As an Australian Expat, how do I know if my Financial Adviser is qualified in Australia?

When living and working overseas, navigating your finances from afar can be tricky, especially when you need guidance on tax, superannuation, property, and investments back home. But how do I know if my Financial Adviser is qualified? This is one of the most important questions you can ask before entrusting someone with your financial future.

As an Australian expat, here’s how you can make sure your adviser meets Australian standards and is legally authorised to give you advice.

Check the ASIC Financial Adviser Register

In Australia, all Financial Advisers must be registered with ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission). ASIC maintains a public Financial Adviser Register, which shows whether your adviser is:

• Licensed to provide financial advice in Australia

• Qualified, including their education and training

• Compliant with professional standards

• Linked to an Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licensee

You can search for your adviser by name here.

If your adviser is not on the register, they are not legally allowed to provide financial advice in Australia.

Ensure They Hold the Right Qualifications

All Financial Advisers in Australia must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a relevant field (e.g. finance, economics)

• Complete the Financial Adviser Exam administered by ASIC

• Complete a professional year of training (for new advisers)

• Meet continuing professional development (CPD) requirements each year

• Comply with the Financial Planners and Advisers Code of Ethics.

If your adviser cannot provide proof of these qualifications, that’s a red flag.

Check if They’re a Qualified Tax Relevant Provider (QTRP)

A Qualified Tax Relevant Provider is a Financial adviser who is also authorised to give tax (financial) advice services under Australian law.

This is essential for expats, since your financial advice will likely touch on tax implications, especially when it involves:

• Superannuation contributions or withdrawals

• Selling Australian property while living overseas

• Investment income and tax residency

• Repatriation planning

To legally provide this kind of advice, your adviser must be a QTRP, which means they are:

• Registered with ASIC as a Financial Adviser

• Licensed or authorised to provide tax (financial) advice

  
  

You can verify this status in the ASIC Financial Adviser Register, where the adviser profile will show as: “Can provide tax (financial) advice services: Yes”

It’s worth noting that even though your Financial Adviser is registered as a QTRP, they cannot file your tax return and are not a substitute for a qualified Tax Accountant. You can learn more about the differences here.

Understand Their Specialisation – Do They Work with Expats?

Not all advisers are equipped to deal with the complexities of expat finances. As an Australian Expat, it’s critical to ask your adviser:

• Do they have experience with expat tax and cross-border investments?

• What percentage of their clients are Australian Expats?

• Do they have a grasp on your local jurisdiction and implications for your assets back home?

• Even if they’re qualified, make sure they’re qualified for your specific needs as an expat.

Be Cautious of Overseas Advisers Claiming Australian Expertise

If you're approached by someone outside Australia who claims to advise Australians, take caution and double-check their credentials. If they are not listed on the ASIC register and do not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (or operate under one), they cannot legally provide Australian financial advice.

If your adviser is not qualified in Australia, your options for recourse are limited in the event you receive poor financial advice. Advice provided by a qualified adviser in Australia affords you a level of consumer protection and remedy with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a dedicated dispute resolution service.

Conclusion

How do I know if my Financial Adviser is qualified? As an Australian expat, it's vital to ensure your adviser meets Australian legal and professional standards. Don’t assume that just because someone speaks with authority or claims experience with Australians that they’re qualified. Verify everything.

When in doubt:

• Use the ASIC Financial Adviser Register

• Ask for proof of qualifications and licensing

• Ensure they understand expat-specific financial issues

Your financial security is too important to leave in unqualified hands.

Need Help Finding a Qualified Adviser?

If you’re an Australian expat looking for trusted, ASIC-licensed advice, consider working with a firm that specialises in expat financial planning. Look for transparent, fee-based services that put your interests first.

For tailored advice, speak with a Financial Adviser who understands both the Australian super system and the international tax landscape. This ensures you're making the most of your global income while safeguarding your future retirement.

Runway Wealth Management is the trusted Financial Adviser to the Australian Expat community. Our tailored advice is backed by expertise, education and experience, which allows us to be at the forefront of Australian Expat Financial Planning.

If you would like to speak to one of our Expat Financial Advisers about this blog or if you have other queries, we would be more than happy to speak with you. Feel free to send us an enquiry through the ‘Contact Us’ tab provided in the link below:

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General Advice Disclaimer: The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.