Former Macquarie adviser charged
Former financial adviser for Macquarie Equities Limited, Warren Acworth, has been charged with dishonesty offences, following an investigation from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
He appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 30 October, 2020, charged with 27 offences:
- 16 counts of making false or misleading statements contrary to sections 1041E(1) and s1311(1) of the Corporations Act with each offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine varying between $810,000 and $945,000;
- Six counts of making a statement that was false contrary to section 64 of the ASIC Act (Cth) with each offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of $21,000; and
- Five counts of fraud contrary to section 408C(1)(e) of the Criminal Code (Qld) with maximum penalties varying between 14-20 years’ imprisonment.
Acworth had been placed on bail with condition that he does not leave Australia without notifying the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions 21 days prior to intended travel.
Acworth worked as an adviser for Macquarie between December 2015 and May 2018.
AUTHOR
Chris Dastoor
Recommended for you
As the year draws to a close, a new report has explored the key trends and areas of focus for financial advisers over the last 12 months.
Assured Support explores five tips to help financial advisers embed compliance into the heart of their business, with 2025 set to see further regulatory change.
David Sipina has been sentenced to three years under an intensive correction order for his role in the unlicensed Courtenay House financial services.
As AFSLs endeavour to meet their breach reporting obligations, a legal expert has emphasised why robust documentation will prove fruitful, particularly in the face of potential regulatory investigations.
