“In a simple sense, this act responds to what is identified as relevant providers, so that’s distinguishing the way that advisers work. The Corporations Act in its original form mentioned different types of things like limited advice but this act doesn’t distinguish - anybody giving personal financial advice on financial products is a relevant provider, doesn’t matter whether you’re under a limited or full licence,” said Mr Sanders.

“This is an immediate, current understanding – this will evolve as we get closer to implementation and ASIC will obviously be the authority responsible for identifying how that works, but importantly from our perspective, we consider this to be advice for everyone who fits into the definition of relevant provider.”

While Mr Sanders acknowledged that currently there was not a lot of information provided on what would be considered a degree equivalent, he informed delegates that FASEA would be releasing further information on this in current weeks.

“It won’t be a surprise from the legislation that the important words therein are degree equivalents, not certificate equivalents. This implies quite correctly as the law states that this is an assessment of education. We will also provide you with an idea of bridging courses and other solutions. I can give you comfort that all of those things are part of that consideration,” he said.