Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) Lawyers
We help financial services businesses obtain, vary & manage Australian Financial Services Licences, from initial licensing strategy through to ongoing AFSL compliance & ASIC engagement.
AFSL applications & compliance support
We advise AFSL applicants, licensees & corporate authorised representatives on the full AFSL lifecycle – applications, variations, responsible managers, compliance frameworks & ASIC engagement.
Our AFSL lawyers combine regulatory depth with practical implementation, so your AFSL authorisations, conditions, policies & monitoring actually match how you provide financial services.
Our AFSL Services
We act for AFSL applicants, licensees & corporate authorised representatives across the full lifecycle of financial services licensing. From new AFSL applications & variations through to Responsible Manager support, compliance frameworks & ASIC engagement, we keep your arrangements aligned with your business model & regulatory obligations.
Our AFSL services include:
01. New AFS Licence Applications
We prepare & lodge AFSL applications so your licence matches your services, clients & responsible managers, by:
- scoping proposed services & target clients against AFSL authorisations;
- preparing the application form & supporting proofs;
- managing ASIC correspondence through to licence grant.
02.AFS Licence Variations
We scope & draft AFS Licence variations so new products, markets or client types are properly covered without avoidable ASIC friction, by:
- assessing which authorisations or conditions need to change;
- preparing variation forms & updated proofs;
- handling ASIC queries until the variation is approved.
03. AFSL Compliance Frameworks
We design AFSL compliance frameworks, policies, registers & monitoring plans that fit your authorisations & how your business actually operates, by:
- mapping AFSL obligations into an obligations register & calendar;
- drafting policies & procedures that reflect real workflows;
- aligning frameworks with Board, RM & committee reporting.
04. Responsible Manager Support
We help select Responsible Managers, gather competency evidence & frame their role so ASIC is comfortable with organisational competence, by:
- assessing RM candidates against RG 105;
- documenting qualifications, experience & responsibilities;
- training RMs on their oversight duties & liability.
05.ASIC Engagement & Liaison
We manage ASIC queries & information requests so responses are timely, consistent & keep your application, variation or licence in good standing, by:
- reviewing ASIC notices & information requests;
- helping you gather documents & frame responses;
- supporting remediation & follow‑up where ASIC has concerns.
Who We Advise
We act for AFSL applicants, licensees & corporate authorised representatives across the financial services sector. If you provide financial product advice, deal in financial products, operate schemes or run platform, FX, fintech or digital asset businesses under an AFSL, we help design & maintain arrangements that fit your authorisations, conditions & growth plans.
AFSL clients we act for include:
Product providers
Advice providers
Credit providers
AFSL wholesale
Payments businesses
Carbon markets & renewables
Fintechs
Crypto, digital currency & virtual asset providers
Our Clients Include
Request A Free Consultation
Our AFSL Lawyers will contact you to discuss how we can help
How The Process Works
Step 1
Scoping & AFSL Strategy
We review your business model, existing permissions & risk profile, then confirm whether you need a new AFSL, a variation or an AFSL health‑check.
Step 2
Design, Authorisations & Documentation
We map your services to the right authorisations, identify suitable responsible managers & prepare the core application proofs & AFSL compliance documents.
Step 3
Lodgement & ASIC Engagement
We lodge with ASIC, manage questions and refinement requests & keep you updated until a decision is made.
Step 4
Implementation & Ongoing AFSL Support
We help embed your AFSL framework, update policies and registers as your business evolves & act as your outsourced AFSL counsel for ongoing compliance support.
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
Jason Gold
Managing Director, IT Pro Tech"At IT Pro Tech, we partner with businesses who share our commitment to integrity. Click Legal stands out in the legal space for exactly that. Hannah and the team impressed us with their deep understanding of compliance-heavy sectors and their ability to offer clear, practical legal advice without overcomplicating the process."
Guy Raven
Head of Surveillance Advisory, Westpac"Hannah demonstrated exceptional leadership and regulatory expertise. She played a pivotal role in developing the control room and establishing a strong regulatory compliance framework... Beyond her deep technical knowledge, Hannah is an outstanding mentor, approachable, and insightful."
Antonella Spatola
Founder, True To You Charity"Hannah at Click Legal has supported the board in establishing our documentation and legal framework to start on a solid footing. We appreciate her authentic interest in the charity's mission... We appreciate how she explains complex concepts in simple terms, avoiding legal jargon."
Sharon Yang
Head of Investment & Capital Mgmt"Hannah and Click Legal have provided reliable legal advice to us. It has been integral in helping us meet all our AFSL obligations with confidence. I highly recommend their services to any business needing compliance support."
Jason Watts GAICD
Managing Director, Neu Capital"Hannah blends rare regulatory expertise with sharp business acumen. As her Manager at Barclays, I watched her master APRA/ASIC frameworks and turn them into clear, actionable strategies... She's the kind of professional who simplifies complexity, and her integrity is unmatched."
Stuart Hill
Program Manager/Operations Manager"Hannah has exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise in building robust legal, risk, and compliance frameworks... Beyond her technical expertise, Hannah is a strategic thinker and a genuinely kind, friendly person who always supports and helps others."
Jason Lowry
Co-Founder, LPG"Could not recommend Click Legal more highly! Must have for start ups and small business owners looking to trust someone to help set up your business right!"
Jason Gold
Managing Director, IT Pro Tech"At IT Pro Tech, we partner with businesses who share our commitment to integrity. Click Legal stands out in the legal space for exactly that. Hannah and the team impressed us with their deep understanding of compliance-heavy sectors and their ability to offer clear, practical legal advice without overcomplicating the process."
Guy Raven
Head of Surveillance Advisory, Westpac"Hannah demonstrated exceptional leadership and regulatory expertise. She played a pivotal role in developing the control room and establishing a strong regulatory compliance framework... Beyond her deep technical knowledge, Hannah is an outstanding mentor, approachable, and insightful."
Antonella Spatola
Founder, True To You Charity"Hannah at Click Legal has supported the board in establishing our documentation and legal framework to start on a solid footing. We appreciate her authentic interest in the charity's mission... We appreciate how she explains complex concepts in simple terms, avoiding legal jargon."
Sharon Yang
Head of Investment & Capital Mgmt"Hannah and Click Legal have provided reliable legal advice to us. It has been integral in helping us meet all our AFSL obligations with confidence. I highly recommend their services to any business needing compliance support."
Jason Watts GAICD
Managing Director, Neu Capital"Hannah blends rare regulatory expertise with sharp business acumen. As her Manager at Barclays, I watched her master APRA/ASIC frameworks and turn them into clear, actionable strategies... She's the kind of professional who simplifies complexity, and her integrity is unmatched."
Stuart Hill
Program Manager/Operations Manager"Hannah has exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise in building robust legal, risk, and compliance frameworks... Beyond her technical expertise, Hannah is a strategic thinker and a genuinely kind, friendly person who always supports and helps others."
Jason Lowry
Co-Founder, LPG"Could not recommend Click Legal more highly! Must have for start ups and small business owners looking to trust someone to help set up your business right!"
Request A Free Consultation
Our AFSL Lawyers will contact you to discuss how we can help
Why Choose Click Legal For Your AFSL Matter
Lawyer‑Led AFSL Expertise
AFSL work is run by senior financial services lawyers who understand how ASIC looks at business models, authorisations & responsible managers.
End‑To‑End, Done‑For‑You Delivery
We act as your outsourced AFSL team from scoping through to grant & core compliance documentation.
Practical, Regulator‑Ready Approach
We design AFSL strategies and documents that reflect how ASIC actually reviews licensees.
Ongoing AFSL Support
After your licence is granted, we stay involved to keep your AFSL policies, registers & frameworks aligned as your business evolves.
Meet Your Legal Team
Request A Free Consultation
Our AFSL Lawyers will contact you to discuss how we can help
AFSL Document Templates / Proof Documents
These documents form the foundation of your AFSL application.
Essential Compliance Documents for AFSL Holders
Practical templates to manage AFSL compliance obligations, AML/CTF settings & core governance policies.
Legal & Compliance Insights
Frequently Asked Questions About AFS Licenses
Do I Need An AFSL To Provide Financial Advice?
You generally need an AFSL if you provide financial product advice to Australian clients as part of your business, whether personal or general, unless an exemption applies. Because the answer turns on the detail of what you actually do, it’s worth getting advice before you launch or expand services.
How Long Does The AFSL Application Process Take?
AFSL applications often take several months from lodgement to decision. Timeframes depend on the complexity of your authorisations, the quality of your proofs & ASIC’s workload. Well‑prepared applications move faster; poorly prepared ones can drag out significantly.
What Is A Responsible Manager?
A Responsible Manager is the person ASIC uses to assess your organisational competence to provide financial services. They must have relevant qualifications, experience & an ongoing role in the business. Choosing the wrong person or documenting them poorly can delay or jeopardise an application.
Can I Buy An Existing AFSL Entity?
You can’t buy a licence on its own, but you can acquire a company that already holds an AFSL. That usually involves detailed due diligence plus notifying ASIC about changes in control & Responsible Managers. You should treat it as both a corporate transaction & a regulatory project.
What Is The Difference Between Retail & Wholesale Authorisations?
Retail authorisations let you service retail clients but trigger heavier disclosure, dispute resolution & conduct obligations. Wholesale authorisations focus on sophisticated or wholesale investors with fewer consumer‑style protections. Your target client base will drive which authorisations you need.
How Much Does An AFSL Application Cost?
Total cost includes ASIC lodgement fees plus professional fees for preparing proofs & supporting documents. It depends on the number of authorisations, complexity of your model & how much work is needed on frameworks. Many firms, including us, use staged, fixed‑fee scopes for distinct phases.
What Happens If I Operate Without An AFSL?
Providing financial services without a required AFSL can breach the Corporations Act and expose you to civil penalties or, in serious cases, criminal consequences. It can also damage relationships with banks, investors & other stakeholders. If you’re unsure, clarify your position before offering services.
Do I Need A Separate Licence For Credit Activities?
Credit activities usually require an Australian Credit Licence (ACL) rather than an AFSL, and some models may need both regimes considered together. We review your products & structure to determine the right combination of AFSL, ACL and any exemptions.
How Often Should AFSL Policies Be Reviewed?
AFSL compliance frameworks are generally reviewed at least annually and after material changes to your business, products, systems or regulation. Regular reviews reduce the risk that policies drift away from real operations or current ASIC expectations.
What Are My Reporting Obligations To ASIC?
AFSL holders must report certain breaches, lodge financial statements & notify ASIC of changes to Responsible Managers and other key details, often within specific timeframes. Keeping a simple reporting calendar tied to your obligations register helps track what is due & when.
CONTACT
Request FREE Consultation
Not sure which matter or service is right for you? Leave your details & our lawyers will contact you to discuss your situation & outline next steps.