Overview
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) closely monitors advertising in the financial services industry. All advertisements must comply with Regulatory Guide 234 (RG234) and the National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCP Act). It’s essential to understand these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
This guide outlines key advertising requirements that brokers must follow when promoting financial products and services.
📥 Download the full Advertising Guidelines PDF ADVERTISING GUIDELINES.pdf
1. Mandatory Disclosures in Advertisements
a. Disclosure of Name, ACN, or ABN
All advertising materials must include the broker's registered business name, Australian Company Number (ACN), or Australian Business Number (ABN).
This ensures transparency and accountability in financial promotions.
b. Disclosure of Australian Credit Licence (ACL)
Brokers must disclose their ACL number or specify if they are a credit representative of an ACL holder.
Example: "John Smith Mortgage Brokers is a credit representative (CRN 123456) of XYZ Finance Pty Ltd (ACL 654321)."
c. Licensing Clause
A clear licensing clause must be included in any form of advertisement, such as:
"John Smith Mortgage Brokers is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 654321."
2. Specific Advertising Guidelines
a. Business Cards & Letterheads
Must include the broker’s name, ACL or credit representative number, and company details.
No misleading or unverified claims about financial services should be made.
b. Website & Social Media Compliance
Websites and social media pages must clearly display licensing details.
Ensure that no misleading financial claims or false guarantees about loan approvals are made.
Referrer websites must also comply with these disclosure requirements.
c. Email Signatures
Every email signature must include:
Business name
Contact details
ACL or credit representative number
A disclaimer about general financial advice
d. Print Marketing (Flyers, Brochures, Newspaper Ads)
Must not make false claims about loan products or interest rates.
All statements must be factual and backed by proper disclaimers.
e. Vehicle & Window Advertising
Any advertising on company vehicles or office windows must include the business name and ACL details.
Misleading or vague statements such as “Lowest Interest Rates Guaranteed” are not allowed.
f. Radio & Online Advertising
Must include an ACL disclaimer within the ad script.
Avoid misleading phrases like “Instant Loan Approval” unless a proper disclaimer is provided.
3. Advertising Financial Products & Interest Rates
a. Advertising Interest Rates or Loan Repayments
Any advertised interest rates must include:
A reference rate source
A clear statement of terms & conditions
Example: “Rates from 3.99% p.a. (comparison rate 4.25% p.a. based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years).”
b. Advertising Specific Loan Products
Avoid misleading comparisons between loan products.
Do not guarantee “Best Rates” unless backed by factual data.
c. Special Purpose Funding & Promotions
Competitions, giveaways, or exclusive offers must comply with ASIC guidelines.
Clear terms and disclaimers should be provided.
4. Compliance Best Practices
✅ Review all advertisements before publication to ensure they meet ASIC guidelines.
✅ Avoid misleading statements about financial services, loan approvals, or interest rates.
✅ Always disclose licensing details in print, online, and verbal advertising.
✅ Use disclaimers to clarify the nature of financial advice provided.
✅ Regularly update marketing materials to reflect regulatory changes.
📥 Download the full Advertising Guidelines PDF ADVERTISING GUIDELINES.pdf
For more details, refer to Regulatory Guide 234 (RG234) and the NCCP Act.
If you have any compliance-related questions, please contact Oxcel’s Compliance Team or refer to the official ASIC guidelines.