Focused comparison

Australia fund marketing vs United States fund marketing

A focused comparison for fund marketing businesses choosing between Australia and United States.

QuestionAustraliaUnited States
Likely routeAFSL dealing/advice and managed investment scheme distribution analysisInvestment adviser marketing rule, broker-dealer, placement agent, and state analysis
Key peopleResponsible managers with appropriate competence and organisational capacity Authorised representatives where services are provided under another licenseeInvestment adviser representatives may require state registration depending on facts Broker-dealer registered representatives require firm sponsorship, CRD filing, exams, and registration
Corporate evidenceCompliance framework; AML/CFT and financial crime; Ownership and controllers; Complaints and conduct; Regulatory reporting; Official-source route memo; Public register verification plan; Questions log for qualified advisersCompliance framework; AML/CFT and financial crime; Ownership and controllers; Complaints and conduct; Regulatory reporting; Official-source route memo; Public register verification plan; Questions log for qualified advisers
Capital/resourcesFinancial resource expectations depend on authorisations, financial products, client money/custody, and licensee obligations.Adviser capital rules are usually state-specific or tied to custody and other facts; broker-dealers face SEC net capital and FINRA membership expectations.
TimelineOften 4 to 8+ months depending on authorisations and proof quality.SEC adviser registration can become effective in about 45 days if complete; FINRA new member review may run up to 180 calendar days for substantially complete applications.
Common bottlenecksRequested authorisations are broader than the actual operating plan can support Responsible manager evidence is thin or not matched to all authorisationsBroker-dealer issues hidden inside compensation, solicitation, placement, or transaction workflows Custody, private fund audit, and fee deduction arrangements not fully analysed