Warning shots fired to financial advisers over blanket strategies

By Cameron Micallef

June 27 2019
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The corporate regulator has issued a warning to investors to be aware of the advice they are receiving, following the banning of an adviser.

ASIC has banned a Queensland-based financial adviser for five years after the licensee he was working under was cancelled in December last year.

The banning of Beenleigh’s financial adviser, Frazer Jon Muscat, from providing financial services followed surveillance from ASIC.

ASIC’s investigation found that Mr Muscat’s advice failed to take into account his clients’ individual circumstances because he used a templated approach for all clients.

They found that Mr Muscat developed an “insurance needs calculation template”, which recommended his clients apply for levels of insurance that were higher than their circumstances required. In many cases, his recommendations were at complete odds with what the clients needed.

ASIC commissioner Danielle Press has reiterated that financial advisers have an obligation to act in the best interests of clients.

“When providing personal advice, ASIC expects financial advisers to take reasonable steps to understand their clients’ individual circumstances, needs and objectives before making any recommendations,” said Ms Press.

“Advisers have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of their clients at all times and, because client circumstances often vary considerably, using a templated approach will not produce the most appropriate advice recommendations in all instances,” continued Ms Press.

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About the author

Cameron Micallef

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

About the author

Cameron Micallef

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

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