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
Compared to four years ago when the divide between boutique and large licensees were largely equal, adviser movements have seen this trend shift in light of new licensees commencing.
As ongoing market uncertainty sees advisers look beyond traditional equity exposure, Fidante has found adviser interest in small caps and emerging markets for portfolio returns has almost doubled since April.
CoreData has shared the top areas of demand for cryptocurrency advice but finds investors are seeking advisers who actively invest in the asset themselves.
With regulators ‘raising the bar’ on retirement planning, Lonsec Research and Ratings has urged advisers to place greater focus on sequencing and longevity risk as they navigate clients through the shifting landscape.

