Aon caught lying about Dover licensing offer

Last week, ifa reported that Aon Hewitt Financial Advice was one of a number of licensees actively targeting Dover authorised representatives in the wake of the shock closure of their licence.

An email co-signed by Aon Hewitt regional client manager John Tenho and partner Jayson Walker and sent to Dover advisers on Saturday 9 June, seen by ifa, said their door is open to the authorised representatives at this difficult time.

"Many of you would naturally feel stressed and anxious about the current circumstances … We want to assure you that we are here to support every professional financial planner needing a new licensee," the email said.

“If you want to learn more about Aon and our offer then please don’t hesitate to contact us today … If you need a reputable, stable and flexible licensee, contact us.”

However, a number of Dover advisers, speaking to ifa on condition of anonymity, said Aon subsequently rescinded the offer, making clear it would not be onboarding any Dover advisers.

Asked about the alleged change in tune, an Aon spokesperson issued a short statement denying that the organisation had ever made the offer.

“Aon Hewitt Financial Advice made no offers to take on any existing or former advisers of Dover,” the statement said.

“Aon Hewitt Financial Advice is not currently looking to take on any additional advisers under its licence.”

The point-blank denial comes despite the leaked email specifically referring to “our offer”.

The Aon spokesperson did acknowledge the existence of the email, but tried to suggest it was only a communication from the “regional services manager” even though it was co-signed by Mr Walker, who heads the financial advice licensing business at Aon.

The withdrawal of the offer statement in response to ifa’s questions also comes despite the email attempting empathetic language and acknowledging the “stressed and anxious” state of the Dover community.

The revelations follow a licensing offer made by an obscure holding company, Jardin Wealth, and former ASIC and NAB manager Daniel Rake on behalf of two undisclosed licensees this week.

ifa understands that a number of licensees are currently in the process of onboarding Dover authorised representatives.