Compliance committee members – obligations, duties and liabilities

The compliance committee must monitor the operation of the registered scheme and the adequacy of the scheme’s compliance plan. Some specific functions of the compliance committee include the following:

• Monitor the extent to which the responsible entity complies with the compliance plan and report its findings to the responsible entity.

• Report to the responsible entity any breach of the Act involving the registered scheme, or any breach of the scheme’s constitution.

• More information on this reporting obligation is outlined below.

• If the compliance committee is of the view the responsible entity has not taken, or does not propose to take, appropriate action in respect of a breach it has reported to the responsible entity, then it must report the breach to ASIC.

The duties of compliance committee members are set out in the Act and are similar to those imposed on directors including duties to -

• act honestly

• exercise the degree of care and diligence that a reasonable person would exercise if they were in your position

• take all reasonable steps to assist ASIC during a surveillance check on the scheme or the responsible entity, and

• disclose to the compliance committee any financial interests the member has in a matter being considered by the compliance committee if that interest could conflict with the proper performance of their duties.

Compliance committees are required to report the following breaches to the responsible entity of the scheme if it is aware of the breach or suspects that a breach has occurred:

• Any breach of the Act involving the scheme. This may include a breach of the following provisions of the Act:

  • Duties of the responsible entity, eg if the responsible entity does not act in the best interests of members, if it treats members unfairly or fails to comply with the requirements of the compliance plan.

  • Amendments to the constitution, eg if the constitution is amended without obtaining member approval where the change is adverse to members’ rights.

  • AFS licence conditions, eg if the responsible entity fails to meet its financial requirements, such as the net tangible asset or cash needs requirements.

• Any breach of the provisions of a scheme’s constitution, including the following:

  • The consideration that is paid to acquire an interest in the scheme.

  • The powers of the responsible entity in relation to making investments or otherwise dealing with scheme property.

The types of events or issues discussed are examples only and are not a complete list of the possible breaches that may need to be reported.

Compliance committee members are not required to ensure the responsible entity complies with the Act or the conditions of its AFS licence in respect of the operation of the scheme. The role of the compliance committee is limited to monitoring the operation of the scheme, as outlined above.

In carrying out its functions, the compliance committee may commission independent legal, accounting or other professional advice or assistance, at the reasonable expense of the responsible entity.

Compliance committee members are generally not liable for the operation of the scheme or the actions of the responsible entity.

However, if compliance committee members breach their duties, then they may be liable for up to $200,000 as a pecuniary penalty and damages, including diminution of the value of scheme property or loss of profits.

Responsible entities are able to insure compliance committee members, except against a liability incurred as a member of the compliance committee or arising out of conduct involving a wilful breach of the member’s duties.

The following is a list of practical things compliance committee members can do to limit their potential exposure to liability:

• Act honestly and in good faith.

• Exercise powers and discharge duties with care and diligence.

• Stay informed of issues affecting the scheme. Ask as many questions about the scheme or a particular transaction as considered necessary.

• Be informed of matters which may affect decisions or judgements in relation to the provision of financial services, eg visit ASIC’s website for updates and frequently asked questions, subscribe to industry publications and newsletters; and attend regular training.

• Become a member of a compliance committee forum. Forums generally operate in every capital city.

• Keep records of all training and factors considered when making decisions in relation to the compliance committee, including minutes of meetings.

• Read the following documents:

  • Compliance reports and minutes relating to the scheme, including breach reports and complaints.

  • The compliance plan and constitution for the scheme.

  • Disclosure documents issued for the scheme, such as a product disclosure statement (PDS) or supplementary PDS.

  • Continuous disclosure notices and website updates.

  • AFS licence conditions for the responsible entity and be aware of the obligations and duties of the responsible entity under the Act.

  • ASIC policy as it relates to the operation of the scheme.

• Disclose any conflict of interest and ensure the position is not used to gain an advantage for the member (or someone else) or used to cause detriment to the responsible entity or a member of the scheme.

• Review the responsible entity’s insurance policy to ensure it covers compliance committee members, subject to the restrictions under the Act.

• Obtain independent legal, accounting or other professional advice or assistance, if required.