logo
HomeAdviser insights
Person looking at computer

Explainer: ASIC's adviser levy increase

In June, the government announced the end of a two-year freeze on ASIC levy increases for the financial advice industry. The levy, which recovers the cost of enforcement and surveillance activities in the advice sector, was previously frozen after increases of more than 30 per cent per year saw it labelled as ‘unsustainable’ by a number of industry associations.1

Soon after, the corporate regulator released an estimate of levies for the 2023 financial year which revealed another more than 30 per cent increase from last year’s fees. Below, we detail how the new costs have been calculated, how the industry has responded and what is likely to happen next.

FY23 levy costs

ASIC released its Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) for the 2023 financial year on 28 June, which estimates the costs of its activities across each sector of the financial services industry. ASIC estimated the total cost to regulate the advice sector in FY23 was $58.42 million, with $55.52 million coming from licensees that provide personal advice to retail clients on financial products.2

The CRIS is an initial estimate of industry levies for the previous financial year, with the finalised amount to be published in December and invoiced between January and March 2024.3 It estimates that the charges for personal advice licensees will be $3,217 per adviser plus a $1,500 flat fee per licensee.

The cost is significant given that it is higher than the estimated levy of $3,138 per adviser for the 2021 financial year, which triggered the original freeze in levy increases by the then Coalition government. After the per-adviser costs for industry funding more than tripled over three years, the levy was frozen at its 2018/19 level of $1,142 per adviser to provide “temporary and targeted” relief for the industry.4

But after a review of the industry funding model found ASIC’s current method of cost recovery was still the most efficient, it was announced that the freeze would end. The review suggested if the freeze had not been in place, licensees would have been charged $2,971 per adviser in FY21 and $3,021 per adviser in FY22. 5

What happens now?

Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones has said that the four sub-sectors that fall within the financial advice sector in ASIC’s funding model may be reviewed alongside other legislative changes as part of the government’s Delivering Better Financial Outcomes package.

He also suggested “refinements” could be made to the model as recommended by the review. These include spreading the cost of some regulatory activities either across a wider population or over time, and enhancing ASIC’s reporting, transparency and consultation arrangements around industry funding.6

Industry associations have reacted with concern to the increase, with SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess saying the costs are “not sustainable” and need a rethink.

“What the sector needs now is a period of stability to retain existing advisers, the resolution of the QAR recommendations and a review of the education and entry pathways to ensure a healthy, sustainable sector – not a hefty fee increase,” Mr Burgess said.7

The Financial Advice Association of Australia has also called on the government to reinstate the levy freeze, saying it is “extremely concerned” by the impact the additional costs will have on the sector.8

“We continue to engage intensively on this matter, as we believe that even under the current industry funding model – which we know has flaws – there could be ASIC costs that have incorrectly been attributed to our sector,” FAAA chief executive Sarah Abood said.9

This document is prepared by ClearView Life Assurance Limited (ABN 12 000 021 581, AFSL 227682) (ClearView) and is intended only for advisers. The information is general in nature, it does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before determining whether to apply for or hold the product(s) you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and consider the appropriateness of the product(s) to your circumstances. A copy of the PDS can be obtained from 132 977 or on our website www.clearview.com.au/pds. If relevant, information about the Target Market Determination(s) for this product(s) is available at www.clearview.com.au/tmd. ClearView ClearChoice is issued by ClearView Life Assurance Limited (ABN 12 000 021 581, AFSL 227682 and ClearView ClearChoice Super is issued by HTFS Nominees Limited Pty Limited (ABN 78 000 880 553, AFSL 232500, RSE Licence L0003216) as trustee of HUB24 Super Fund (ABN 60 910 190 523, RSE R1074659) (Trustee). ClearView ClearChoice Super Rollover is issued by the Trustee. Any representations regarding past performance are not indicators of future returns and/or performance. Premiums, regardless of premium type, are not guaranteed and may be increased or decreased in the future. Please refer to the ‘Premiums and Other Costs’ section of the relevant PDS for more information. ClearView does not make any representation as to the accuracy of any non-ClearView websites or articles referenced in this document and to the extent permitted by law does not accept any responsibility or liability for the content. This document is current as at 17 August. ClearView can vary or withdraw this document at any time. You should always check with ClearView to confirm that this document is up to date.

You might also be interested in

Part 2: Creating a security framework for your financial advice practice
26 Sept, 2024

Part 2: Creating a security framework for your financial advice practice

In Part 1: Cyber security tips for advice practices, we covered essential cyber security tips for advice practices, including identifying at risk assets, training employees, and implementing strong...Read more
Therapist counselling client
26 Aug, 2024

Identifying and supporting clients experiencing domestic violence

Domestic violence affects many individuals across various demographics, with financial abuse often going unnoticed. This content highlights the signs of financial abuse, such as controlling access ...Read more
Smiling businessman working on laptop
2 July, 2024

Marketing essentials: A guide for financial advisers

Effective marketing strategies can help build brand awareness, attract new clients, and foster client loyalty. As a financial adviser, marketing is critical to growing your business. The good news ...Read more