ASIC takes action on two Qld AFSLs
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ASIC has taken action on two Queensland-based AFSLs, one receiving a suspension and one seeing their licence cancelled.
Responsible Entity Services Limited, based in Meadowbrook, Queensland, has seen its licence suspended by the corporate regulator until 11 June 2025.
This was due to the firm being under external administration. On 26 March 2024, Responsible Entity Services was placed into voluntary administration, with Rachel Burdett and Barry Wight of Cor Cordis appointed as administrators.
While the licence has been suspended, ASIC said the administrators are allowed to conduct the following necessary activities under the Corporations Act:
- Transferring the schemes to a new responsible entity
- Investigating or preserving the assets and affairs of the schemes
- Winding up the schemes
According to ASIC Connect, the firm was formerly known as Investors Exchange Ltd, Investaguard Ltd, No Limit Capital Ltd and Dean Capital Ltd in the past.
ASIC has the power to suspend or cancel an AFS licence held by a Chapter 5 body corporate including a body corporate that is under administration.
Secondly, ASIC has cancelled the AFSL of Haywards Audit Pty which took place on 7 June as the firm is no longer carrying on a financial services business. The firm was based in Lutwyche, near Brisbane.
Under the Corporations Act, ASIC may cancel an AFS licence held by a body corporate if the body ceases to carry on a financial services business.
Both firms may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review of ASIC’s decision.
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