FAQ

How can I create an annual compliance certificate checklist for a financial advice business?

An annual compliance certificate is a concise but comprehensive summary that demonstrates the AFSL holder’s ongoing adherence to licence obligations under s912A and ASIC’s Regulatory Guide 104. A well-designed checklist should include:

  • Confirmation of solvency, capital adequacy, and financial viability (RG 166);
  • Review of Responsible Managers’ competence and engagement (RG 105);
  • Annual risk management framework review and cyber resilience testing;
  • Conflicts of interest register updates (RG 181);
  • Adviser registration, training, and CPD compliance (RG 146, FASEA Standards 10–12);
  • AML/CTF compliance and reporting (AUSTRAC);
  • Breach reporting log and remedial actions (RG 78);
  • Summary of internal audit findings and governance attestations.

Many licensees use this certification as both an internal assurance tool and evidence for ASIC’s targeted surveillance reviews.

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