The Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) has cautioned financial advisers to ensure they meet the full set of regulatory standards required to continue offering advice in 2026.
More than 2,300 advisers risk losing their authority to operate if they fail to comply with education and training rules by the deadline.
Those who want to keep advising retail clients must satisfy the competency requirements mandated by regulators. ASIC also urged advisers to verify that their qualifications and details listed on the Financial Advisers Register are accurate, and to request updates from their AFS licensee or employer where necessary.
If an adviser has not met the required standards by 1 January 2026, firms are expected to withdraw their authorization by the end of 2025.
As of 20 November 2025, data from the register shows 2,326 advisers still fall short of the qualification criteria. Of the 15,469 advisers listed, 7,959 already hold an approved qualification, while 4,212 are using the experienced provider pathway. A further 972 qualify under both categories.
Advisers whose authorisation automatically lapses on 1 January 2026 will need to complete a professional year and obtain an approved degree or equivalent certification before they can once again provide retail financial advice.
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