Unlicensed lender banned
A Sydney-sider who made investment recommendations to clients without holding an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) has been banned from providing financial services for eight years.
An investigation carried out by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found that Dimitri Amargianitakis of Baulkham Hills, a director of Vista Capital Pty Ltd, ran a financial services business without holding an AFSL, and also signed financial statements in circumstances where he knew that they were not accurate.
ASIC revealed that Vista Capital provided mezzanine finance and mortgage lending services, and raised funds for these activities by borrowing mainly from clients connected with the accounting practice Akis & Associates, of which Amargianitakis was a director.
In addition to his eight-year ban, Amargiantiakis, has entered into an enforceable undertaking with ASIC, agreeing not to manage a company for 18 months, and to undertake and pass the Australian Institute of Company Directors' course, or its equivalent, before being reappointed as a director of a company.
AUTHOR
Nicholas O'Donoghue
Recommended for you
New York-based firm CC Capital has bumped up its offer to stay ahead of rival bidder Bain Capital.
In a tight race against Morgans, AMP Financial Planning has won back its position as the largest individual licensee in Australia, according to Wealth Data.
Learning to delegate authority and relinquish a hands-on approach is a critical step towards building a self-sustaining financial advice practice, says Assured Support.
Private wealth management company Stellan Capital has appointed a new chief executive, who brings over three decades of experience in the global financial services industry.
