ASIC accepts EUs from former AMP representatives
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from a former ANZ-aligned and AMP Financial Planning representative, and a former AMP Representative after concerns over their compliance with financial services laws.
Reid Menkens was previously at Millennium3 Financial Services, while Leo Menkens was a former AMP representative. Both trade as Brisbane-based plannning firm, Menkens Financial Group, whose financial services licensees are Austplan Pty Ltd.
ASIC's review of client files found both the father and son had failed to show they had acted in the best interests of their clients, keep appropriate records, and deliver statements of advice on time.
ASIC deputy chairman, Peter Kell, said: "Financial advisers need to ensure their processes and documentation demonstrate that they have acted in the best interests of their clients."
Under the EU, the pair must assign an independent consultant to carry out a program of pre-vet and audit reviews to scrutinise whether their advice was compliant.
The consultant will report to ASIC and Austplan and the father and son will have to remedy any failings found in the review.
ASIC's findings are part of its Wealth Management Project, which started in October last year. It has banned five other advisers from the financial services industry.
Recommended for you
A new advice licensee set up by former WT Financial advisers has helped financial adviser numbers return above the 15,600 mark this week.
Two separate studies have discovered the majority of advised clients prefer to pay a flat fee for financial advice, while unearthing how much they are willing to pay for the service.
Financial services software Iress and digital community platform Ensombl have partnered up to strengthen the technology skills of financial advisers and paraplanners through a new initiative.
The corporate regulator has commenced “urgent” Federal Court proceedings against a Brisbane-based financial adviser in connection to financial advice and activities on client trading accounts.