Choice fears proposed amendments to conflicted remuneration rules in the Future of Financial Advice legislation will put consumers at risk.

In a submission to the Senate committee that is reviewing the changes, the consumer advocate says the proposal will allow advisers of authorised deposit-taking institutions to receive benefits for general advice.

Other restrictions on receiving commissions include not giving personal advice to the client in the previous 12 months and selling products from their employer only.

“Choice does not believe these protections are adequate,” it says. “The 12-month rule could be easily circumvented if one staff member provides advice and another sells the product.”

It argues consumers might not be able to distinguish between general and personal advice.

“They may incorrectly believe that the advice provided is appropriate to them.”

Choice recently researched consumer sentiment on the changes and found 81% of respondents were concerned bank tellers would be able to sell complex financial products without assessing personal needs.