Training Requirements for Limited AFSL Holders

How Many Training Hours Are Required?

ASIC does not specify a minimum requirement of training hours for Responsible Managers and representatives under a Limited AFSL, however, twenty (20) hours is generally accepted as the industry standard. Responsible Managers and representatives should consult their training plans (or Compliance Officer) to confirm the minimum number of training hours they are required to complete, and also ensure they are recording details of all training hours completed, including the following information as a minimum:

Training Type

e.g. publication, conference, in-house training

Training Area

e.g. general knowledge, ethics, compliance, legislative

Date and Duration

e.g. how many hours of training were completed

Name of the Training Provider

Responsible Managers must be able to demonstrate they have the training or qualifications needed to satisfy the organisational competence requirements outlined in RG 105.

What Areas of Training Are Required?

All Responsible Managers and representatives must participate in continuing professional development in order to meet the training competency requirements set out in RG 104.

Training must be continuously conducted at an appropriately high level and cover:

All broad aspects of the AFSL obligations, such as general compliance, legislative knowledge, regulatory updates.
Knowledge related to the products and services the AFSL is authorised to provide services in relation to.
Knowledge specific to the individual’s role within the organisation.

Each Responsible Manager and representative should have a new training plan prepared at least annually for the following twelve (12) month period.

Training plans should address how Responsible Managers and representatives will:

Maintain and develop knowledge and skills that are appropriate for their responsibilities
Update their knowledge and skills, especially in areas where there is continual change (e.g. legislation, regulatory standards, economic and financial developments, new financial products or new market practices)
Set objectives to be met such as the desired changes in knowledge, skills and/or performance at the end of the training year

Is Any Other Training Required?

Responsible Managers and representatives working under a Limited AFSL dealing with retail clients should also ensure they are complying with RG 146.

Responsible Managers and representatives working under an AFSL that also authorises them to provide personal advice to retail clients will need to comply with the personal financial advice requirements.

Background

Completing ongoing training each year is a simple way for Limited AFSL holders to ensure they are maintaining their organisational competence to provide financial services. Because of the number of hours required to meet the requirements, Responsible Managers and representatives should ensure they are completing training hours continuously throughout the year rather than having to put aside a large chunk of time right before their company deadline.

Senior Management should review the training progress of all representatives as well as themselves to ensure they too are completing the required hours.

For more information on training requirements and how we can assist you, please contact us.

Further Reading

ASIC Guidance

Limited Financial Services

Training Requirements

AFSLs providing Personal Financial Advice to Retail Clients

Training Requirements

AFSLs providing General Financial Advice to Retail Clients

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