Business Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Revamped Education Pathway: New Age for Financial Advisers

Revamped Education Pathway: New Age for Financial Advisers

Revamped Education Pathway: New Age for Financial Advisers?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The landscape for financial adviser education is set for a transformation as Treasury unveils its revised standards, heralding a new direction for the industry.
These changes are poised to broaden the appeal and accessibility of financial advising as a career path.

Traditionally, the journey to becoming a financial adviser was governed by stringent prerequisites, comprising:

  • Attainment of a qualification from an exclusive list focused expressly on financial advisory subjects,
  • An extensive 1,600-hour professional training year,
  • Success in the financial adviser examination,
  • Dedication to constant professional development.

Looking ahead, the Government's reform introduces a compelling shift, advocating for a broader educational qualification. Aspiring financial advisers will need to possess a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification in any field. This inclusive approach is designed to attract a diverse array of new talent to the profession.

Nevertheless, pertinent academic performance remains crucial. Candidates must achieve baseline study credentials in foundational financial domains such as finance, economics, or accounting. Additionally, they will engage in subjects essential to financial advising, which encompass ethics, regulatory and legal duties, consumer psychology, and the practical methodologies of providing financial advice.

Importantly, the new standard maintains the professional year and annual exam requirements, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning through professional education. These elements ensure that while educational doors are widened, professional rigour remains intact.

A significant departure in policy relates to adviser registration with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Post July 2026, individual advisers will not be expected to register annually with ASIC, streamlining the administrative burden on advisers. Instead, their registration under their authorising Australian Financial Services licensees will suffice.

For existing advisers, the clock is ticking to meet the revised educational criteria by the 1 January 2026 deadline. This move underscores the shift towards a more educated advisory profession while recognising prior qualifications and experience.

This news shift builds on an article originally detailed by David Jacobson for Online Resources established under Bright Corporate Law's guidance.

Whether you're a new entrant or an established professional in the field, staying informed and compliant with these evolving standards is crucial.

Published:Tuesday, 18th Feb 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Renown Lending Boosts SME Funding Pool to $400 Million
Renown Lending Boosts SME Funding Pool to $400 Million
30 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia, Renown Lending has expanded its funding pool from $250 million to $400 million. This increase aims to provide fast and flexible financing solutions to businesses nationwide, addressing the growing demand for accessible funding options. - read more
NAB Continues to Lead Australia's Expanding Business Lending Market
NAB Continues to Lead Australia's Expanding Business Lending Market
30 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's business lending landscape has reached a significant milestone, with authorized deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reporting a combined total of $1.2 trillion in loans to non-financial businesses as of January 2026. This marks a 9.3% increase over the previous year and a substantial 53.9% growth since January 2020. - read more
RBA Reports Surge in Non-Bank Business Lending
RBA Reports Surge in Non-Bank Business Lending
30 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has observed a notable increase in business credit, particularly from non-bank lenders, in its February 2026 Bulletin. This growth is attributed to heightened competition among established lenders and the expansion of specialist non-bank and private credit lenders. - read more
Liberty Financial's Expansion in SME and SMSF Lending Markets
Liberty Financial's Expansion in SME and SMSF Lending Markets
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Liberty Financial Group has reported significant growth in its lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-managed super funds (SMSFs) in its half-year results ending December 31, 2025. The company's net profits after tax rose to $76.4 million, up from $67.7 million in the previous six months, driven by increased lending in these sectors. - read more
Rate Money's Competitive Edge: Lower Rates for Self-Employed Borrowers
Rate Money's Competitive Edge: Lower Rates for Self-Employed Borrowers
22 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Rate Money, a non-bank lender specializing in loans for self-employed individuals, has announced significant reductions in interest rates across its 'Evolve Easy Doc' range. Effective June 30, 2025, new rates start from 6.64% per annum, with the 'Easy Doc One Year' product now beginning at 6.09% per annum. - read more
NAB Continues to Dominate Australia's Expanding Business Lending Market
NAB Continues to Dominate Australia's Expanding Business Lending Market
06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In January 2026, Australia's business lending landscape reached a significant milestone, with authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) reporting a combined total of $1.2 trillion in loans to non-financial businesses. This marks a 9.3% increase over the previous year and a substantial 53.9% growth since January 2020. Among the major players, National Australia Bank (NAB) continues to lead, boasting a loan book of $261.1 billion, reflecting an 11.6% year-on-year growth. - read more
Westpac's Bold Move to Reinforce Its Business Lending Focus
Westpac's Bold Move to Reinforce Its Business Lending Focus
06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a strategic effort to bolster its presence in the business lending sector, Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant restructuring of its operations. The bank plans to replace a substantial number of in-branch tellers with business bankers, aiming to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia. - read more


Business Loans Articles

Unlocking Cash Flow: How Equipment Leasing Can Benefit Your Australian Business
Unlocking Cash Flow: How Equipment Leasing Can Benefit Your Australian Business
In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian business, equipment leasing has emerged as a pivotal financial tool for companies across the spectrum. Whether you're a small start-up or a well-established corporation, the agility to pivot and adapt to market changes is critical. This introduction seeks to shed light on the concept of equipment leasing and its significance in bolstering the operational efficiency of Australian businesses. - read more
Drawing a Roadmap: Effective Planning for Business Loan Utilization in Australia
Drawing a Roadmap: Effective Planning for Business Loan Utilization in Australia
Effective planning is the backbone of any thriving business, and when it comes to leveraging financial products like business loans, this foresight becomes even more crucial. In the dynamic economic landscape of Australia, businesses are continually walking a tightrope, balancing investment, growth, and financial stability. The importance of prudent and strategic planning for business loan utilization cannot be overstated; it can mean the difference between a flourishing enterprise and one that struggles to keep its head above water. - read more
The Role of Refinancing in Sustaining Business Growth
The Role of Refinancing in Sustaining Business Growth
Loan refinancing is a financial strategy where existing debts are replaced with new ones, usually with different terms and conditions. While it might seem like just swapping one loan for another, the nuances can be game-changers for businesses. Refinancing often provides a chance to improve borrowing conditions, such as reducing interest rates, altering loan durations, or switching to a more favourable lender. - read more
Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia
Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia
For emerging businesses seeking to navigate the vibrant economic currents of Australia, grasping the startup lending landscape is essential. A myriad of financing options, each with its distinct advantages and caveats, awaits the ambitious entrepreneur. In this sea of possibilities, securing the right funding becomes more than a mere necessity—it represents a decisive factor in charting the course toward business success. - read more
Bridging the Gap: Accessing Capital Through Start-Up Loans in Australia
Bridging the Gap: Accessing Capital Through Start-Up Loans in Australia
Embarking on a startup journey in Australia is both thrilling and challenging. You have a groundbreaking idea, but starting a business involves numerous hurdles—capital being a primary one. This is where business loans come into play. They are crucial lifelines that help convert entrepreneurial dreams into reality. - read more
Business Loans in Australia: Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Business Loans in Australia: Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Funding is crucial for startups and small businesses looking to grow and succeed. In Australia, there are multiple financing options available, each catering to different business needs. These options range from traditional bank loans to more flexible lines of credit, helping entrepreneurs find the best fit for their specific requirements. - read more
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition
Mezzanine Finance: A Strategic Tool for Business Growth through Acquisition
Mezzanine finance represents a sophisticated instrument within the realm of corporate finance, often utilized as a strategic tool when more traditional forms of capital are not ideally suited or are insufficient for a firm's needs. Inherently, it serves as a hybrid between debt and equity financing, tailored to support growth initiatives such as business acquisitions. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Revolving Credit:
A type of credit that does not have a fixed number of payments, in contrast to installment credit.