Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:27 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Provide advice in self-managed superannuation funds

Provide advice in self-managed superannuation funds

Unit of competency
National Code
FNSSMS601A
State Code
D4332
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
24/11/2010
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/07/2014
Field of Education
081105 - Investment And Securities
Original Release Date
31/07/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide advice in self-managed superannuation funds. It encompasses the ability to establish relationships with clients, identify and analyse their objectives needs and financial situation and risk profile to develop and present appropriate strategies and solutions, negotiate financial plan and coordinate its implementation maintaining necessary documentation and providing ongoing service where requested by client.This unit is applicable to individuals working within enterprises and job roles subject to licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements including legislation administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Establish relationship with client
  • 1.1. A range of communication and interpersonal skills are used to establish the knowledge level of the client
  • 1.2. Enquiries in relation to products and services are responded to by explaining the range of products and services available and their relevant fee and charging methodology
  • 1.3. Client is informed of the role of the adviser and the licensee/principal responsible for the adviser's conduct
  • 1.4. Familiarity with the procedures for complaints handling and the circumstances in which they should be engaged is demonstrated
2. Identify client's objectives, needs and financial situation
  • 2.1. A range of communication and interpersonal skills are used to gather client's personal, financial and business details
  • 2.2. Client needs are identified by encouraging expression of their objectives and goals (short-, medium- and long-term goals as relevant to the product)
  • 2.3. Product risk profile of the client is identified
  • 2.4. Client expectations of cash flow and relevant taxation obligations are obtained
3. Analyse client's objective, needs, financial situation and risk profile
  • 3.1. An assessment of client needs is undertaken, utilising all information gathered and taking into account clients product expectations and specific needs
  • 3.2. Clients are consulted throughout the analysis for further clarification where necessary
  • 3.3. The need for specialist advice is analysed and/or client is referred to appropriate adviser for higher level/specialist advice if required
  • 3.4. Product risk profile of the client is assessed and agreed
  • 3.5. Understanding of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) identified generic and specialist knowledge relevant to the products being offered, as detailed in the evidence guide, is demonstrated
4. Develop appropriate strategies and solutions
  • 4.1. An appropriate strategy to provide for identified needs and outcomes is determined from analysis of products, client risk profile and assessment of client's needs
  • 4.2. Relevant research, analysis and product modelling is conducted
  • 4.3. Appropriate solution (plan, policy or transaction) is drafted for presentation to client
5. Present appropriate strategies and solutions to the client
  • 5.1. Product knowledge appropriate for the service or product offered is demonstrated when presenting the product
  • 5.2. The proposed transaction is explained and discussed with the client in a clear and unambiguous way
  • 5.3. Relevant details, terms and conditions of product/service are reinforced to client
  • 5.4. Impacts and possible risks of the solution are disclosed in a clear and concise manner to the client
  • 5.5. Client is provided with written supporting documentation and guided through the key aspects of the documentation
6. Negotiate financial plan/policy/transaction with client
  • 6.1. Concerns and/or issues the client has regarding the proposed plan/policy/transaction are discussed and clarified
  • 6.2. Confirmation is sought from client that they understand the proposed plan/policy/transaction
7. Coordinate implementation of agreed plan/policy/ transaction
  • 7.1. Client's formal agreement to the proposed plan/policy/ transaction is gained
  • 7.2. Associated fee and cost structures are clearly explained and confirmation of understanding gained from the client
  • 7.3. Timeframes for execution and processing are clearly explained and confirmation of understanding gained from the client
8. Complete and maintain necessary documentation
  • 8.1. Proposal and all other statutory and transactional documents are completed and signed off by the client
  • 8.2. Copies of appropriate documentation and the signed agreement are exchanged
9. Provide ongoing service where requested by client
  • 9.1. Type and form of ongoing service, including reporting on performance and review of plan/policy/transaction is agreed with the client
  • 9.2. Fees and costs for ongoing and specifically defined service are clearly explained and confirmation of understanding gained from the client
  • 9.3. Ongoing service is provided as required
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Clients may include:
member or beneficiary
prospective member
trustee or member of self-managed superannuation fund.
Adviser may include:
accountant
all natural persons who provide financial product advice to retail clients
employee or owner
financial planner
lawyer
licensee or any representative.
Client needs may include:
business needs
debt position
expectations of access to product
expectations of income from this product
expectations of lifecycle and length of product
family income
security.
Risk profile might include:
access restrictions on product
borrowing risk/gearing
economic
market and sector risks (economic cycle, fixed interest, property, stock market)
risk factors and return expectations
specific product risk
volatility of income and capital.
Client expectations may include:
personal involvement:
active
passive
risk profile:
conservative
speculator
moderate
their beliefs about performance
expectations of fluctuations in income or capital
being a long-term or short-term investor
need for security.
Information gathered might include:
details of liabilities and potential liabilities of the customer
details of the customers' needs and objectives for income, security, liquidity, and the time period the customer is planning for
individual investment preferences and aversion or tolerance to risk
other customer details such as employment security, likely events and their impact on the customer, age and other products they have.
Documentation may include:
computer and manual applications
disclaimers
disclosures
product application forms
written advice.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
utilise a range of communication and interpersonal skills to gather client's personal, financial and business retailed details to identify client's objectives, needs and financial situation
analyse clients objectives, needs, financial situation and risk profile using knowledge of ASIC generic and specialist knowledge requirements relevant to the products being offered
develop and present appropriate strategies and solutions and negotiate and execute financial plan/policy/transaction
complete statutory and transactional documents
present ongoing service where requested by client

NB for insurance products, competence in this unit is subject to the staff members' approval/authority to accept the transfer of risk.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
competency is demonstrated in the context of the work environment and conditions specified in the range statement either in a relevant workplace or a closely simulated work environment
access to and the use of a range of common office equipment, technology, software and consumables
access to organisation financial records, policies and procedures.

Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples, in combination, are appropriate for this unit:
evaluating an integrated activity, which combines the elements of competency for the unit, or a cluster of related units of competency
observing processes and procedures in workplaces
verbal or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
evaluating samples of work
accessing and validating third party reports
setting and reviewing workplace business simulations or scenarios.

Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUT08 FNSSMS601 Provide advice in self-managed superannuation funds Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J604 FNS60513 Advanced Diploma of Superannuation Qualification