Sydney-based financial adviser charged with fraud
A former Sydney-based financial adviser yesterday faced a Sydney court charged with fraud following an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
James Patrick Hobson, employed by Binma Pty Ltd trading as Noall & Co, was charged with four counts of fraudulent misappropriation of a valuable security.
It is alleged that between March and August 2008, Hobson misappropriated $307,000 and attempted to misappropriate $120,000 of client funds while working for Noall & Co.
In each instance, it is alleged Hobson advised clients to invest in international shares via a product called Skandia. It is alleged that Hobson did not invest these funds on behalf of the clients as per their instructions, but instead used the money for his own personal use.
The matter will return to court on 10 January 2012.
Hobson was granted conditional bail.
Recommended for you
The top five licensees are demonstrating a “strong recovery” from losses in the first half of the year, and the gap is narrowing between their respective adviser numbers.
With many advisers preparing to retire or sell up, business advisory firm Business Health believes advisers need to take a proactive approach to informing their clients of succession plans.
Retirement commentators have flagged that almost a third of Australians over 50 are unprepared for the longevity of retirement and are falling behind APAC peers in their preparations and advice engagement.
As private markets continue to garner investor interest, Netwealth’s series of private market reports have revealed how much advisers and wealth managers are allocating, as well as a growing attraction to evergreen funds.

