With financial services in Australia evolving rapidly, especially after the Quality of Advice Review and recent regulatory changes, the distinction between general and personal advice is more than just jargon—it’s the difference between information and tailored guidance. For investors and everyday Aussies alike, knowing what you’re getting (and what you’re not) can make a world of difference to your financial outcomes in 2025.

What’s the Difference? Cutting Through the Confusion

In simple terms, general advice is information or commentary about financial products that doesn’t consider your personal circumstances—think newsletters, media articles, or a bank’s online calculator. Personal advice, on the other hand, takes your individual goals, financial situation, and needs into account, offering recommendations tailored to you.

General advice: Broad guidance, education, or product info (e.g., “Shares can go up or down in value”)
Personal advice: Recommendations specifically for you (e.g., “Given your income and risk profile, these shares may suit your retirement plan”)

The lines have sometimes been blurred, leading to confusion—and at times, costly mistakes for consumers.

2025 Policy Updates: What’s Changed for Australians?

Australia’s financial advice industry is in the midst of significant reform. The Quality of Advice Review led to a push for simpler, more affordable advice, but also placed a spotlight on making the distinction between general and personal advice clearer for consumers.

Key regulatory updates for 2025 include:

Disclosure Requirements: Providers must now give a clear and prominent warning when offering general advice, ensuring consumers know it isn’t tailored to them.
Expanded Advice Channels: Super funds and banks are increasingly offering digital advice tools. These platforms must clarify when their guidance is general versus personal.
Consumer Protections: ASIC has updated enforcement priorities, targeting misleading or ambiguous advice—especially in the rise of “finfluencers” and online investment forums.

For example, a super fund’s website might show you generic investment projections, but unless you’ve given them detailed information about your financial situation, that’s still considered general advice. If a digital tool asks for your salary, debts, and goals, and then recommends a specific portfolio, you’re likely receiving personal advice—and stricter regulations apply.

How to Tell What Advice You’re Getting (And Why It Matters)

With so much content out there—from TikTok to bank webinars to robo-advisers—it’s crucial to know when you’re being given general advice versus something tailored for you. The risks are real: acting on general advice as if it were personal can leave you with products that don’t fit your needs, or expose you to unnecessary risk.

Here’s how to spot the difference:

Are your personal details being asked? If not, it’s likely general advice.
Does the provider explicitly say it’s general advice? New 2025 rules require clear warnings—look for them.
Are you getting product recommendations based on your situation? That’s personal advice, and the provider must be licensed and meet best interest obligations.
Does the advice come from a social media “finfluencer”? Be wary—most are only allowed to offer general advice, not recommendations tailored to you.

For instance, if you’re reading a blog post about the best ETFs for young Australians, that’s general advice. If you speak to a licensed adviser who reviews your income, debts, and goals before suggesting specific ETFs, that’s personal advice.

The Bottom Line: Make Informed Decisions in 2025

With regulatory changes in full swing, Australians have more options—and more responsibility—when it comes to financial guidance. General advice can be a great starting point for building knowledge, but when it’s time to make big decisions about your money, understanding when to seek personal advice is crucial.

As financial products become more complex and digital tools multiply, the ability to recognise what kind of advice you’re receiving will protect you from costly mistakes. Stay curious, ask questions, and make sure you know whether the guidance you’re getting is meant for the masses or tailored just for you.