The FSC Standard: Cultural Capability in Native Title Services

First Nations Foundation (FNF) is a not-for-profit organisation that works to empower First Australians to achieve financial independence through education and leadership. We operate from a strength-based community development approach, promoting the values of social justice, collaboration and self-determination. 

FNF works with both the community and the financial services sector by developing and leading, evidence-based policy frameworks to guide community, corporates and government.

FNF has partnered with the Financial Services Council (FSC), who represents Australia's retail and wholesale funds management businesses, superannuation funds, life insurers, financial advisory networks, trustee companies and public trustees. FSC promotes best practice for the financial services industry by setting mandatory Standards for its members and providing guidance notes to assist in operational efficiency.

The FSC Standard: Cultural Capability in Native Title Services has been developed with Indigenous leaders in order to promote good practice in the provision of tailored, culturally appropriate native title services to communities. The Standard will only be mandatory for FSC full members who are licensed trustee companies or public trustees with other FSC members encouraged to adhere to the Standard, where appropriate. 

Key issues covered by the Standard include: appropriate plain English disclosure of services/fees; supporting capacity-building; strengthening FSC trustee members’ cultural capability; and promoting inclusive decision-making and values.