Car Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

ASIC Publishes First FSCP Reprimand for Adviser Impersonating Client

FSCP Issues Landmark Reprimand After Adviser Caught Posing as Client

ASIC Publishes First FSCP Reprimand for Adviser Impersonating Client?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.

ASIC's newly formed Financial Services and Credit Panel (FSCP) has recently published its first reprimand of an adviser known only as "Mr S" for impersonating a client during two phone conversations with a bank.
Although the adviser did not benefit from the attempt to facilitate a transaction on the client's behalf, the panel determined the adviser contravened the Corporations Act and issued a directive for the adviser to provide three successive compliance audits undertaken by their licensee.

The FSCP Register and Adviser Privacy

The FSCP Register is designed to display any adverse findings against financial advisers, but it will only include a summary of the finding if nothing noteworthy was determined. The names of advisers involved in a matter are usually not disclosed unless required to be published on the Financial Adviser Register. In some instances, a media release may be published by ASIC, but advisers will not be named on the outcomes register or in the media release unless the decision made by the panel is required to be recorded on the Financial Adviser Register.

New Regulations and the FSCP

The FSCP was created as part of the Better Advice Act passed in late 2021, which streamlined regulatory aspects in the financial services industry, including the shutdown of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA). The FSCP was officially launched at the beginning of last year, however, it took nearly six weeks before the government announced any appointments. The panel is expected to address less serious misconduct of advisers in the industry.

ASIC Senior Leader for Financial Advisers, Leah Sciacca, noted the existence of the FSCP at the Financial Advice Association roadshow last month and stressed that advisers who commit less serious misconduct wouldn't necessarily be named. Ms Sciacca explained that from time to time, ASIC may issue a media release when appropriate, but advisers' names would not be included in the release or on the outcomes register unless the decision is required to be recorded on the Financial Adviser Register.

In Conclusion

The FSCP has made its first published reprimand of an adviser for impersonating a client, further highlighting the regulatory environment within which financial advisers need to operate. The new FSCP register is expected to bring more transparency and accountability to the industry, however, it will not necessarily name and shame advisers committing less serious misconduct. It remains to be seen how the panel will operate and what impact it will have on industry compliance and misconduct.

Published:Saturday, 3rd Jun 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Westpac Resolves Auto Finance Class Action with $81 Million Settlement
Westpac Resolves Auto Finance Class Action with $81 Million Settlement
01 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's Westpac Banking Corporation has reached a settlement of A$130 million (approximately $81.84 million) to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning its auto finance practices. The lawsuit, initiated by law firm Maurice Blackburn in 2020, alleged that between March 1, 2013, and October 31, 2018, Westpac and its subsidiary, St George Finance, permitted car dealers to increase interest rates on car loans to earn higher commissions. - read more
ASIC's Comprehensive Review Targets Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
ASIC's Comprehensive Review Targets Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced an in-depth review of the motor vehicle finance sector, aiming to bolster consumer protections, particularly for borrowers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. This initiative underscores ASIC's commitment to ensuring fair and responsible lending practices across Australia. - read more
Bank Australia Shifts Focus to Electric Vehicle Financing
Bank Australia Shifts Focus to Electric Vehicle Financing
24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Bank Australia has ceased offering loans for new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles as of February 2025. This policy change aligns with the bank's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. - read more
Australian Used Car Market Faces Cooling Trends Post-2024 Surge
Australian Used Car Market Faces Cooling Trends Post-2024 Surge
24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian used car market, which experienced robust growth throughout most of 2024, has shown signs of slowing down in the final months of the year. This trend suggests a more cautious outlook for 2025, influenced by various economic factors and affordability concerns. - read more
Westpac Divests Auto Finance Loans to Resimac Group
Westpac Divests Auto Finance Loans to Resimac Group
16 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to concentrate on its core banking operations, Westpac Banking Corp has announced the sale of its auto finance loan book to non-bank lender Resimac Group. The transaction is valued between A$1.4 billion and A$1.6 billion and is expected to be completed by the first half of 2025. - read more


Car Loans Articles

How to Create a Flexible Budget for Your Next Car Purchase
How to Create a Flexible Budget for Your Next Car Purchase
When it comes to buying a car, particularly a used one, having a flexible budget is essential. Flexible budgeting allows you to adjust your spending plan according to your current financial situation and any unexpected changes that might occur. This adaptability is crucial in managing your finances effectively and ensuring you make a purchase that won't strain your resources. - read more
5 Strategies for Balancing Your Budget with a New Car Loan
5 Strategies for Balancing Your Budget with a New Car Loan
With the excitement of purchasing a new vehicle, the financial responsibilities that come with a new car loan can often be overlooked. Balancing your budget when you have taken on a new car loan is crucial to financial well-being and long-term happiness with your purchase. In this article, we will explore five practical strategies that can help you navigate the common financial challenges that accompany car loans. - read more
Top Tips for Australians Navigating the Online Car Market
Top Tips for Australians Navigating the Online Car Market
The Australian automotive landscape has witnessed a significant transformation with the rise of online car sales. The concept of browsing, selecting, and purchasing a vehicle through digital platforms has gained immense popularity, offering consumers a vast array of choices at their fingertips. - read more
The Pros and Cons of Car Loans for Used Vehicles in Australia
The Pros and Cons of Car Loans for Used Vehicles in Australia
With the rising cost of living, many Australians are opting for used vehicles as a cost-effective alternative to brand-new cars. Buying a used car can offer significant savings, reducing the initial financial burden while still providing reliable transportation. - read more
Pre-purchase Checklist for Auto Buyers: Ensuring Financial Readiness
Pre-purchase Checklist for Auto Buyers: Ensuring Financial Readiness
Buying a car is an exciting milestone, but it's crucial to approach the process with a clear financial plan in place. Before you get swept away by the shiny showroom models or the thrill of a test drive, understanding the financial implications of purchasing a vehicle can save you from future stress and unwanted debt. Preparing before applying for a car loan is not just recommended; it's a necessary step that directly influences loan terms and your chances of approval. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Get a free car loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored specifically to your circumstances.

Let's help find your car loan!

Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Refinancing:
The process of obtaining a new mortgage to replace an existing one, often to secure a lower interest rate.