Key Points
- Clarity and Balance: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) requires financial promotions to be balanced, giving equal weight to risks and benefits.
- The “Good Practice” Benchmark: Regulatory Guide 234 (RG 234) serves as the primary framework for ensuring informational video compliance in 2026.
- Proximity of Disclaimers: Disclaimers must be clear, audible, and placed in close proximity to the claims they qualify—not hidden in “fine print” at the end.
- Verification of Claims: All performance data or “finfluencer” style endorsements require documented substantiation to avoid misleading or deceptive conduct.
For Australian fintech and financial services brands, video is the most powerful way to explain complex products. However, the higher engagement levels of video also attract greater regulatory scrutiny. In 2026, ASIC has made it clear that corporate video compliance is an enforcement priority, particularly as digital and social media become the primary channels for financial advice and product promotion.
Creating high-quality informational videos that engage your audience while satisfying legal teams is a delicate balance. It requires a “compliance-by-design” approach where regulatory requirements are built into the script, not added as an afterthought.
Understanding RG 234: The Gold Standard
The primary document governing financial advertising in Australia is Regulatory Guide 234: Advertising financial products and services (Source: ASIC RG 234, expected to be updated June 2026). This guide applies to any person involved in the “chain of communication,” including the brand, the agency, and the publishers.
In the 2026 update, ASIC has modernised the guide to specifically address short-form video and social media. The core principle remains “accurate and balanced.” If your promotional video highlights a 10% return, it must equally highlight the risks associated with that return within the same frame or immediate sequence.
Practical Steps for Compliant Video Production
To stay on the right side of regulation, marketing teams should adopt a structured workflow for every video package.
1. Integrate Disclaimers Visually and Audibly
Gone are the days when a three-second screen of tiny white text at the end of a video was sufficient. Under the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026, disclosures must be “comprehensible, audible, and unambiguous” (Source: Australian Consumer Law, Digital Economy Bill 2026).
- On-Screen Text: Use high-contrast text that stays on screen long enough to be read by an average viewer.
- Voiceover: For high-risk products, the voiceover should mention the existence of a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or Target Market Determination (TMD).
2. Substantiate Every Claim
If your video claims your platform is “the fastest” or “most secure” in Australia, you must have the data to back it up at the time the video is published. ASIC has increased surveillance on “misleading pricing” and “opaque private credit practices” in 2026 (Source: ASIC Enforcement Priorities 2026). Keeping a “substantiation folder” for every video project ensures you can respond quickly if the regulator ever requests information.
3. Manage the “Finfluencer” Risk
If your corporate video features third-party experts or influencers, the brand is often liable for what they say. Ensure that anyone appearing in your video understands they cannot provide “unlicensed financial advice.” ASIC’s INFO 269 provides specific guidance on discussing financial products online, and this applies to scripted interviews just as much as live streams.
The Role of the Legal Review
Every informational video should pass through a formal legal and compliance check at two specific stages:
- The Script Phase: It is much cheaper to edit a Word document than a finished video. Ensure the legal team approves the “balanced” nature of the narrative before filming starts.
- The Final Cut: Check that all visual disclaimers are legible on mobile devices, as this is where a significant portion of Australian B2B and retail audiences will view the content.
Working with a Production Partner Who “Gets It”
Compliance does not have to mean boring content. A production agency experienced in the fintech sector knows how to weave regulatory requirements into the creative process. This might involve using motion graphics to make disclaimers part of the visual style or structuring the edit to ensure risk disclosures feel like a natural part of the education process rather than a legal hurdle.
Final Thoughts
Compliance in financial video is about more than just avoiding fines; it is about building long-term trust with your audience. By following the updated RG 234 guidelines and ensuring your promotional videos are clear, balanced, and substantiated, you protect your brand’s reputation while still delivering high-impact content. In the 2026 Australian market, transparency is a competitive advantage.
Build a Compliant Video Strategy
Does your fintech or finance brand need help creating high-impact videos that meet strict ASIC standards? Rocket Productions specialises in informational video compliance for the Australian market. We work alongside your legal and marketing teams to produce content that is both engaging and regulated.