If you wish to make a complaint, it should firstly be directed in writing to the bank, general insurer or super fund using their internal dispute resolution process. If the issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA provides fair and independent financial services complaint resolution that is free to consumers.

Website:  www.afca.org.au   

Email:  info@afca.org.au   

Telephone:  1800 931 678 (free call) 

In writing to: Australian Financial Complaints Authority, GPO Box 3, Melbourne VIC 3001  

If you are unable to resolve your complaint with your private health insurer, you can seek further advice from the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO) on 1300 362 072 (10:00am - 4:00pm AEST/AEDT) or lodge a complaint via the Ombudsman's online form. Comprehensive, independent private health insurance information is also available at the PHIO website.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is responsible for regulating financial markets, financial services and consumer credit activities. This includes disclosure of information by financial institutions in Australia and the regulation of financial intermediaries. For more information, you can contact ASIC online or by phone on 1300 300 630. 

If you wish to make a complaint, it should first be directed in writing to the financial institution using their internal dispute resolution process. If the issue isn't resolved to your satisfaction, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA provides fair and independent financial services complaint resolution that is free to consumers. 

Website:  www.afca.org.au   

Email:  info@afca.org.au   

Telephone: 1800 931 678 (free call) 

In writing to: Australian Financial Complaints Authority, GPO Box 3, Melbourne VIC 3001  

Lists of entities licensed by APRA to operate in each regulated industry can be found on the APRA website.

APRA is not involved in the early release of superannuation benefits. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may consider the early release of superannuation benefits in very limited circumstances where a superannuation fund member may face financial difficulties on compassionate grounds, severe financial hardship, terminal medical conditions, temporary or permanent incapacity, and instances where the fund balance is less than $200. 

If your super fund or the ATO won’t release your super early, you should contact them if you wish to make a complaint. If you have feedback about the eligibility requirements for the early release of superannuation, please contact the Department of Treasury.

When a superannuation fund considers one of its members meets the definition of 'lost', they are required to report this to the ATO twice a year. The ATO then places these members on the ATO’s Lost Members Register (LMR). This register may be accessed by phoning the ATO’s automated super search line on 13 28 65 (with details you will need to have ready to provide), or fund members can use their myGov account linked to the ATO. 

For further information, contact the ATO or go to Super withdrawal options or Searching for lost super on the ATO website. 

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is responsible for the regulation of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), not APRA. Extensive information is available on the ATO website. 

To find out if an SMSF is a complying superannuation fund, search the ATO's Super Fund Lookup site or call their superannuation helpline on 13 10 20. 

APRA can only provide general information and does not provide legal advice.  

For legal guidance, you may wish to seek independent professional advice, possibly through one of the National Association of Community Legal Centres, which includes the Financial Rights Legal Centre and the Insurance Law Service. 

Under section 66 of the Banking Act 1959, consent is required from APRA to use restricted words and expressions such as the word ‘bank’. 

A guide on restricted words under the Banking Act 1959 is available in a downloadable pdf. An APRA Explains article on the process of applying to use a restricted word is also available on the APRA website. 

If you wish to use the word ‘bank’ and other restricted words, you will need to provide the following in your application: 

• the proposed use of the restricted word/s
• the nature of the business, the types of transactions and your target customers;
• when you intend to start the business;
• the street address of the business; and
• whether you are required to have an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) or an Australian Credit Licence (ACL). If not, have you obtained confirmation from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) that an AFSL or ACL is not required? 

Please email this information to: licensing@apra.gov.au