An Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the Corporations Act 2001. Holding an AFSL is the foundational legal requirement to provide financial services in Australia, including arranging credit, issuing credit, dealing in financial products, and operating a managed investment scheme.
Archer Wealth lends and arranges credit under AFSL 548263, held by Archer Wealth Capital Pty Ltd. Archer Wealth Pty Ltd operates as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) of the licensee. This is the same regulatory structure used by most specialist non-bank lenders and private credit firms in Australia.
AFSL conditions vary by licensee but typically require: documented compliance frameworks, Responsible Managers with appropriate experience and qualifications, professional indemnity insurance, dispute resolution membership (AFCA), and regular reporting to ASIC.
For investors, the AFSL gives a level of regulatory oversight equivalent to (but separate from) the APRA prudential regime that applies to banks. The AFSL doesn't guarantee returns or protect against credit losses, those are inherent to the activity, but it ensures the licensee meets ASIC's standards for conduct, disclosure, and operational competence.