ASIC makes first AFSL action of FY24–25



ASIC has suspended the Australian financial services licence (AFSL) of a Sydney firm, the first in the new financial year.
The corporate regulator suspended the AFSL of HLK Group for a period of six months until 27 December 2024.
This was because the firm, which has held the AFSL since 31 May 2013, has ceased carrying on a financial services business.
“The AFS licence authorised HLK Group to provide financial product advice to, and deal in various financial products for, retail and wholesale clients. Currently HLK Group has no retail or wholesale clients,” ASIC said in a statement.
Sydney firms have been particularly prevalent this year when it comes to AFSL action, with seven firms in the NSW city seeing action taken against them.
This includes Indie Advice in January, Brava Capital in February, Suetonius Wealth Management and Crown Wealth in March, Aussie Wealth Super, Sug Ou Jeung and Ascot Securities in June.
Click here to read Money Management’s round-up of ASIC actions against financial advisers during the last financial year.
Recommended for you
As advisers risk losing two-thirds of FUA during the $3.5 trillion wealth transfer, two co-founders underscore why fostering trust with the next generation is vital to retaining intergenerational wealth.
As advisers seek greater insights into FSCP determinations, what are the various options considered by the panel and can a decision be appealed?
Amid the current financial adviser shortage, advice firm Link Wealth is looking to expand its financial literacy program for high school students across the country.
TAL Risk Academy has updated its range of ethics courses to help financial advisers meet their CPD requirements following adviser feedback, including interpreting FSCP determinations.
testing only
WHAT ARE THEY BOASTING ? JG