The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has opened membership applications for organisations that must join under the Australian Government’s Scams Prevention Framework. From 1 July 2026, organisations that provide or operate a Regulated Service within a Designated Sector of the framework can apply for membership, and they must be AFCA members from 1 September 2026 to meet their obligations. The requirement may apply to organisations in the telecommunications and digital platform sectors, which are now within scope for complaints under the Scams Prevention Framework. AFCA encouraged firms that are required to join to submit applications by 14 August 2026 to support onboarding ahead of the commencement date. It is also working with prospective members and industry stakeholders on membership requirements, application steps, firms’ obligations and preparations for handling complaints under the framework.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority2026-07-01
Australian Financial Complaints Authority opens membership applications under scams framework, mandatory from 1 September 2026
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has opened applications for organisations that must join under the Scams Prevention Framework. Firms providing or operating a Regulated Service in a Designated Sector can apply from 1 July 2026 and must be AFCA members from 1 September 2026. The requirement may cover telecommunications and digital platform firms now brought within scope for SPF complaints.