What Financial Planners Do
A financial planner analyses a client's overall financial situation — income, expenses, assets, liabilities, insurance coverage, tax position, and retirement objectives — to develop a comprehensive financial strategy. They may provide advice on:
How a Financial Planner Can Help
Engaging a financial planner may assist in several ways:
Regulatory Framework
Financial planners in Australia must operate under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) — either as the licensee or as an authorised representative. Since 1 January 2026, all financial advisers must hold an approved bachelor's degree (or equivalent), have passed the national Financial Adviser Exam, completed a supervised Professional Year, and comply with 40 hours of Continuing Professional Development annually. They are bound by the Financial Planners and Advisers Code of Ethics 2019 and the Corporations Act 2001.
Key Regulatory & Oversight Bodies
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
The primary regulator of financial services in Australia. ASIC registers financial advisers, enforces the Corporations Act 2001, and maintains the Financial Advisers Register.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority
The external dispute resolution scheme for financial services complaints. If a complaint cannot be resolved directly with a financial planner or their licensee, AFCA provides free and independent dispute resolution.
Key Qualifications & Requirements
Why You May Need to Consider a Financial Planner
There are a number of life events and circumstances where engaging a financial planner may be worth considering. The following are common scenarios — this is not an exhaustive list and is provided for general information only.
Approaching retirement
Navigating the transition from accumulation to drawdown phase involves complex decisions about superannuation, pensions, Centrelink, and tax implications.
Receiving an inheritance or windfall
A sudden change in financial circumstances may benefit from structured planning to preserve and grow wealth effectively.
Major life changes
Events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or redundancy often require a reassessment of financial arrangements.
Superannuation complexity
With contribution caps, preservation rules, and multiple fund options, professional guidance can help navigate the superannuation system.
Investment uncertainty
Understanding risk tolerance, asset allocation, and market dynamics can be challenging without professional analysis.
Insurance needs
Assessing appropriate levels of life, TPD, trauma, and income protection insurance requires careful analysis of personal circumstances.
Where to Find a Financial Planner
There are several ways to locate a qualified financial planner in Australia:
Related Verticals
Financial and professional services are interconnected. Depending on the situation, it may be worth exploring these related service areas:
Important Notice & Disclaimer
The information above is general in nature and does not take into account individual objectives, financial situations, or needs. It is not personal financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Before making any financial decisions, consider whether the information is appropriate for the circumstances and consider seeking advice from a qualified financial planner.
The final decision about engaging any professional service provider rests with you. MyMoney® Marketplace facilitates connections between consumers and verified service providers — it does not provide personal advice or endorse any individual provider.
General advice only — does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether the information is appropriate before acting on it.
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