Privacy Policy

1. About This Policy

Merit Financial Services ("Merit", "we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information. We are Corporate Authorised Representatives of Paragem Pty Ltd (ABN 16 108 571 875, AFSL 297276).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Name, address, email address, phone number
• Date of birth, tax file number, employment details
• Financial information including income, assets, liabilities, superannuation, and insurance
• Health information (where relevant to insurance or aged care advice)
• Information you provide through our website forms, calculators, and tools
• Technical information such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited (via cookies and analytics)

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information:

• Directly from you — via consultations, forms, emails, phone calls, and our website
• From third parties — such as your accountant, solicitor, employer, or product providers (with your consent)
• Automatically — through cookies and analytics tools when you visit our website

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide financial advice and services tailored to your circumstances
• Prepare Statements of Advice (SoA), Records of Advice (RoA), and other financial documents
• Administer your financial products and services
• Communicate with you about your accounts, appointments, and market updates
• Send newsletters and insights (where you have opted in)
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
• Improve our website, tools, and services

5. Disclosure to Third Parties

We may disclose your personal information to:

• Paragem Pty Ltd — our licensee, for compliance and supervision purposes
• Product providers — superannuation funds, insurers, and platform operators to implement advice
• Professional service providers — accountants, solicitors, and mortgage brokers involved in your financial plan
• Technology providers — hosting, CRM, and email services that support our operations (under strict data agreements)
• Regulatory bodies — ASIC, ATO, APRA, or other authorities as required by law

We will not sell your personal information to any third party.

6. Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our site. These tools collect anonymised data including pages visited, time spent, and referral sources. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

7. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. Our security measures include:

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all systems
• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Access controls limiting information to authorised personnel
• Regular security reviews aligned with Paragem's Cyber Security standards
• Secure destruction of records no longer required

8. Access & Correction

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of any inaccurate, incomplete, or out-of-date information
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time

To make a request, contact us at service@meritfp.com.au or call 1300 827 439.

9. Complaints

If you believe your privacy has been breached, you may lodge a complaint with us. We will investigate and respond within 30 days.

Internal Complaints:
Email: service@meritfp.com.au
Phone: 1300 827 439
Post: PO Box 126, Round Corner NSW 2158

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992

Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
Website: www.afca.org.au
Phone: 1800 931 678

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website. We encourage you to review this page periodically.