ASIC today announced it has entered into enforceable undertakings (EUs) with former directors of Trio Capital Limited, Mr Rex Phillpott and [This media release was amended on 27 October 2023 in accordance with ASIC policy - see INFO 152 Public comment on ASIC's regulatory activities.].
Mr Phillpott was the Chief Executive Officer, director and secretary of Trio Capital from October 2005. He was also on the Risk and Compliance Committee. Mr Phillpott has agreed not to act as a director of any corporation or in any role within the financial services industry for 15 years.
[This media release was amended on 27 October 2023 in accordance with ASIC policy - see INFO 152 Public comment on ASIC's regulatory activities.].
ASIC Chairman, Greg Medcraft, said:
‘The responsibilities of directors and officers of responsible entities are not diminished through outsourcing to investment managers. ASIC will hold these gatekeepers to account.
‘ASIC is concerned that both Mr Phillpott and Ms Beck failed in their duties as officers of the responsible entity of the Astarra Strategic Fund. ASIC believes it’s appropriate that they not be involved in the financial services industry or act as directors.’
The EUs follow the guilty plea of Mr Shawn Richard to two charges of dishonest conduct in relation to his role as a director of the investment manager of the Astarra Strategic Fund. Mr Richard is currently on bail awaiting sentence.
[This media release was amended on 29 July 2021 in accordance with ASIC policy - see INFO 152 Public comment on ASIC's regulatory activities.]
Background
Trio Capital was formerly the trustee of five superannuation entities and the responsible entity for 25 managed investment schemes, including the Astarra Strategic Fund. The Astarra Strategic Fund was a fund of hedge funds which in December 2009 had reported assets of $125 million. Investors in the Astarra Strategic Fund included several superannuation trusts managed by Trio Capital as well as self-managed superannuation funds and direct investors.
The Astarra Strategic Fund invested in several questionable overseas hedge funds, mostly based in the Caribbean. ASIC commenced an investigation into Trio Capital in October 2009 over concerns about the legitimacy of its investments. Trio Capital was placed into administration on 16 December 2009. On 16 April 2010, the NSW Supreme Court ordered that the Astarra Strategic Fund be wound up. Since this time, the liquidator of Trio Capital has been unable to recover the vast majority of the investments made by the Astarra Strategic Fund.
Soon after ASIC commenced its investigation into Trio Capital, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) commenced a concurrent investigation. Both agencies have been cooperating with each other with respect to their investigations. Investigations by both agencies are continuing.