The regulator said the new PRS provides a more intuitive experience for users, making it easier to access information and make sure the person or company being dealt with is licensed.

The search has been designed with a “user-first” approach, making it easier for anyone to find the information and user experience feedback will be collected through a survey tool on the homepage to be used to inform continuous improvements to the search.

The following ASIC Connect registers are moving across to the PRS:

• Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensees
• AFS authorised representatives
• Credit licensees
• Credit representatives
• Official liquidators
• Registered auditors (registered company auditors and authorised audit companies)
• Registered liquidators
• Registered managed investment schemes
  
• Approved self-managed super funds (SMSF) auditors

Other search registers on ASIC Connect will not be impacted by the changes, including searching for company and business names.

A second update of the PRS is scheduled for late 2024 when all professional register extracts and documents will be made available.

The Professional Registers Search Project is a core part of the digital transformation of ASIC that will provide a single, convenient and intuitive point of contact for all our stakeholders, including consumers and regulated entities, for their digital interactions with ASIC.