AFSL Guides
Plain-English explainers on Australian financial licensing — what an AFSL is, who needs one, what it takes to get and keep one, and how to search and verify a licence.
What Is an AFSL?
What an AFSL (Australian Financial Services Licence) is, what it means, what an AFSL number is, and who issues it under the Corporations Act.
Who Needs an AFSL?
Who must hold an AFSL to provide financial services in Australia, common activities that trigger the requirement, and key exemptions.
AFSL Requirements
The core AFSL requirements — organisational competence, responsible managers, financial resources, and compliance arrangements ASIC expects.
How to Get an AFSL
Step-by-step on how to get an AFSL: preparing the application, proofs, responsible managers, ASIC assessment, timeframes and fees.
AFSL Compliance Obligations
The ongoing AFSL compliance obligations under s912A — being efficient, honest and fair, breach reporting, dispute resolution, audits and more.
AFSL vs Australian Credit Licence
AFSL vs Australian Credit Licence (ACL): which activities each covers, why some businesses need both, and how to check either register.
How to Search and Verify an AFSL Number
How to search an AFSL number, check a licence's status, and verify an Australian financial services provider before you deal with them.