An Australian financial services licence authorises specified financial services. Its scope depends on the licence conditions. Financial services licensing and consumer credit licensing are distinct. A licence does not guarantee investment performance or repayment.
An Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the Corporations Act 2001.
AFSL conditions vary by licensee but typically require: documented compliance frameworks, Responsible Managers with appropriate experience and qualifications, professional indemnity insurance, and regular reporting to ASIC.