ABOUT FCAN

The Financial Counsellor's Association of NSW

The Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW Inc (FCAN) is the peak membership body that represents and supports Financial Counsellors in NSW.

FCAN was established in 1980 as the Institute of Financial Counselling. Since that time, FCAN has been providing services and assistance to members, including accreditation, training programs, professional development and peer supervision. 

FCAN represents the financial counselling sector to advocate for suitable regulation and products to protect the financially vulnerable and to prevent people and families from experiencing financial hardship.

FCAN MISSION

Support, sustain & enhance the profession

FCAN is the Peak Body and professional association for financial counsellors in New South Wales. 

Purposes

The purposes of FCAN are:

Not-For-Profit

to be a not-for-profit, charitable and benevolent institution.

Support for Members and Agencies

to provide support to financial counsellor Members and financial counselling agencies, particularly those which are public benevolent institutions and registered charities, through professional development, training and advocating for reform and funding for members.

Objectives

The objectives of FCAN are to ensure that:

Financial counsellors in NSW are supported to comply with best practice
The financial counselling sector has secure, stable and sustainable funding
Financial counselling has a high profile
Vulnerable consumers have an effective voice

Non-Profit Clause

The assets and income of the association shall be applied solely in furtherance of its purposes and objects and no portion shall be distributed directly or indirectly to the members of the association except as bona fide compensation for services rendered, goods sold or expenses properly incurred by or on behalf of the association.

MEMBERS

About Our Members

NSW Financial Counsellors

All financial counsellors in NSW are members of the Financial Counsellors' Association NSW Inc.

Best Practice

Entry level qualification requirements, ongoing professional development, supervision and Code of Ethical Conduct ensure our members provide best practice.

400+ Members

We have over 400 members who are financial counsellors, studying to become one or working in the sector throughout NSW.

Free, independent and confidential

Our members provide advice and support to people in financial difficulty. Financial counselling agencies are not permitted to charge any fees for services. Instead they are funded by government to provide this free service.

ASIC Licencing Exemption: Don't Charge Fees or Commissions

Financial counselling services are free and do not charge fees to clients or receive commissions for the services offered. Financial counsellors are exempt from holding a credit licence. For more information about the ASIC exemption view the ASIC information sheet (Info 112) on the ASIC website.

Restriction on the use of the term Financial Counsellor

The National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Cth) Section 160C imposes restrictions on the use of the terms: financial counsellor; financial counselling; and any other term of similar meaning.

OUR STAFF

Behind The Scenes

The people responsible for the ongoing operations of the Association.

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Jo Parker
Executive Officer
Lesley Dixon
Membership Administration & Bookkeeper
Katie Delaurier
Membership Officer
Serena Ryan
Communications & Policy Officer
Gabrielle Locke
Workforce Development Officer
Martin Derby
Accreditation and Supervision Officer
Wayne Warburton
Sharkwatch Editor