism aimed to ensure consumers receive compensation owed by financial firms that have failed. Additionally, costs related to the adviser exam and the creation of a single disciplinary body for advisors add to the financial burden.
Further driving up costs is ASIC’s oversight activities regarding choice superannuation products. This has raised eyebrows within the financial advisory community as to why advisers should bear this specific administrative cost, which arguably involves superannuation funds as a key component of the equation.
ASIC has broken down these costs, itemizing the components being billed to advisors. This includes:
CSLR implementation
Choice superannuation products oversight
Adviser examination and registration
Compliance for SMSF (Self-Managed Super Funds) establishment advice
The newly structured single disciplinary body system
Moreover, financial advisers will share additional regulatory costs with other financial advice sub-sectors. These costs encompass several areas including ASIC’s cyber resilience initiatives, breach reporting mechanisms, the employment of artificial intelligence, dispute resolution processes, penalties for the non-lodgement of financial reports, enforcement against unlicensed financial advice, and restrictions on cold-calling for superannuation switching.
Critics argue that the levy structure places an undue financial load on advisers for areas where other stakeholders, such as superannuation funds and accountants, significantly contribute and should possibly share responsibility. For example, the costs associated with SMSF establishment advice compliance are shared more equitably between accountants and advisers, reflecting their respective roles.
On a positive note, costs associated with combating unlicensed financial advice and cold-calling superannuation switching will be distributed across all financial advisory sub-sectors rather than being shouldered solely by individual advisers.
Financial advisers looking to understand the reasoning behind their increased ASIC levy can refer to the detailed breakdown provided by ASIC. According to ASIC's figures, the overall regulation cost for the financial advice sector for 2022-23 sat at $47.6 million, which is poised to rise to $48.4 million in 2023-24.
The need for these measures, while increasing costs in the short term, is part of an effort to create a more robust and fairer financial advisory industry, aiming to benefit consumers and professionals alike by ensuring higher standards and better protection mechanisms.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Europ Assistance Australia (EAA) has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a general insurer licence, enabling the company to underwrite its own travel insurance products. This development underscores EAA's dedication to the Australian market and its travellers. - read more
Recent conflicts in the Middle East have led to significant disruptions in air travel, prompting Australian travellers to reassess their travel insurance coverage. Understanding how such policies respond to war-related events is crucial for those planning trips through affected regions. - read more
In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Australian travel insurers have mobilised additional resources to support affected travellers. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) announced that insurers are providing dedicated 24/7 assistance, coordinating medical care, and prioritising support for those in impacted regions. - read more
Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has reported a notable gap between Australians' attitudes towards domestic travel insurance and the claims being paid. In the first eight and a half months of 2025, SCTI settled over $240,000 in claims for local and interstate trips. Despite this, only about 41% of Australians consider travel insurance a high priority for domestic trips, compared to 76% for international travel. - read more
Australian travellers are facing ongoing flight disruptions, with cancellation rates climbing above long-term averages. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE), the national flight cancellation rate reached 2.6% in February 2025, exceeding the long-term average of 2.2%. On-time performance for both arrivals and departures also fell below historical benchmarks. - read more
Welcome to a journey of discovery where the vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history of Southeast Asia await. Australian travellers have long been captivated by the allure of our northern neighbours, seeking adventures that not only promise unforgettable experiences but also offer remarkable value for money. - read more
The concept of travel in Australia inherently brings to mind sweeping landscapes, rugged coastlines, and vast outback adventures. For many Australians, the dream of traversing this scenic wonderland is often tempered by the cold reality of expenses, with accommodation often being a prominent budgetary concern. Yet, far from dimming the wanderlust, this challenge invites a more clever approach to journeying through the land Down Under. - read more
Australia, renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, can seem dauntingly expensive for travelers. However, exploring this vast country on a budget is not only possible but increasingly popular among Australians. The thrill of uncovering hidden gems and experiencing diverse cultures without overspending has made budget travel a desirable option for many. - read more
Picture this: You're all set for your dream vacation. Suitcases packed, tickets in hand, and the excitement building. But then, an unexpected disappointment hits. Your flight is cancelled. Suddenly, your well-laid plans are thrown into disarray. - read more
Australians are known for their adventurous spirit, often seeking thrills through activities such as bungee jumping, surfing, and skiing. Adventure sports provide an adrenaline rush and an escape from the everyday routine, making them highly appealing to those who crave excitement and challenge. - read more
Knowledgebase
Insurance: In law and economics, insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of potential financial loss.
