FNSFMK503
Advise clients on financial risk


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine a client’s financial risk profile, assess risk management options and produce detailed reports to present findings to clients and other relevant people.

It applies to individuals with specialised knowledge who use analytical skills and systematic approaches to advise and make recommendations in their area of responsibility.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine client risk profile

1.1 Use effective communication skills to confirm client’s financial needs, expectations and objectives in accordance with organisational requirements

1.2 Obtain valid and relevant information to determine complexity of client needs and analyse their asset and liability management framework

1.3 Assess risk based on understanding of client’s personal situation, operating environment or core business

1.4 Establish client’s risk tolerance level and discuss with client to confirm risk profile

2. Assess product risk relative to client risk profile

2.1 Identify a range of products that meet client objectives

2.2 Access information on risk associated with these products using appropriate analytical techniques

2.3 Develop assessment criteria for measuring level of potential or existing risk, together with assessment of consequences in accordance with organisational procedures

2.4 Compare risk for a range of financial products to client’s risk profile and stated objectives in accordance with client and organisational requirements

2.5 Assess alternative products and estimate long-term and short-term effects

2.6 Identify, analyse and discuss incidents and factors increasing or diminishing financial performance with client

2.7 Confirm that client understands the risk in any potential strategy recommendation

3. Report findings

3.1 Document risk management alternatives in accordance with organisational requirements and relevant legislation

3.2 Prepare and explain retail client disclosure documents, outlining client responsibilities to client

3.3 Update, modify and accurately maintain client information in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements

3.4 Prepare and file risk analysis documentation in accordance with organisational and legislative requirements

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

determine the risk profile of the client

interpret and comply with relevant legislation

assess the impact of financial risks to the client and the organisation, and recommend strategies to control risk

accurately review and prepare risk assessment findings in a format suitable for presentation, including client disclosure documents

provide up-to-date information and advice on the risks and benefits of financial products and services.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must describe key features of client and organisational confidentiality requirements including:

compare and contrast financial information sources and products

outline key information to be obtained from clients

discuss the key risk characteristics

describe the key features of organisational policy and procedures for establishing client risk profiles and reporting

discuss the relationship between ethics and regulatory requirements including the key features of relevant legal principles, and disclosure and compliance requirements

compare and contrast risk assessment criteria and techniques

analyse key economic environment incidents and factors that can impact on financial performance including:

characteristics and impacts of economic and business cycles

government monetary and fiscal policies

interest rates, exchange rates and inflation

discuss product and strategy sensitivity to conditions including:

economic cycle

supply and demand

economic data

exchange rates

interest rates

government or regulatory policy

correlation risk with other markets or asset classes

outline the key theories of the management of investment and risk.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the financial markets field of work and include access to:

office equipment, technology, software and consumables

financial services product information.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.2, 1.3, 2.1-2.2, 2.4-2.6, 3.3

Analyses and evaluates complex information from a range of sources to determine requirements and complete necessary actions

Writing

1.2, 2.2-2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.1-3.4

Accurately records and maintains written information using correct formats and protocols

Prepares formal and informal documents using accurate terminology, clear language and concepts appropriate for the audience and purpose

Oral Communication

1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.6, 3.2

Participates in verbal exchanges using active listening and questioning skills to confirm understanding and seek feedback

Presents and clarifies information using tone, pace and language appropriate to the audience and purpose

Numeracy

1.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4

Uses mathematical equations to perform calculations and comparative analysis techniques to determine trends and compare financial information

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4

Takes responsibility for the provision of timely, accurate, secure and relevant information in accordance with legal and organisational requirements

Interact with others

1.1, 1.2, 2.7, 3.2

Uses a range of strategies to establish rapport and build a sense of connection with clients

Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when liaising or sharing information with clients

Get the work done

1.2, 1.3, 2.1-2.6, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4

Accepts responsibility for planning and sequencing complex tasks and workload

Applies systematic and analytical decision-making processes to make recommendations in complex and non-routine situations

Uses the main features and functions of digital tools to complete work tasks, store data and access information


Sectors

Financial markets