Does an ABN mean a firm is licensed?

No. An ABN is a business number. Financial services need an AFS licence or authorised representative status.

Can an overseas firm offer me trading in Australia?

Generally it needs an Australian licence or an exemption. Firms on ASIC's investor alert list are not licensed here.

Where do I complain about a licensed firm?

First to the firm, then to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

How to check an AFS licence in Australia

Ask for the Australian financial services (AFS) licence number, or the authorised representative number, then search it yourself on ASIC's Professional Registers. Check that the name, ABN, address and phone on the register match the person contacting you and that the licence covers the product offered. Also search ASIC's investor alert list for the company and website name.

Checked 3 November 2026 · sources below

Step by step

Get the licence number. A licensee has an AFS licence number; an adviser working under one has an authorised representative number. Ask for both.
Search ASIC's Professional Registers. Open asic.gov.au yourself, go to Online services > Search ASIC's registers > Professional registers, and search the number or name.
Match the details and the licence scope. Compare the name, ABN, address and phone with the register. Check the licence authorisations cover the product - for example derivatives or financial advice to retail clients.
Check the investor alert list. Search the company and website on Moneysmart's investor alert list. Report suspected scams to Scamwatch and ReportCyber.

Clone firms

Scammers often pretend to be a real licensed firm, using its name and licence number but their own phone, email and website. The register shows the real contact details - use those to call the firm and confirm.

If you have already sent money

Contact your bank straight away and ask it to stop or recall the payment. Then report to ReportCyber and Scamwatch. IDCARE offers free support for identity issues.

Questions

Does an ABN mean a firm is licensed?: No. An ABN is a business number. Financial services need an AFS licence or authorised representative status.
Can an overseas firm offer me trading in Australia?: Generally it needs an Australian licence or an exemption. Firms on ASIC's investor alert list are not licensed here.
Where do I complain about a licensed firm?: First to the firm, then to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

Sources

Open Tip Check (free)

Paste the offer you were sent; it lists the red flags and the Australian registers to use.

Open Tip Check (free)