This Privacy Policy explains how Ares Capital Advisory (ABN 32 704 458 826) ("Ares Capital Advisory", "we", "us", "our") collects, uses, discloses and protects personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs established under the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012.

We operate an information‑only website (no user accounts or online payments). Professional services are provided offline under a separate engagement letter and invoices.

1. What personal information we collect

The types of personal information we may collect include:

• Identity and contact details: name, email, phone, job title, organisation.

• Engagement information: details you provide when you enquire about or engage our valuation or advisory services.

• Billing information: (we do not process card payments via the Site).

• Communications: emails, call notes and messages sent via our contact form.

• Technical information: IP address, device/browser type, pages visited, time/date, referral source and cookie data (see Section 6 – Cookies & analytics).

If you provide information about someone else, you must ensure you are authorised to do so and that the person is aware of this Policy.

We generally do not collect sensitive information (e.g., health, ethnicity). If such information is reasonably necessary for our functions and you choose to provide it, we will only collect it with your consent or as permitted by law.

2. How we collect personal information

We collect personal information when you:

• contact us by email, phone or via our Site’s contact form;

• participate in meetings or events; or

• use the Site (via cookies and similar technologies).

We may also receive personal information from third parties (e.g., referrers, publicly available sources, or service providers assisting us) where lawful to do so.

3. Why we collect, use and disclose personal information

We collect and use personal information to:

• respond to enquiries and provide information about our services;

• perform and administer our professional services under an engagement letter;

• operate, maintain and improve the Site, user experience and security;

• conduct marketing (including sending updates or invitations) where permitted, with an easy opt‑out; and

• comply with legal obligations and manage risks (e.g., record‑keeping, insurance, dispute resolution).

If you do not provide requested information, we may be unable to respond or provide our services.

4. Direct marketing

We may send you updates or invitations we think are relevant to you. You can opt out at any time using the unsubscribe instructions in our messages or by contacting us (see Section 11).

5. Disclosing personal information

We may disclose personal information to:

• our service providers who help us operate (e.g., website hosting, email, file storage, analytics, accounting and IT security);

• professional advisers and insurers (e.g., legal, accounting, insurance) on a need‑to‑know basis; and

• government regulators, courts or law enforcement where required or authorised by law.

We require service providers to handle personal information in accordance with the APPs and to use it only for the services they provide to us.

6. Cookies & analytics

Our Site uses cookies and similar technologies to operate and improve the Site, analyse traffic and understand usage. Cookies are small files placed on your device.

• You can control cookies through your browser settings (e.g., block or delete cookies). If you disable cookies, parts of the Site may not function properly.

• We may use analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to collect aggregated information about Site usage (pages viewed, time on page, referrers). These tools use cookies and may receive limited technical data such as your IP address. We use this information to improve the Site. You can opt out by using your browser settings or available opt‑out tools offered by the analytics provider.

We do not use cookies to track you across unaffiliated sites for targeted advertising.

7. Storage and overseas disclosure

We store your personal information electronically with a third party data storage provider. We take all reasonable steps (including organisational and technological measures) to protect your personal information from misuse, interference and loss, as well as unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

We only keep your personal information for as long as it is required for a purpose for which the information may be used or disclosed under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) or as otherwise required by applicable laws. If we no longer need to hold your personal information for any reason or we are no longer required by law to keep it, we will take reasonable steps to de-identify or destroy that information. These steps may vary depending on the nature of the information, the way it was collected and how it was stored.

8. Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Measures include access controls, encryption in transit (HTTPS), and restricted access to files on a need‑to‑know basis. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

9. Retention and deletion

We retain personal information for as long as needed for our functions and to comply with audit, legal and tax requirements. When no longer required, we take reasonable steps to destroy or de‑identify it.

10. Access and correction

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you, or request that we correct it if it is inaccurate, out‑of‑date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading. We may need to verify your identity and, where permitted by law, may charge a reasonable fee for providing access. If we refuse access or correction, we will give you a written notice setting out the reasons and how you can complain.

11. Contact us

For privacy enquiries, access or correction requests, or to opt out of marketing, please contact:
Ares Capital Advisory (ABN 32 704 458 826)
Email: contact@arescapitaladvisory.com.au
Postal address: Caroline Springs 3023

12. Complaints

If you believe we have not complied with the APPs, please contact us (Section 11) with details. We will acknowledge your complaint and aim to respond within a reasonable time. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for further guidance or to lodge a complaint.

13. Children

Our Site and services are not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

14. Third‑party sites

Our Site may contain links to third‑party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. Review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

15. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes take effect when posted on the Site (see the “Last updated” date above). We may provide additional notice for material changes where appropriate.