When referral is appropriate
Referral is considered when your matter requires personal advice on financial products — for example, recommending a particular life policy, super fund, or investment platform — or when a licensee must issue a Statement of Advice. Consulting-only matters (settlement sequencing, ASIC orientation, general education) do not require referral.
We also decline referral when you already have a satisfactory licensee relationship unless you explicitly want a second opinion category and understand that two advisers may conflict. We pause referral if AML/CTF concerns arise from inconsistent narratives.
Five-step referral process
- Scope confirmation — We confirm consulting has addressed your information needs and identify the licensee category (e.g. risk insurance, super, holistic advice).
- Disclosure — We explain our role, that the licensee has separate duties, and any material referral benefit payable to us if applicable.
- Written consent — You agree to contact details being shared and acknowledge you may decline to proceed with the licensee.
- Introduction — Email introduction with brief factual summary (objectives, entity type, urgency); you receive the same text.
- Closure of referral file — We note date and licensee name; product implementation is between you and the licensee.
How we match licensees
Matching is based on authorisation categories on the AFSL, geographic service capability, and the general nature of your needs — not on promised returns or marketing claims. We maintain a panel of relationships but do not guarantee availability or acceptance. Licensees apply their own AML policies and may request additional documents; readiness support reduces delay.
What you should prepare
- Clear statement of objectives (protection, super consolidation, business key person, etc.)
- Residency and entity details
- List of existing policies or platforms (even if offshore) at a high level
- Whether you need Cantonese or Mandarin-friendly licensee communication (we note preference; licensee capability varies)
After introduction — licensee responsibilities
The licensee must provide a Financial Services Guide, relevant Product Disclosure Statements, and personal advice documentation where applicable. Fees, commissions and conflicts must be explained by the licensee. Disputes about advice quality are handled through the licensee’s internal complaints process and AFCA — not through Wealth Insurance’s consulting file.
Documentation we keep
Referral files store consent artefacts, licensee legal name, date of introduction and a factual summary you approved. We do not retain product recommendations or SOA copies unless you send them for a later consulting matter.
A referral is a handover, not a sales lead. We decline introductions where source-of-funds narratives are inconsistent or the product category does not match a verified authorisation.
Referral benefits and independence
Where permitted commercial arrangements exist with licensees, we disclose material benefits before you contact them. You are free to choose an alternative licensee at any time. Our consulting fees for work performed before referral are separate from any licensee remuneration.
Read our insight on informed consent, view an SME referral case study, or see compliance standards. To start, contact us or request a quote.