Date Time ASIC releases reference checking and information sharing protocol for financial advisers and mortgage brokers ASIC has made the ASIC reference checking and information sharing protocol (ASIC Protocol) that will give effect to the Financial Services Royal Commission’s recommendations to improve reference checking in the financial advice and mortgage broking industries. ASIC has also released guidance documents that will help Australian financial services (AFS) and credit licensees comply with their new reference checking obligations. The Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response) Act 2020 (the Act) introduces obligations on AFS licensees and Credit licensees to comply with an ASIC Protocol in relation to reference checking. The Act, and the ASIC Protocol, commence on 1 October 2021.