Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

BARAQAH Islamic Finance Australia ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

As a credit assistance provider and mortgage broker operating under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (NCCP), we have additional obligations regarding the handling of credit-related personal information. This policy outlines our practices in compliance with both privacy and credit legislation.

2. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for our business functions and activities, including providing Islamic home finance, vehicle financing, and SMSF lending services.

Types of Information We Collect:

• Identity Information: Name, date of birth, gender, tax file number, driver's licence, passport details
• Contact Information: Address, email, phone number
• Employment Information: Employment status, employer details, income, length of employment
• Financial Information: Assets, liabilities, expenses, income sources, bank statements
• Credit Information: Credit history, credit scores, default listings, court judgments
• Security Information: Property details, valuations, mortgage references
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, access times (when using our website)

How We Collect Information:

• Directly from you via application forms, phone calls, emails, and in-person consultations
• From third parties with your consent (e.g., lenders, credit reporting bodies, employers)
• From publicly available sources
• Automatically through cookies when you visit our website

3. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

We use and disclose your personal information for the following purposes:

Primary Purposes:

• Assessing your eligibility for Islamic home loans, vehicle financing, or SMSF lending
• Providing credit assistance and mortgage broking services
• Submitting loan applications to lenders and Islamic finance providers
• Processing and managing your finance applications
• Arranging settlements and ongoing account management
• Complying with our legal and regulatory obligations

Secondary Purposes (with consent):

• Marketing our products and services
• Inviting you to events or providing industry updates
• Improving our services through feedback and surveys

Disclosure to Third Parties:

We may disclose your information to:

• Islamic banks and financial institutions (Australian and international)
• Credit reporting bodies (e.g., Equifax, Experian, illion)
• Valuers, insurers, and settlement agents
• Government agencies (e.g., ATO, ASIC) as required by law
• Professional advisers (lawyers, accountants)
• Service providers who assist us in our operations

Note: We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

4. Cross-Border Disclosure

Your personal information may be disclosed to overseas entities in connection with processing your finance application, including Islamic finance providers based in the Middle East, Asia, or other international locations. Where practicable, we will seek your consent before such disclosures. We will take reasonable steps to ensure that overseas recipients handle your information in accordance with Australian privacy standards.

5. Information Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure:

• Secure electronic systems with encryption and firewalls
• Physical security measures for paper records
• Access controls limiting employee access to personal information
• Regular security audits and staff training
• Secure destruction of information no longer needed

6. Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold (subject to legal exceptions)
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information
• Complain: Lodge a complaint if you believe we have breached your privacy

We will respond to your request within 30 days. Access may be refused in certain circumstances (e.g., legal proceedings, ongoing investigations). If we refuse access, we will provide reasons in writing.