ASIC cancels seven advice licences

ASIC has cancelled the seven AFS licences and referred another three for further action following a review the regulator undertook of licensees that had not requested a release of a security bond, required to be lodged with ASIC under a previous licensing regime.

“ASIC was concerned some licensees may not have requested the return of their security bond as they did not have an adequate professional indemnity insurance policy,” the statement said.

The review also led to ASIC prompting 17 entities to voluntarily cancel their AFS licences as they were no longer operating a financial service business.

ASIC identified 98 financial advice licensees that still maintained a security bond with ASIC and contacted them to remind them to apply for its release.

“As part of the conditions of release, each licensee had to provide ASIC with evidence of their professional indemnity insurance arrangements,” the statement said.

“Even if licensees were not prepared to apply for the return of their security bond, they were still required to provide evidence to ASIC that they had in place necessary insurance arrangements to comply with Corporations Act requirements,” the statement added.

ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell said the review assisted ASIC to remove licensees failing to meet their professional indemnity obligations.

“Licensees must ensure they are up-to-date with and actively complying with all current obligations, otherwise ASIC will take further regulatory action, including cancellation of the AFS licence,” said Mr Kell.