From July 2017, the CRS will apply to those Australian banks and other financial institutions presently caught by FATCA.

Ensure that your procedures and staff training regarding any dealing and suspicious matter reporting are up to scratch.

The Government has announced major reforms to the National Consumer Credit regime including the scrapping of RLOs.

This is the first year of the new regime where ASIC will recover most of its regulatory costs from regulated industries.

Misleading and deceptive advertising has been an enduring area of focus for ASIC - and a minefield for the licensees involved.

This fact sheet discusses the costs you should be prepared for if you are ready to apply for your own AFSL.

When you think you're ready to apply for your own AFSL, what are the costs you should be prepared to pay?

If you want to be your own boss, with the flexibility to carry on business your way, you may prefer your own AFSL.

Advantages and disadvantages of holding your own licence to provide financial services.

As you decide, do you know the full extent of the costs, time, and resource requirements for holding your own AFSL?

It appears that the transition to licensing for Australian accountants and financial advisers is a four-stage process.

This CSF regime is expected to evolve quickly and the Government has acknowledged that there may be need for adjustments.

This is Part II of the series of steps to draft clear, concise and effective Statements of Advice (SOAs) in practice.

If you become aware of a "change in control" of your financial services licensee, you must notify ASIC of these changes.

From 1 July 2016, accountants will no longer be able to rely on the "SMSF recommendation" exemption.

In exchange for Senate support, the Government has agreed to make further amendments to the regulations and the Bill.

Changes also relate to remitter registration requirements for reporting entities that provide other designated services.

Reporting entities are bound to comply with the AML/CTF laws, which include having a risk-based system and controls.

AFSL holders who are authorised to deal in general insurance must report to APRA every 6 months by lodging a Form 701.

The first step is to look at your existing cover and see whether it extends to the provision of tax advice.