Former Macquarie adviser charged
Former financial adviser for Macquarie Equities Limited, Warren Acworth, has been charged with dishonesty offences, following an investigation from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
He appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 30 October, 2020, charged with 27 offences:
- 16 counts of making false or misleading statements contrary to sections 1041E(1) and s1311(1) of the Corporations Act with each offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine varying between $810,000 and $945,000;
- Six counts of making a statement that was false contrary to section 64 of the ASIC Act (Cth) with each offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of $21,000; and
- Five counts of fraud contrary to section 408C(1)(e) of the Criminal Code (Qld) with maximum penalties varying between 14-20 years’ imprisonment.
Acworth had been placed on bail with condition that he does not leave Australia without notifying the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions 21 days prior to intended travel.
Acworth worked as an adviser for Macquarie between December 2015 and May 2018.
AUTHOR
Chris Dastoor
Recommended for you
ASIC has permanently banned a former Perth adviser after he made “materially misleading” statements to induce investors.
The Financial Services and Credit Panel has made a written order to a relevant provider after it gave advice regarding non-concessional contributions.
With wealth management M&A appetite only growing stronger, Business Health has outlined the major considerations for buyers and sellers to prevent unintended misalignment between the parties.
Industry body SIAA has said the falling number of financial advisers in Australia is a key issue impacting the attractiveness and investor participation of both public and private markets.
