ASIC suspends Dixon Advisory financial services licence
By Elizabeth McArthur
ASIC has suspended the Australian financial services license of embattled Dixon Advisory and Superannuation Services.
The regulator's move follows the appointment of Stephen Graham Longley and Craig David Crosbie as joint administrators to Dixon Advisory on January 19, 2022.
According to the administrators, most Dixon Advisory clients have transitioned to alternate financial services providers of their choice.
The terms of the AFSL suspension allow Dixon Advisory's licence to continue to operate until May 9, 2022, so that existing clients who have not yet transitioned to an alternate provider can continue to access financial services.
It also requires the maintenance of dispute resolution arrangements including AFCA membership until April 8, 2023; and requires the maintenance of compensation arrangements that comply with the Corporations Act 2001 until April 8, 2023.
Dixon Advisory has a right to seek a review of ASIC's decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
ASIC said it is also undertaking inquiries in relation to the transition of former clients of Dixon Advisory to Evans and Partners, which is a related entity.
Evans and Partners made an ASX announcement about the appointment of administrators to Dixon Advisory on January 19, 2022.
ASIC commenced civil penalty proceedings against Dixon Advisory in 2020 for alleged conflicts, best interest failures and inappropriate advice. These proceedings are currently stayed.
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