Millions of Australians are improving their financially literacy thanks to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), according to a new report.

The National Financial Literacy Strategy’s 2014/15 update shows more than 5 million people visited ASIC’s MoneySmart website since its launch in August last year.

The site provides financial guidance and digital decision-making tools for consumers and investors. It includes 29 financial calculators and four apps.

The report shows there were 150,000 app downloads and 4.5 million unique calculator page views.

One-third of Australian schools engaged with ASIC’s MoneySmart Teaching program, and there were 77,000 downloads of the website’s teaching resources.

ASIC Chairman Greg Medcraft says the regulator’s financial literacy work is key to promoting investor and financial confidence. 

More than 50 organisations are involved in the literacy strategy, including the Australian Defence Force, social services, schools and banks.

“The report is testimony to the strong commitment – shared across sectors – to improve the financial literacy of Australians from all walks of life in order to make a difference to their financial wellbeing,” Mr Medcraft said. 

He says the national strategy also delivers “bespoke guidance” for specific groups, such as the women’s money toolkit.

Minister for Women Michaelia Cash says financial literacy is an “important piece of the puzzle” in supporting women’s economic security.

“When women are economically empowered, whole families, entire communities and the economy benefits,” she said.