FASEA left way open for further code adjustments
In one of its last answers to Parliamentary questions before its role was announced as being devolved to Treasury and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) signaled the possibility of further changes to its code of ethics.
Answering questions on notice to the Senate Economics Committee, FASEA said that while consultations around the code had been completed its work on the code had not and that change was possible.
“Consultation on the draft guide has concluded,” it said. “FASEA will review and give due regard to all stakeholder submissions to determine whether any change to either the code of ethics or the guide is appropriate.
“FASEA will continue to work with stakeholders to implement COE standards that are understood and workable without being prescriptive,” the FASEA answer said.
However, with FASEA’s code development role now having been devolved to Treasury, it is expected that any changes to the code of ethics will be determined by the department once new arrangements are put in place.
While the FASEA board will cease to direct business and policy with respect to the code, it is understood that a number of staff working within the authority have been transferred to a section of Treasury.
Recommended for you
Sequoia Financial Group has declined by five financial advisers in the past week, four of whom have opened up a new AFSL, according to Wealth Data.
Insignia Financial chief executive Scott Hartley has detailed whether the firm will be selecting an exclusive bidder for the second phase of due diligence as it awaits revised bids from three private equity players.
Insignia Financial has reported a statutory net loss after tax of $17 million in its first half results, although the firm has noted cost optimisation means this is an improvement from a $50 million loss last year.
With alternative funds being described as “impossible” for fund managers to target towards advisers without the support of BDMs for education, Money Management explores the evolving nature of the distribution role.
