What do accountants commonly look at when referring a client for financial advice?
Accountants commonly look at who holds the Australian financial services licence, whether the adviser and practice appear on ASIC's Financial Advisers Register, what the Financial Services Guide says about services and fees, and how complaints are handled. Vermilion introduces clients to MGB Financial Services, an authorised representative of Charter Financial Planning.
Five things accountants commonly look at
- Licence. Which licensee the practice acts for. For MGB Financial Services, that is Charter Financial Planning Limited, AFSL 234665.
- Register entry. Whether the practice and the people who would give the advice appear on ASIC's Financial Advisers Register.
- Financial Services Guide. What the FSG says the practice can and cannot advise on, and how it is paid.
- Fees before work. How and when fees are explained to the client. MGB Financial Services explains scope and fees before personal advice is prepared.
- Complaints. The complaints path through the practice, the licensee and AFCA.
Keeping the roles separate
Each professional keeps to their own field. Tax returns and structures stay with the accountant. Wills and trust deeds stay with lawyers. Financial advice on super, insurance and investments is provided by the advice practice. The page on financial planning for accountants' clients explains how those roles sit side by side.
How introductions work with Vermilion
Vermilion Wealth Advisory arranges introductions. It does not hold an Australian financial services licence and does not give advice. If a client wants to proceed, the enquiry goes to MGB Financial Services, which provides any advice in writing. All financial services are listed separately.
How Vermilion can assist
Vermilion offers a free initial 15-minute chat about the questions this article raises. If personal advice is wanted, Vermilion can arrange an introduction to MGB Financial Services, which provides the advice. Vermilion does not give financial advice.
Sources
- ASIC, Financial advisers register, checked 21 October 2026.
- ASIC Moneysmart, Choosing a financial adviser, checked 21 October 2026.
- Australian Financial Complaints Authority, AFCA, checked 21 October 2026.
Questions
Questions people ask
Where is a financial adviser's registration published?
ASIC publishes the Financial Advisers Register, which lists relevant providers, the licensee they act for and their authorisations. Moneysmart links to it from its guidance on choosing a financial adviser.
What is a Financial Services Guide?
A Financial Services Guide (FSG) is a document a licensee or its representative must give a retail client. It explains the services offered, how the adviser is paid and how to make a complaint. MGB Financial Services' FSG is linked from the footer of this website.
Does referring a client amount to giving financial advice?
Whether conduct amounts to financial product advice depends on what is said and done. Accountants' own professional obligations and their professional body's guidance apply. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Who handles complaints about advice?
Complaints go first to the advice practice and its licensee, then to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) if they are not resolved. The FSG sets out the steps.
