Australian Financial Complaints Authority continues accepting Interprac complaints but pauses determinations during Federal Court proceedings

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has updated its handling of complaints about Interprac Financial Planning after Interprac commenced Federal Court proceedings against AFCA over AFCA's lead Determinations. AFCA will continue to receive and investigate complaints, but it will not issue formal decisions, or Determinations, while the case is before the Court. Complaints will continue through registration, allocation to a case worker, information gathering and initial assessment. Interprac matters will be paused before the final decision-making stages, including assessment of loss and the issuing of Determinations. AFCA is also encouraging affected consumers who have not yet lodged a complaint to do so promptly so their case can be registered and continue progressing while the court proceedings are underway. AFCA said it may review this position if circumstances change and will update affected consumers on next steps once the court proceedings have concluded and the relevant issues have been resolved. Consumers do not need to take any action unless contacted directly by AFCA.