Macquarie staffer banned for tardy SOAs
The former Macquarie Bank staffer banned from practicing financial services last week for being late with disclosure documents had already been warned of his transgressions, the bank has revealed.
Julian Hays, who left the bank three months ago, was banned for three years from providing a financial service for failing to provide clients of the bank with timely Statements of Advice (SOAs).
A spokesperson for Macquarie said Hayes “did not adhere to processes that were in place in order to ensure its clients risks were carefully managed”, despite being counselled about this.
“Despite attempts to assist the former employee to comply he continued to refuse to follow processes,” the spokesperson said.
Macquarie said it had taken steps to ensure that no clients were disadvantaged by Hayes’ actions and also put “stringent processes” in place in order to ensure repeat occurrences do not take place.
Hayes was banned by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) following an investigation into his financial dealings as a representative of both Macquarie Equities and Macquarie Investment Management between September and November 2004.
ASIC alleged Hayes’ actions breached the Corporations Act, which states a SOA must be given as “soon as practicable and in any event not later than the fifth day after a financial service is provided”, according to its deputy enforcement director, Allen Turton.
An ASIC investigation identified instances where Hayes had “failed to provide SOAs for periods between three weeks and two months after providing financial services such as superannuation rollovers”, Turton said.
“A review of Hayes’ client files indicated he had failed to make adequate enquiries concerning clients’ personal circumstances and demonstrate regard for the information obtained through such enquiries.”
He said ASIC was also concerned that Hayes, who ceased employment with Macquarie in December 2005, did not have the necessary “product knowledge and capacity to provide reliable advice”.
Hayes has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decision.
Recommended for you
Money Management examines the share price of financial advice licensees over one year to 31 March, with M&A actions in the final quarter having a positive effect for two licensees.
A $3.5 million settlement for victims of Melissa Caddick has been approved by the Federal Court following an initial agreement last December.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has delivered its first rate decision since the introduction of a new board structure last month.
Digital advice provider Otivo has launched an interactive tool, powered by artificial intelligence and Otivo’s own advice engine, to help answer client questions.
