ASIC suspends financial planning practice license for lack of PI
Perth-based financial advice firm, Ballast Financial Management has had its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) suspended by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for at least 10 weeks during which it can seek to obtain professional indemnity (PI) insurance.
ASIC said the Ballast AFSL had been suspended because it had ceased to carry on a financial services business because of its failure to obtain professional indemnity insurance.
The regulator said the 10-week suspension would give Ballast sufficient time to put in place adequate compensation arrangements.
“The suspension also provides Ballast an opportunity to identify and appoint an appropriately qualified and experienced responsible manager following the resignation of its previous responsible manage,” the ASIC announcement
It said that if Ballast was unable to demonstrate that it was in a position to recommence its financial services business by the end of the 10-week suspension, ASIC would consider cancelling its license.
Recommended for you
Financial services lawyers believe the government may have good intentions, but the proposed legislation leaves superannuation trustees targeting an unachievable “standard of perfection” when it comes to advice deductions.
Advisers could find themselves unable to receive the fair market price of their advice as the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes legislation states superannuation trustees can reject deductions that are not charged on a cost basis.
Two advice professionals have shared five key takeaways as to how advisers can strengthen their communication with clients, especially at review time, in order to build deeper relationships.
The Financial Services Council has launched the Digital Advice Expert Group to support policy development around digital advice adoption and ensure greater accessibility for Australians.
