Privacy Policy
How we protect and handle your personal information
1. Introduction
Freedom Financing ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.
As a mortgage and finance broker, we understand the sensitivity of financial information and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy protection in accordance with Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
- Financial Information: Income details, employment information, assets, liabilities, credit history
- Identification Information: Date of birth, driver's license, passport details
- Property Information: Property details, purchase price, intended use
- Family Information: Marital status, dependents, spouse details (where relevant)
2.2 Technical Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and location data
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Website usage data and analytics
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Provide Services: Process loan applications, provide financial advice, and broker services
- Lender Communication: Share relevant information with lenders and financial institutions
- Legal Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements and legal obligations
- Communication: Send updates about your applications, industry news, and marketing materials (with consent)
- Improve Services: Analyze usage patterns to enhance our website and services
- Customer Support: Respond to inquiries and provide ongoing support
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 Third Parties We Share With
We may share your personal information with:
- Lenders: Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions
- Service Providers: Credit reporting agencies, valuers, solicitors, mortgage insurers
- Professional Networks: Accountants, financial planners, insurance brokers
- Technology Partners: CRM systems, document management, and communication platforms
- Regulatory Bodies: ASIC, AUSTRAC, and other regulatory authorities when required
4.2 Consent and Purpose
We only share your information:
- With your explicit consent
- For the primary purpose of providing our services
- When required by law or regulation
- To protect our legitimate business interests
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption: Data transmission and storage encryption
- Access Controls: Limited access to authorized personnel only
- Secure Systems: Regular security updates and monitoring
- Staff Training: Privacy and security awareness training
- Physical Security: Secure office premises and document storage
6. Your Rights
Under Australian privacy law, you have the right to:
- Access: Request access to your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Complaint: Lodge a complaint about our handling of your information
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw marketing consent at any time
- Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format (where applicable)
7. Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Provide personalized content and advertisements
- Improve website functionality and user experience
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, but this may affect website functionality.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide ongoing services to you
- Meet legal and regulatory requirements
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Maintain business records as required by law
Generally, we retain client information for at least 7 years after the completion of services, in accordance with Australian financial services regulations.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Sending email notification to registered users
- Providing notice through our services
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
If you're not satisfied with our response to your privacy complaint, you may contact the OAIC at www.oaic.gov.au or call 1300 363 992.
11. Compliance
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with:
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles
- National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009
- Corporations Act 2001
- Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006
- Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensing requirements