ASIC bans Tasmanian adviser for five years



The corporate regulator has banned David Horton from providing financial services for five years after finding that he was not competent and not adequately trained.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found Horton, who was an authorised representative of Meritum Financial Group, failed to provide financial advice that was appropriate and in the best interests of his clients and keep proper records.
ASIC found Hobart-based Horton provided a number of clients with inappropriate advice to double gear their investments while disregarding the clients’ relevant personal circumstances, cashflow position or ability to cover margin calls.
In 2017, Horton moved from Meritum to an administrative role at FF Planning Solutions and provided unlicensed advice to some clients.
Recommended for you
Two advisers say M&A is becoming a “contact sport” as competition heats up to acquire attractive advice firms, while a lack of new entrants creates roadblocks in organic growth opportunities.
Perth advice firm Integro Private Wealth has appointed a head of advice to spearhead a major business development initiative to expand nationwide.
AZ NGA has taken a larger stake in ex-AMP advice firm Geographe Financial Group, triggering leadership changes as it prepares for future M&A growth opportunities.
Over half of financial advice clients say they have found their adviser via a referral from an existing client, according to Dimensional.