Financial Services Licensees in Warrnambool, VIC
Compare registered financial services licensees in Warrnambool, Victoria. All listings sourced from the ASIC AFS Licensee Register.
General versus personal advice
Engaging a financial services provider in Warrnambool, Victoria starts with confirming the AFSL number and the specific authorisations granted. A licensee authorised for 'general advice' can describe products without considering your circumstances; 'personal advice' requires a Statement of Advice tailored to your situation. Fees, commissions and any conflicts of interest must be disclosed in the Financial Services Guide (FSG), which the licensee is required to provide before any service begins. Complaints go through the licensee's internal process first, then AFCA if unresolved — AFCA determinations are free for consumers and binding on the licensee up to specified caps.
Sinclair Wilson Investment Services Pty Ltd★★★★★ 4.6 (10 reviews)
Think Independent Pty Limited★★★ 3 (2 reviews)
Woodleigh Fields Pty. Ltd.
Qa Insurance Pty Ltd★★★★★ 5 (1 reviews)
Prestige Afsl Pty Ltd
Frequently asked questions
What is an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL)?
An AFSL is the licence issued by ASIC that permits an entity to provide financial services in Australia, including those offered in Warrnambool, Victoria. It specifies the designated services (advice, dealing, market-making, custodial) and the financial products covered. The AFSL number must appear on every Financial Services Guide and disclosure document.
What's the difference between general and personal financial advice?
General advice is product information that does not consider your circumstances — it can be given without a Statement of Advice. Personal advice considers your goals, financial situation and needs, and triggers the Best Interests Duty. Personal advice always requires a written Statement of Advice before any recommendations are implemented.
Are financial services providers required to act in my best interests?
Providers giving personal advice are bound by the Best Interests Duty under the Corporations Act. They must prioritise your interests over their own, only recommend products likely to leave you in a better position, and disclose all fees, commissions and conflicts of interest in writing before you act.
Where do I go if I have a complaint about a financial services provider?
Complaints go through the licensee's internal dispute resolution (IDR) process first; the licensee has 30 days to respond. If unresolved, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) is the free external dispute resolution body. AFCA can make binding determinations up to specified caps under the Corporations Act.