Who We Are
In this policy, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to the Broker, Aggregator, Australian Credit Licensee, and related businesses as outlined in the Credit Guide provided to you.
Our Commitment to Protecting Your Privacy
We recognise the importance of safeguarding your personal information and are committed to handling it in a secure and responsible manner.
This document outlines how we collect, use, and manage the personal information we hold about you. We will only use your personal information for the purposes for which it was collected, or as otherwise permitted by law.
We are committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and any other applicable legislation.
Personal Information
Personal information refers to any information or opinion from which your identity can be reasonably identified. This may include credit-related information.
Credit information is used to assess your eligibility for finance and may include details such as:
- Outstanding credit arrangements
- Repayment history
- Loan defaults
This information is typically exchanged between credit providers and credit reporting bodies.
The types of personal information we may collect include:
- Name, date of birth, and contact details
- Residential address and account details
- Occupation and employment information
- Any additional information required to verify your identity
If you make enquiries through our website, we may also collect:
- The type and amount of finance you are seeking
- Information provided through forms or other website interactions
If you apply for finance, we may collect further information, including:
- Number and ages of dependants
- Length of residence at your current address
- Employment details
- Evidence of income and expenses
Where relevant, and with your consent, we may also collect health information in connection with insurance applications.
Why We Collect Your Personal Information
We collect personal information for purposes including:
- Assessing and processing finance applications
- Managing your financial arrangements
- Maintaining and managing our relationship with you
- Providing marketing communications (where permitted)
- Offering additional products and services
Through our website, we may also collect personal information to:
- Respond to enquiries
- Provide information or advice
- Send requested communications
We may disclose your personal information to organisations that provide products or services used or promoted by us, or to entities that have or are considering an interest in your finance or our business.
How We Collect Personal Information
Where reasonable and practicable, we collect your personal information directly from you.
We may also collect personal information from third parties, including:
- LM Broker Services
- Other finance brokers
- Accountants, lawyers, and other professional advisers
- Credit providers and reporting bodies
Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose your personal information to:
- Prospective lenders, funders, and intermediaries
- Organisations involved in administering your finance (such as service providers, printing and postal services, and call centres)
- Associated or related businesses
- IT and infrastructure service providers
- Your authorised representatives (e.g. brokers, lawyers, accountants)
- Any party where you have provided consent
- Regulatory bodies or where required by law, including under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth)
- Investors, agents, advisers, or entities with an interest in our business
- Employers, referees, or identity verification services
We take reasonable steps to ensure that any organisation receiving your personal information handles it securely and in accordance with privacy obligations.
Your personal information may be stored in cloud-based systems located overseas. Where information is disclosed internationally, it may be subject to foreign laws and may not be protected by the Australian Privacy Principles. By providing your personal information, you consent to such disclosures.
Direct Marketing
We may use your personal information to provide you with:
- Updates about finance products and services
- Promotional offers
- Information about changes to our business
- Details of new products and services
You may opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe function in our communications. We will process your request promptly.
Updating Your Personal Information
We aim to ensure that the personal information we hold about you is accurate and up to date. If your details change, you should notify us as soon as possible.
You may request updates or corrections to your information at any time.
Access and Correction
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you at any time.
We may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of retrieving and providing this information. We will generally respond to access requests within seven days, although more complex requests may take up to 30 days.
In certain circumstances, access may be refused, including where:
- The information relates to existing or anticipated legal proceedings
- The request is considered unreasonable or vexatious
If access is denied, we will provide you with an explanation.
If any personal information we hold is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date, you may request that it be corrected. We will respond to correction requests within a reasonable timeframe.
Use of Government Identifiers
If we collect government identifiers (such as a Tax File Number), we will only use or disclose this information where required or authorised by law. We do not use government identifiers as a primary means of identifying you.
Conducting Business Without Identification
Where lawful and practicable, you may choose to interact with us anonymously or using a pseudonym—for example, when making general enquiries about interest rates or promotional offers.
However, in most cases, we will need to identify you to provide our services.
Handling of Sensitive Information
Sensitive information includes details such as:
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Political beliefs or affiliations
- Membership of professional or trade associations or unions
- Sexual orientation
- Criminal history
- Health information
We will only collect sensitive information with your consent and where it is reasonably necessary for our services.
Sensitive Information Online
While we do not generally request sensitive information via our website, any such information you choose to provide will be collected and stored in accordance with this policy.
Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. If you access these websites, they may collect information about you.
Information such as cookies, preferences, or usage data may be shared between us and those third parties in accordance with our arrangements.
Advertising, Tracking Technologies and Cookies
We may use third-party advertising providers that utilise cookies and web beacons to collect information such as:
- Browser type and server details
- Date and time of visits
- Website usage and interaction data
- Personalise content
- Analyse website traffic
- Improve security
This information helps measure the effectiveness of marketing and improve user experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.
Overseas Disclosure (Online Data)
We do not generally disclose cookie-related data to overseas entities. However, some data may be processed or stored using global service providers.
IP Addresses
We may collect your IP address to support website functionality, security, and analytics.
Online Applications
Information submitted through online applications is retained to enable us to process your request and provide services.
You may save and resume applications at a later time. Saved applications may be accessed by us for processing purposes.
Security of Online Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your information using current security and encryption technologies. However, no internet transmission is completely secure.
Where information is no longer required, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify it, subject to legal obligations.
Security of Your Personal Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Your information may be stored in both electronic and physical formats within secure systems.
Complaints
If you are dissatisfied with how we have handled your personal information or believe we have breached our obligations under the Privacy Act, you may contact us via our website.
We will:
- Acknowledge your complaint within seven days
- Provide a response within 30 days
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
- Website: www.oaic.gov.au
- Phone: 1300 363 992
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We regularly review our policies to ensure they remain current with legal requirements, technology, and industry practices. As such, this Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time.
You may request a copy of this policy in an alternative format at any time.
Further Information
If you would like more information about how we manage your personal information, please contact us at support@financeiqaustralia.com.au.