An investment adviser must give you a written statement that contains information about the adviser and his or her ability to give advice. You are strongly encouraged to read that document and consider the information in it when deciding whether or not to engage an adviser.

Tell the adviser what the purpose of your investment is. This is important because different investments are suitable for different purposes, and carry different levels of risk.

The written statement should contain important information about the adviser, including—

• relevant experience and qualifications, and whether dispute resolution facilities are available to you; and

• what types of investments the adviser gives advice about; and

• whether the advice is limited to investments offered by 1 or more particular financial institutions; and

• information that may be relevant to the adviser’s character, including certain criminal convictions, bankruptcy, any adverse findings by a court against the adviser in a professional capacity, and whether the adviser has been expelled from, or prohibited from joining, a professional body; and

• any relationships likely to give rise to a conflict of interest.

The adviser must also tell you about fees and remuneration before giving you advice about an investment. The information about fees and remuneration must include—

• the nature and level of the fees you will be charged for receiving the advice; and

• whether the adviser will or may receive a commission or other benefit from advising you.

An investment adviser commits an offence if he or she does not provide you with the information required.