Resource
AFSA — Find a Practitioner
Also known as: AFSA, Australian Financial Security Authority
The official register of registered trustees and debt agreement administrators for personal insolvency. The sole-trader insolvency path goes through AFSA.
Website
www.afsa.gov.auCost
Search is free. Trustee and administrator fees vary; agree fees in writing before any engagement. Be wary of operators who advertise heavily — call the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 for an independent opinion before signing anything.
Coverage
National
About this service
The Australian Financial Security Authority administers Australia's personal insolvency system, including bankruptcy and Part IX debt agreements. For a sole trader without a company structure, this is the formal-insolvency path — not ASIC. The Find a Practitioner directory lists registered trustees and debt agreement administrators. The Part IX debt agreement has an indexed maximum unsecured-debt limit, currently $150,950.80 (March 2026 indexation under Bankruptcy Act s185C), re-indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year. Bankruptcy normally lasts three years; the AFSA site has step-by-step explainers.
When to use
You're a sole trader and informal options have been exhausted. You've been approached by a debt-agreement promoter and want to verify them.
When not to use
You haven't yet had an independent conversation about your options — call NDH 1800 007 007 first.
Who they help
Sole traders, partners, and individuals (including former company directors with personal guarantees) considering bankruptcy or a Part IX debt agreement.
Who they don't help
Companies — those go through ASIC. Cases where SBR, voluntary administration, or an informal ATO plan are still options — speak to SBDH first.
Strengths
Authoritative register. Clear plain-English explainers of bankruptcy and debt agreements.
Limitations
AFSA does not give individual advice. Pair the search with a free conversation through the National Debt Helpline before committing to any process.
Source authority
www.afsa.gov.auOften used alongside
National Debt Helpline
Free, confidential personal financial counselling — for the personal side of a sole trader's debts, or anyone whose business has folded and is now dealing with creditors as an individual.
Small Business Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.
ASIC — Find a Registered Liquidator
The official ASIC search for registered liquidators and small business restructuring practitioners. Verify any practitioner you're considering, before paying any fee.
Search is free. Initial consultation with a practitioner is usually free. Appointment fees vary — agree fees in writing before any engagement.
We do not refer to commercial debt-relief operators.
Every service we point you to is free or low-cost, government-funded or not-for-profit, and independent of creditors. If a paid operator is offering to negotiate your ATO debt or run a Part IX agreement for a fee, talk to the Small Business Debt Helpline first — 1800 413 828, free.
TEKVA provides information, not financial counselling or legal advice. Phone numbers, URLs, and operating hours were checked on 26 May 2026.