Affinia launches new dealer service to empower independent AFSLs

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National dealer group, Affinia, has announced the launch of ‘Affinia Access’, a new support service designed to enable Australian financial services licensees (AFSLs) to trade under their own license and brand with the insight and expertise of Affinia behind them.

Through Affinia Access, licensees benefit from a range of tools and support materials tailored to their brand and business, including comprehensive white-labelled AFSL infrastructure, compliance and advice resources, marketing and business development support and access to professional development courses.

Head of Affinia, Marcus O’Sullivan, said, “Affinia Access aims to empower AFSLs to operate independently and with confidence.  Being a financial planner and operating a licensee are very different roles requiring different skills and expertise. For this reason it is important for AFSLs to partner with dealer-to-dealer services to assist them in navigating the regulatory environment.

“Simply outsourcing compliance audits does not always mean the licensee is meeting their obligations. That’s why we partner with AFSLs to help them manage their licensee and responsible manager obligations. That way they can continue to run their businesses efficiently and compliantly so they can continue to do what they do best: giving great advice to Australians.

“The Affinia community is a team of highly experienced individuals with a mix of licensee management, advice, commercial and technical skills. Through Affinia Access we are equipping AFSLs with sound advice infrastructure, professional standards frameworks and management strategies to create a service offering suited to the specific needs of their business and clients.

“We are passionate about supporting a well-informed financial advice sector ensuring financial planners can provide the best possible outcomes for their clients while evolving their own businesses,” he said.

By consulting with the AFSL Affinia Access can tailor the services and unique infrastructure requirements by selecting the relevant services from our broad suite, which could include:

  • Bespoke AFSL infrastructure comprised of self-branded documents, including tailored business rules and advice guidelines
  • Quarterly Responsible Manager symposiums
  • Professional Standards Handbook
  • Quarterly file audit services
  • PD Days and annual conference
  • Business coaching and growth consulting
  • Annual AFSL review and report
  • Professional standards consulting
  • Breach and incident handling support
  • Complaints handling support
  • AR appointment due diligence
  • Membership to a professional advice community.