Financial Counsellors Association of New South Wales Inc
The Financial Counsellors Association of New South Wales Inc (FCAN) is a nonprofit organisation serving as the peak membership body for financial counsellors in New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1980 as the Institute of Financial Counselling, it has operated for over four decades to support professionals assisting individuals experiencing financial hardship[1][2].

Purpose and activities
FCAN provides accreditation, training programs, and professional development opportunities to financial counsellors, alongside facilitating peer supervision networks[2][4]. The association advocates for regulatory reforms and financial products designed to protect vulnerable populations from economic distress[2][3].

Governance
As a registered charity, FCAN operates under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) framework[3]. Its work focuses on enhancing sector capacity through resource distribution and systemic advocacy[4]. The organisation does not provide direct client services but supports counsellors who assist individuals statewide[4].

Historical context
Since its inception, FCAN has evolved to address changing economic challenges, maintaining a central role in standardising professional practices within NSW's financial counselling sector[1][2].

[1] https://fcan.org.au [2] https://fcan.org.au/about-us/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/86fa133a-39af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/profile [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/86fa133a-39af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/83138dd2-a697-ed11-aad1-000d3acbbbfb [5] https://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/about-fca/members/