Travel Insurance Online :: News

Share this news item!

Advisers' Levy Driven by New Compliance Costs

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.

Source: ASIC Bulletin

Published:Wednesday, 10th Jul 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Unveiling Hidden Exclusions in Travel Insurance Policies

12 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian travellers are being urged to carefully review their travel insurance policies to identify potential exclusions that could affect their coverage. Legal expert Peter Carter from Carter Capner Law highlights that certain activities, such as riding motorbikes or jet skis and consuming alcohol, are often classified as high-risk by insurers. Incidents occurring during these activities may lead to claim rejections. - read more

Qantas Travel Insurance Honoured with Mozo Experts Choice Award 2024

04 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Qantas Travel Insurance has been recognised in the 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Awards for Travel Insurance, showcasing its exceptional value for their Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance policy. - read more

SCTI Highlights Top 10 Costliest Travel Insurance Claims of 2024

04 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) has unveiled its top 10 most expensive international travel claims made by Australian travellers in 2024, shedding light on the significant financial risks associated with unforeseen incidents abroad. - read more

Allianz Partners Highlights the Risks of Travelling Uninsured

27 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent research conducted by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has revealed a concerning trend: one in seven Australian travellers embark on overseas trips without any form of travel insurance. This statistic has prompted Allianz Partners to urge Australians to reconsider the importance of securing adequate coverage before travelling abroad. - read more

Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance

27 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Travel Insurance Articles

10 Common Travel Expense Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Travel can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with a myriad of expenses that can quickly add up. From flights and accommodations to meals and entertainment, the costs can take a toll on your budget. - read more

How to Find the Best Travel Insurance Deals in Australia

Travelling is one of life's greatest joys, but it's not without its risks. This is where travel insurance comes into play for Australians. It ensures peace of mind, knowing that you're covered for unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. - read more

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Your Overseas Holiday

Travel insurance is an essential component of any overseas trip, especially for Australians. While exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures can be exciting, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and challenges that can arise along the way. From unexpected medical emergencies to lost luggage or trip cancellations, unforeseen events can quickly turn your dream holiday into a nightmare. - read more

From Flight Cancellations to Lost Luggage: Why Travel Insurance is Crucial

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

Top 5 Travel Insurance Features You Didn't Know Could Benefit You

Travel insurance is an essential consideration for Australians planning both domestic and international adventures. Whether you're jetting off to the beaches of Bali or exploring the bustling streets of Sydney, understanding the intricacies of travel insurance can protect you from unforeseen incidents that could derail your plans. - read more

Knowledgebase

Subrogation:
An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.