Advisers no longer need to provide a Financial Services Guide (FSG) to every single client.

Instead, you can now make this information available as “Website Disclosure Information” on your website. This change offers a great opportunity to simplify the administrative side of financial advice and modernise how we engage with clients.

However, as with any regulatory update, the details are crucial. Let’s walk through what this transition means, how to handle it, and why it might actually benefit you and your clients.

What Exactly is Website Disclosure Information?

At its core, Website Disclosure Information is the same as an FSG—it contains all the important details about your services, fees, and dispute resolution processes. The big difference is that instead of handing this guide over to each individual client, you can now publish it on your website, where it’s accessible to everyone.

For many financial advisers, this could be a game changer. No more printing, mailing, or emailing individual FSGs. You can simply keep everything up-to-date in one place online, saving time, effort, and resources. And clients? They get quick access to everything they need to know without the hassle of managing documents.

Should you notify clients about website disclosure information?

Here’s an interesting point: you’re not required to inform clients about the Website Disclosure Information during the onboarding process. You could, in theory, go about your business without ever pointing clients directly to this section of your website.

That said, a personal touch always goes a long way. While it’s not mandatory, we'd recommend letting clients know where to find this information. Imagine this: you’re onboarding a new client, and in your welcome email or engagement letter, you include a simple line saying, “We’ve made all the important disclosures available for you on our website; here’s the link to check it out.” This not only demonstrates transparency but shows that you’re putting your clients’ access to information first. It’s a small gesture that could build trust early on in the relationship.

Do You Need to Provide a Direct Link?

Again, there is no obligation here. You don’t have to provide a direct link to the Website Disclosure Information, but just like letting them know it exists, offering a link could be a nice touch. By making it easy for clients to find important information—like fees, your services, and complaint procedures—you’re helping them feel confident and informed right from the start.

Clients will appreciate that you’re transparent and organised. After all, financial advice is built on trust, and simple actions like providing a direct link can reinforce that trust.

Can You Simply Upload Your Existing FSG?

You might be wondering: “Can’t I just take my current FSG and pop it onto the website?” Well, not quite. To ensure you’re fully compliant with the new requirements, there are a few tweaks you need to make:

• Change the title: Swap out “Financial Services Guide” for “Website Disclosure Information.”

• Adjust the language: Ensure the document no longer refers to itself as an FSG or uses phrases like “this FSG.”

• Update your website: Wherever you’ve referenced the FSG on your site, replace it with “Website Disclosure Information.”

Once you’ve made these small changes, you can post the document on your website as a PDF or in text form across multiple pages. These steps are straightforward, but important to ensure you comply with the new regulatory exemption.

Can You Keep Using a Financial Services Guide?

Absolutely. If you’re comfortable with the traditional FSG format, you can continue providing it to clients. Just be aware that if you choose to do this, you’ll still need to comply with the existing FSG requirements. Essentially, you’ll be handling the paperwork for each client while also maintaining the online disclosures, which may not be the most efficient option.

For firms that are ready to embrace digital efficiency, transitioning fully to Website Disclosure Information is likely the better route. It’s less about one approach being “right” and more about what works best for you and your practice.

Key Considerations for Website Disclosure Information

While the transition to Website Disclosure Information is designed to make life easier for advisers and clients alike, there are a few must-dos to keep in mind:

1. Make it easy to access: Your Website Disclosure Information must be publicly accessible—not behind a login, password, or subscription wall. This is critical to ensuring that anyone can easily find it when needed.

2. Keep it updated: Just like an FSG, your Website Disclosure Information needs to be up-to-date. Include the date it was last updated or prepared, and ensure any material changes are reflected promptly. This helps you stay compliant and ensures your clients are receiving accurate information.

3. Get the right authorisations: Whether you’re a corporate entity or an individual adviser, ensure that any updates or changes are properly authorised. If a Representative is providing the disclosure, make sure it reflects the appropriate authorisation.

Why This Matters

Transitioning from FSGs to Website Disclosure Information is more than just a regulatory change—it’s an opportunity to enhance the way you run your business. This shift aligns with the broader move towards digital-first practices, and it can help streamline your operations while keeping clients informed.

By embracing these changes, you can provide a more efficient and modern experience for your clients. And ultimately, that’s what matters—delivering high-quality advice in a way that’s clear, transparent, and accessible.

Final Thoughts

While the shift to Website Disclosure Information may seem like just another regulatory update, it’s a chance to improve how you communicate with your clients. By moving disclosures online, you’ll not only lighten the administrative load but also give clients easy access to key information. And remember—while you’re not required to alert clients to this change, doing so can help foster transparency and trust, which are the foundation of any positive financial advisory relationship.

If you’re unsure about how to make the transition or want to ensure your firm is compliant, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalised guidance.

This is your opportunity to simplify processes while maintaining the high standard of service your clients expect from you.