Banned adviser praised in Parliament

Andrew Gee, Nationals MP for the rural NSW seat of Calare, has made a speech in the Federal Parliament recognising members of his community who have been advocates for victims of domestic violence, including former financial adviser Darren Tindall.

Mr Tindall is one of a number of White Ribbon Day committee members raising funds for organisations supporting victims in central western NSW.

“Domestic violence is a serious issue in regional communities … but there is a dedicated team of people who are working hard to bring this issue to a close, to the extent that we can,” Mr Gee said before going on to mention Mr Tindall specifically.

Mr Tindall was handed a five-year ban in February 2017 and was expelled from the FPA membership, with the association claiming he had engaged in “misleading, deceptive, dishonest and fraudulent conduct”.

Speaking exclusively to ifa, Mr Tindall said he has been committing his time since the ASIC enforcement activity to charitable efforts, especially on the topic of domestic violence.

“Helping victims of domestic violence is not just a passion, it’s my life now,” he said. “If I cant help people through my profession at the moment, then at least I can help this way.”

Mr Tindall has raised thousands of dollars for local charities Housing Plus and Pay It Forward, which work with victims in the Orange area.

The former adviser – who is currently awaiting the verdict of his appeal against ASIC’s banning order – had some sage advice for other advisers who may find themselves on the receiving end of regulatory punishment.

“If you believe you’re a decent person and haven’t committed the crime, then your community and clients will believe you and know the difference,” he said. “You can turn this into a positive experience. Keep helping people however you can.”

While he has found a positive tone is his post-ban life, Mr Tindall intends to continue providing advice to clients in the future and is hopeful of a speedy resolution of the dispute before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

He has already paid his fine to the FPA and now wants “nothing to do with them”, but lamented that his former representative body did not show him support in his time of need.