AFSL stands for Australian Financial Services Licence. It's a licence issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) that authorises a business to provide financial services in Australia — including operating or advising on a superannuation fund.
Who needs an AFSL?
Any entity providing financial services, including superannuation trustees, must hold an AFSL. This covers activities like giving financial advice, dealing in financial products, and operating managed investment schemes such as super funds. Holding an AFSL means the provider has met ASIC's standards around competence, financial resources, and conduct.
How does an AFSL relate to super funds?
A super fund's trustee — the entity legally responsible for managing the fund on members' behalf — must hold an AFSL to operate. This is separate from the fund's USI or ABN; the AFSL relates to the licence held by the trustee company, not the fund product itself.
How can you verify an AFSL?
ASIC maintains a public register of AFSL holders. You can search the ASIC Connect register to confirm a trustee's licence is current and check what it authorises them to do.
To find the AFSL and other identifiers for your fund, find your superannuation fund here.
