Regulator: ASIC 🇦🇺
Australian investors are protected by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and can access free dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Australia has strong consumer protection laws for financial products.
ASIC Regulation
ASIC regulates financial services and markets in Australia. Any firm providing financial services must hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Verify licences at asic.gov.au.
- Check AFSL at asic.gov.au/check
- ASIC MoneySmart at moneysmart.gov.au
- Report scams at asic.gov.au/report-a-scam
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
AFCA provides free, independent dispute resolution for complaints about financial products and services. It replaced the Financial Ombudsman Service, Credit and Investments Ombudsman, and Superannuation Complaints Tribunal.
- Free for consumers
- Covers most financial products and services
- Can award compensation up to $1.085 million
- Visit afca.org.au to lodge a complaint
Managed Investment Schemes
Managed investment schemes in Australia must be registered with ASIC and comply with the Corporations Act. Investors have rights to information, meetings, and complaints.
- Registered schemes listed on ASIC register
- Responsible entity obligations to investors
- Rights to call meetings and vote on resolutions
Reporting Fraud
Report investment fraud to ASIC at asic.gov.au/report-a-scam, to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au, and to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.