Monthly Newsletter

Monthly Newsletter

The past month at Sophie Grace…

New Articles:

  • Complaints and IDR processes - learnings from AFCA’s 2023-24 complaints statistics
  • Are you taking reasonable steps to ensure your authorised representatives do not accept conflicted remuneration?
  • ASIC releases report on hardship for credit providers
  • AFSL Auditor replacement, removal and resignation - updates implemented by ASIC
  • ASIC Record Keeping Obligations on Record Keeping Obligations


New Video

  • Audits - what to do, what happens if you lodge late, extensions etc


Our Videos

Check out our Training Videos! Our videos are a way for you to get information regarding your licence type in an engaging and effective way. Averaging about 12 minutes long, each video will provide you with relevant knowledge and skills. ?Purchase individually or subscribe to gain access to all of our compliance-focused training videos!


Complaints and IDR processes - learnings from AFCA's 2023-24 complaints statistics

With the number of complaints taken to AFCA continuing to rise, AFCA have indicated their disappointment at another record year of complaints and wants financial services and credit licensees to do more.

All licensees should consider the types of complaints they routinely receive, and take steps to address these via robust IDR processes.

The top 5 issues raised in the investments and advice complaints were:

  • inappropriate advice;
  • failure to act in the client’s best interests;
  • failure to follow instructions/agreements;
  • service quality; and
  • interpretation of product terms and conditions.

Read more.


Are you taking reasonable steps to ensure your authorised representatives do not accept conflicted remuneration?

The Federal Court’s determination in the case of ASIC v R M Capital Pty Ltd has provided clarification on what actions taken by AFS Licensees may constitute ‘reasonable steps’.

‘Reasonable steps’ in this context, is the standard set by?s 963F of the?Corporations Act?for Licensees to ensure that its representatives do not accept conflicted remuneration.

Licensees should take the following steps to ensure that its representatives do not accept conflicted remuneration:

Read more.


ASIC Enforcement: Hardship

A recent report by ASIC has implications for all credit providers.

Key Findings:

  • Accessibility of hardship notices
  • Simple processes for assessing hardship
  • Communicating effectively with customers
  • Support vulnerable customers

ASIC issued Report 783 after conducting a review of ten (10) home lenders to understand how credit licensees are supporting customers experiencing financial hardship.

Read More.


AFSL Auditor replacement, removal and resignation - updates implemented by ASIC

ASIC has implemented changes and updated RG 26 following the implementation of reforms extending the financial reporting and auditing obligations under Chapter 2M of the?Corporations Act 2001.

The changes that impact AFS licensees include:

Read More.


ASIC Record Keeping Obligations on Personal Advice AFSLs

ASIC?imposes specific record-keeping requirements on Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensees and representatives of AFS Licensees that provide personal advice to retail clients under the?Corporations Act 2001.

Providers must ensure the following records are kept:

Our blog article looks at:

  • What the obligations are;
  • Obligations on authorised representatives; and
  • Exemptions

Read More.


New Video: Audits

This video looks at:

  • which forms you need to lodge;
  • how to lodge;
  • lodgement timeframes;
  • what happens if you lodge late; and
  • changing your auditor

Watch Here.


Other videos available

Learn more about these other useful topics at the below links.

AFSL Holders

ACL Holders

See all videos.


Portal Videos Subscription

The Sophie Grace portal now offers a video-only service. This means you can sign-up to gain access to a range of helpful videos for just $22 a month.

The videos are a perfect accompaniment to your coffee break, averaging around 12 minutes long. They are full of important information for every licensee with plenty of actionable takeaways!

New videos will be added every month to ensure you get the most out of your subscription.

Click below to visit our website and find the subscription that suits you best!

Subscription Options.


Having trouble keeping your compliance policies up to date?

The Sophie Grace Compliance Portal is designed to assist our clients with keeping their compliance policies and registers up to date. There are a number of different subscriptions available, that can include:

  • access to compliance policies and registers that are customisable to your business;
  • regular updates to documents to comply with the latest regulatory guidelines; and
  • the ability to speak to a senior staff member when required.

Sign up today for your compliance needs.


Regulatory Updates

We regularly update our website with new blogs. If you want to stay up to date, click on the link below to visit our blog page or follow us on LinkedIn.

Check out our blogs.


The Corporate Manager

The Corporate Manager?is owned and operated by?Sophie Grace. The Corporate Manager assists with:

Visit The Corporate Manager.

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