Former Sydney adviser has assets frozen amid ASIC investigation



ASIC has commenced “urgent proceedings” in the Federal Court of a former Sydney financial adviser.
These are against David Valvo and the company Your Financial Freedom as ASIC is investigating the financial services provided by David Valvo and Your Financial Freedom during the period 1 January 2015 to 21 September 2021, regarding fees charged to client superannuation funds.
Valvo is the sole director and shareholder in Your Financial Freedom.
On the same day (5 July), the Federal Court made orders freezing the assets of Valvo and the company, restrained him from leaving Australia and required him to surrender his passport.
According to the Financial Advisers Register, Valvo was authorised by Nextgen Financial Group at the time of the alleged action. He previously worked at Insignia Platforms from December 2007 to September 2013.
It also noted he had failed to complete the relevant CPD for 2019 and 2020.
As well as his work as a financial planner, Valvo also works as a comedian, voiceover artist and impersonator at events in Sydney.
The orders were varied on 7 July and 4 August 2023 with Valvo’s consent.
The matter is listed for a case management hearing on 29 September 2023.
ASIC’s investigation is continuing.
Recommended for you
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.
New Zealand’s financial regulator is following the footsteps of its Tasman neighbours and proposing to conduct a review on improving the accessibility of financial advice and advice business models.