Financial services lawyers
We help AFSL & ACL holders, ADIs, fund managers, fintechs, payments & digital asset businesses navigate Australian financial services regulation – from licensing & product disclosure to governance, investigations & remediation.
Financial services regulatory & commercial support
We advise financial services businesses on the full lifecycle of regulation – licensing strategy, AFSL & ACL applications, product structuring, disclosure, governance & regulatory engagement. Our focus is on clear, workable documents & advice that reflect how your business actually operates.
We regularly act for AFSL & ACL holders, fund managers, platforms, brokers, payments & digital asset businesses, so your arrangements are commercially workable & regulator‑aware across ASIC, APRA & AUSTRAC where relevant.
Our Services
We support regulated & advice‑driven businesses across licensing, product documentation, governance & regulatory engagement.
Our financial services legal services include:
01. Licensing & Regulatory Applications
Managing AFSL, ACL & ADI/Restricted ADI applications to secure the correct authorisations for your specific business activities.
02. Disclosure Documents & Commercial Agreements
Drafting plain-English PDS, FSG & TMDs to protect your commercial interests & satisfy ASIC disclosure rules.
03. Regulatory Advice & Structuring
Mapping your product structure against financial services law to confirm which licensing regimes actually apply.
04. Corporate Governance & Compliance Frameworks
Designing risk management frameworks & AML/CTF programs to embed compliance into your daily operations.
05. Licence Transactions & M&A
Running due diligence on licence transfers to flag regulatory risks before you acquire a financial business.
06. Regulatory Investigations & Disputes
Responding to ASIC & AUSTRAC notices to control enforcement risk & protect your licence from suspension.
Who We Advise
We act for regulated financial services businesses & related corporates that need clear compliance arrangements with regulators.
Financial services 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
Discuss Your Financial Services Legal Needs
Our financial services lawyers will contact you to discuss your situation & outline next steps.
How The Process Works
Step 1
Licensing & regulatory health‑check
We map your business model against the regulatory perimeter to confirm exactly which financial service laws apply to your structure.
Step 2
Strategic Planning & Design
We design a practical legal strategy that aligns your compliance framework with your commercial goals & launch timelines.
Step 3
Execution & Documentation
We draft your commercial agreements & disclosure documents while managing regulator interactions to keep your project moving.
Step 4
Implementation & Ongoing Support
We help embed controls into your daily operations & provide ongoing compliance advice as your external General Counsel.
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!"
Discuss Your Financial Services Legal Needs
Our financial services lawyers will contact you to discuss your situation & outline next steps.
Why Choose Click Legal
Lawyer‑led financial services work
Your matters are led by specialist financial services lawyers, not generic commercial practitioners, so advice aligns with the Corporations Act, NCCP & regulator guidance.
Deep regulatory experience
We have experience acting for AFSL & ACL holders, fund managers, platforms, payments & digital asset businesses, and understand how ASIC, APRA & AUSTRAC approach supervision & enforcement.
Integrated legal, compliance & AML/CTF capability
We combine licensing & product advice with AFSL/ACL compliance frameworks and AML/CTF support, so your arrangements are consistent across regimes rather than handled in silos.
Fixed, transparent pricing
We scope projects tightly and use fixed or staged fees wherever we can, so you can plan your regulatory & legal spend with confidence.
Meet Your Legal Team
Discuss Your Financial Services Legal Needs
Our financial services lawyers will contact you to discuss your situation & outline next steps.
Financial Services Law Basics
The Regulatory Perimeter
Many fintechs trigger licensing laws without realising it. Operating unregistered carries significant civil & criminal penalties.
Exemptions exist but are strictly interpreted by ASIC. Our financial services lawyers help you map activities to the correct regime.
Retail vs Wholesale Clients
Retail clients require extensive disclosure documents & consumer protections. Wholesale clients allow for lighter compliance frameworks.
Misclassifying a client is a frequent compliance breach. Our financial services lawyers help you apply the sophisticated investor tests accurately.
Design & Distribution Obligations
Issuers must design products for specific target markets. You need a Target Market Determination before you start selling.
Distributors also face strict reporting duties under this regime. We help you draft TMDs that support compliant distribution & accurately reflect your product & target market.
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 Financial Services Law
Do I need a financial services licence to operate?
You generally need an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) if you carry on a financial services business in Australia involving dealing, advising or custodial services. Specific exemptions may apply depending on your structure, activities & whether you deal with retail or wholesale clients. We map your activities to confirm exactly what licensing is required.
What is the difference between retail & wholesale clients?
Wholesale clients generally meet specific wealth, income or sophistication tests, while retail clients are everyday consumers who receive stronger regulatory protections. The distinction is critical because treating clients as wholesale can significantly change your disclosure, conduct & dispute resolution obligations. We help you classify clients correctly & set up processes accordingly.
What disclosure documents do I need to launch a product?
If you offer financial products to retail clients, you will typically need a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) & a Financial Services Guide (FSG), and in many cases a Target Market Determination (TMD) under the Design & Distribution Obligations regime. We draft plain‑English PDSs, FSGs & TMDs that are commercially clear while meeting ASIC’s expectations.
Can you assist with buying or selling a licence?
Yes, we handle the acquisition or sale of financial services businesses, including due diligence on licences, authorisations, conditions & regulatory history. We manage the transaction documents and required notifications to regulators so changes of control & Responsible Managers are handled properly.
How long does it take to get a new AFS licence?
ASIC assessment times vary, but a standard AFSL application often takes several months from lodgement to decision. Timeframes depend on the complexity of your model, the quality of your application & ASIC’s workload. We work to minimise avoidable delays by scoping correctly and preparing complete proofs.
Do you help with ASIC or AUSTRAC regulatory investigations?
Yes, we represent licensees & related entities facing notices, surveillance or enforcement from ASIC & AUSTRAC. Our focus is on managing legal risk, preparing accurate responses, negotiating practical outcomes and protecting your licence & reputation.
What is a Target Market Determination (TMD)?
A TMD is a public document that describes the class of consumers a product is suitable for, how it should be distributed & what review triggers apply. It sits at the heart of the Design & Distribution Obligations framework. We help you develop TMDs that reflect your product, distribution model & regulatory expectations.
Can you coordinate with our existing advisers?
Yes, we regularly work alongside internal teams, compliance consultants, offshore counsel & other advisers. Our role is to own the financial services law & product risk piece, and to ensure the legal documents & regulator engagement are consistent with the broader advice you’ve received.
CONTACT
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