ACCC & ASIC Debt Collection Guideline: What It Is & Why It Matters
The ACCC and ASIC jointly oversee debt collection conduct in Australia, and their combined guidance shapes what fair collection looks like in practice.
In this explainer
- Explain the roles of the ACCC and ASIC in debt collection
- Describe what their joint guidance covers at a general level
- Show why dual regulator oversight matters for recovery
- Provide questions to test a provider's awareness of both regulators
- Outline how Merion aligns with ACCC and ASIC expectations
6 min
What it is
Two regulators share interest in debt collection in Australia. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) focuses on consumer protection and fair trading generally, while the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) focuses on financial services and credit. Together they have published joint debt collection guidance describing how collection should be conducted.
This page is a general explainer. The regulators' roles and their current guidance can change, so always confirm the present position on the ACCC and ASIC websites.
Key requirements
The joint guidance, in broad terms, expects collectors to act honestly, contact people reasonably, avoid harassment and misleading conduct, protect privacy, and respond properly to disputes and hardship. ASIC's involvement is particularly relevant where the debt relates to credit or financial services, which can attract additional licensing and conduct obligations.
Because the two regulators look at collection from complementary angles — fair trading and financial services — a provider needs to understand both to operate cleanly across different kinds of debt.
Why it matters for debt recovery
Dual oversight means a collection partner can face scrutiny from more than one direction. A provider that thinks only about consumer law, but ignores financial-services expectations, may mishandle credit-related accounts. Choosing a partner that respects both the ACCC and ASIC lenses reduces the risk of regulator complaints landing back on you.
It also signals maturity. A provider that can speak to both regulators' expectations tends to have more robust training, record-keeping, and complaint handling.
What to ask a provider
Ask: how do you distinguish ordinary consumer-debt accounts from credit-related accounts that may attract ASIC expectations? How does your conduct reflect the joint ACCC and ASIC guidance? How do you keep up with changes when the regulators update their guidance? Can you describe a recent example of adapting practice to a regulatory change?
How Merion approaches it
Merion operates in line with the conduct expectations described in the ACCC and ASIC joint guidance. We treat people honestly and fairly, we are careful with credit-related accounts, and we keep our practices current as guidance evolves. Our commission-only model keeps us focused on genuine resolution. Learn more about our posture in the Trust Centre, and always verify the regulators' current guidance directly.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice.
Key takeaways
- The ACCC and ASIC share oversight of debt collection from complementary angles
- Credit-related accounts can attract additional ASIC expectations
- A partner aware of both regulators is less likely to create complaint risk for you
- Confirm the regulators' current roles and guidance directly
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the ACCC and ASIC here?
Broadly, the ACCC focuses on consumer protection and fair trading, while ASIC focuses on financial services and credit. For collection, they have published joint guidance. Check both regulators for the current detail.
Does every debt involve ASIC?
Not necessarily. ASIC's expectations are most relevant where the debt relates to credit or financial services. A capable provider distinguishes account types and treats each appropriately.
How does Merion stay current?
Merion monitors regulator guidance and adapts its practices when the ACCC or ASIC update their expectations. Always verify the present position with the regulators themselves.
Security and compliance you can verify
Merion handles every account on the facts, within the rules, and with data protected by design. Ask us anything.