ASIC accepts EU from former Synchron adviser
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from a former Victorian authorised representative of non-aligned planning group, Synchron, to withdraw from financial services for three years.
ASIC accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Michael Melamed after concerns that his advice on life insurance between March 2013 and January 2015 during his tenure at Synchron did not meet the standards required of a financial adviser and that he failed to comply with financial services laws.
He also failed to demonstrate he had the professional skills and knowledge needed to proficiently provide financial services.
ASIC said Melamed failed to keep accurate records of the financial product advice provided, failed to make appropriate inquiries into his clients' relevant objectives, financial situation and needs, and failed to carry out a needs analysis to see if the amount of insurance cover was in his clients' best interests.
ASIC also found he had recommended insurance cover where clients could not afford the insurance premiums.
ASIC reviewed advice provided by Melamed as part of its review of life insurance advice.
"Mr Melamed acknowledges that ASIC's concerns about his advice are reasonably held," ASIC said.
If Melamed wishes to re-enter the financial services industry after the three-year period, he must inform ASIC and undertake the required additional training to provide financial product advice.
His withdrawal will be recorded in the Financial Advisers Registry.
AUTHOR
Malavika Santhebennur
Recommended for you
With an advice M&A deal taking around six months to enact, two experts have shared their tips on how buyers and sellers can avoid “deal fatigue” and prevent potential deals from collapsing.
Several financial advisers have been shortlisted in the ninth annual Women in Finance Awards 2025, to be held on 14 November.
Digital advice tools are on the rise, but licensees will need to ensure they still meet adviser obligations or potentially risk a class action if clients lose money from a rogue algorithm.
Shaw and Partners has merged with Sydney wealth manager Kennedy Partners Wealth, while Ord Minnett has hired a private wealth adviser from Morgan Stanley.
