James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

BX2036 - Financial Services Principles

Subject Description

This subject will introduce students to legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to financial services in Australia. The subject also examines the practical aspects associated with financial planning and advising, and how financial planning principles are applied in a real-world setting. Students will develop skills to evaluate and use evidence based professional judgement in problem solving when providing financial advice to clients and in the development and presentation of financial plans. As a core unit for students completing the Financial Advising major, this subject also provides an introduction to the professional financial planning process, including the Australian legal/regulatory framework and the responsibilities of financial planners, including Best Interest and Fiduciary Duty provisions. You will be introduced to methods and skills used to investigate a client's financial situation and begin to understand how you turn the core elements of financial advising into a strategic financial plan (the Statement of Advice).

Learning Outcomes

• describe and discuss the responsibilities of financial advising within the context of the Australian legal framework
• demonstrate and apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks, professional conduct and ethical responsibilities when providing financial advice to clients
• exercise critical thinking and judgement for evidence-based problem solving and decision making in the application of financial services regulation in a variety of contexts
• construct a limited scope Statement of Advice (SOA) to meet client requirements in an ethical and professional manner

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Concept map - (30%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities