AMP Financial Planning caught on super switching
AMP Financial Planning has given the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) an enforceable undertaking relating to the provision of superannuation switching advice after being caught up in a review conducted by the regulator.
According to AMP, between October last year and April this year ASIC conducted a review of around 300 client files, and discovered that some AMP Financial Planning planners had not disclosed a reasonable basis for advice when recommending a change in superannuation funds.
It said ASIC had also found that changes were required to AMP Financial Planning’s Financial Services Guide and website to make clearer the range of products and services provided to customers.
AMP acknowledged that ASIC had also expressed concern that AMP Financial Planning might not have adequate arrangements in place for the management of conflicts of interest.
Commenting on the enforceable undertaking, AMP chief executive Andrew Mohl said the company accepted there had been inadequacies in its processes and procedures.
“In the majority of cases, we believe the financial outcome recommended to our customers was appropriate and reasonable,” he said. “However, in some cases the reasons for recommending changes to superannuation arrangements were not as well documented as they needed to be.”
He said AMP was disappointed the company had not met the high standards it set for itself.
Recommended for you
ASIC has released the results of its first adviser exam to be held in 2025, with 241 candidates attempting the test.
Quarterly Wealth Data analysis has uncovered positive improvements in financial adviser numbers compared with losses in the prior corresponding period.
Holding portfolios that are too complex or personalised can be a detractor for acquirers of financial advice firms as they require too much effort to maintain post-acquisition.
As the financial advice profession continues to wait on further DBFO legislation, industry commentators have encouraged advisers to act now in driving practice efficiency.