Distribution

Our team is experienced in advising on acquisitions and disposals of financial planning businesses and implementation of new distribution arrangements, reviewing and advising on disclosure documents, promotional material and training, dealing with industry regulators and advising on AFS licensing issues, including training of representatives, dispute resolution, managing conflicts of interest, and compensation and insurance arrangements.

Publications
Awards & Recognition
Minter Ellison Alert | Update on the Validity of the Independence of CIETAC Shanghai and SCIA
16 January 2013

On 31 December 2012, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), a foreign-related arbitration commission set up by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (also known as the China Chamber of International Commerce) (CCPIT), released its Announcement on Issues Concerning CIETAC Shanghai Sub-Commission and CIETAC South China Sub-Commission" (the Latest Announcement). This is the latest development in a dispute, which has been on foot since April 2012, between CIETAC, the Shanghai Sub-Commission of CIETAC (CIETAC Shanghai), and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) (the CIETAC Dispute). SCIA was known as the South China Sub-Commission of CIETAC before 22 October 2012.

Minter Ellison Alert | Trans-Tasman mutual recognition of financial advisers
4 July 2012

FMA and the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) released yesterday mutual recognition arrangements for the financial adviser industry. These will come into effect on 6 July 2012. The regime will facilitate both Australian and New Zealand financial advisers to provide services in each other's countries based on the qualifications and experience they have gained in their home jurisdictions.

Alert | Regulations to give effect to FOFA
28 May 2012

The Australian Government has released draft regulations under the yet-to-be-passed Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) legislation. The regulations have been released in two tranches, and cover:

  • excluding new clients and new products from grandfathering
  • soft dollar benefits
  • excluding product fees from opt-in.

Alert | St John statutory compensation report signals the next wave of reform
18 May 2012

The report by Mr Richard St John into compensation arrangements for consumers of financial services, released on 8 May 2012, has recommended the consideration of key reforms which could have a significant impact on the financial sector. We analyse the report and discuss its key recommendations and their implications for licensees, product issuers and consumers.

Alert – Government to effectively abolish LAFH concessions for most foreign employees, from 1 July 2012
1 December 2011

On Tuesday, 29 November 2011, as part of its Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2011-12, the Federal Government announced a package of changes intended to raise A$11.5 billion in new revenue and savings.