Australian financial services (AFS) licence

A licence given by ASIC that allows people or companies to legally carry on a financial services business. This includes selling, advising or dealing in financial products. Only deal with licensed businesses. You are better protected if things go wrong and will have access to free dispute resolution services. A licence does not mean that ASIC endorses the company, financial product or advice. Or that you cannot incur a loss from the investment. ASIC grants a licence if a business shows it can meet basic standards such as training, compliance, insurance and dispute resolution. The business is responsible for maintaining these standards. ASIC's Professional Registers Search will tell you if the company or person holds an AFS licence.