ASIC freezes assets of adviser



The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has sought court orders to freeze the assets of a financial adviser who it alleges failed to assist the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to resolve client complaints.
ASIC announced today that it had obtained consent orders and undertakings in the NSW Supreme Court against Ross Andrew Hopkins, QWL Pty Ltd and QWL Asset Management Pty Ltd restraining Hopkins and QWL from dissipating or diminishing the value of their assets and providing financial services to clients without seeking prior approval from ASIC.
The regulator said it had started an investigation into allegation that Hopkins and QWL failed to resolve client complaints and that it was continuing that investigation.
It said that the matter would return to court on 18 November.
ASIC said that clients of QWL who were concerned about misconduct could lodge reports with ASIC or complaints with AFCA.
Recommended for you
ASIC’s enforcement action is having an active start to the new financial year, banning a former Queensland financial adviser for 10 years in relation to fees for no service conduct.
ASIC has confirmed the industry funding levy for the 2024–25 financial year, and how much licensees can expect to pay.
Australian licensees are expected to make greater use of custom model portfolios for their clients, according to State Street Investment Management, following in the footsteps of US peers.
Adviser Ratings has argued that it’s time for more advisers to utilise digital engagement tools available to them as a disconnect grows between consumers seeking advice from finfluencers and from professionals.