Chairman applauds ASX resignations


Two ASX board members who resigned last week after being charged with short-selling by the US regulator have been congratulated by ASX chairman Rick Holliday-Smith following the decision.
Russell Aboud and Shane Finemore are the chair and managing partner of Manikay Partners, a New York-based hedge fund at the centre of an Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement action.
Holliday-Smith said the pair had gone into business following their appointment to the ASX - an arrangement the board had considered but dismissed due to the relative strengths the two brought to the table.
He said their commitment to the ASX had been vindicated by their decision to stand down following the charges, which also snagged 22 other firms operating in the US. All parties agreed to settlements with the SEC which involved administrative orders but no admission of guilt or innocence.
The pair’s replacement would now become part of an ongoing board renewal program, Holliday-Smith said, and a pipeline of good candidates would ensure the right mix of skills was applied to the board.
Recent appointments to the ASX including Heather Ridout and Dr Ken Henry were the result of the program, Holliday-Smith said.
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.