Following an ASIC investigation, Gold Coast man Mr Ricky David Gillespie, 38, has appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court on one rolled-up charge alleging the forgery of 31 documents.

Mr Gillespie provided advice as a former representative of the Commonwealth Bank's financial planning subsidiary, Commonwealth Financial Planning Limited (CFPL).

ASIC alleges that between 1 January 2007 and 13 June 2009, Mr Gillespie, while a Senior Financial Planner based at the Broadbeach Commonwealth Bank branch on the Gold Coast, forged the signatures of a number of the bank's clients to whom he was providing financial advice.

It is alleged Mr Gillespie forged the signatures of clients on documents including applications for financial products and a series of internal CFPL documents.  It is alleged that the purpose of the forgeries was to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Bank's internal audit process.

The case was adjourned for further mention on 4 July 2016.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Background

In 2014, ASIC placed conditions on the AFS licence of CFPL. ASIC continues to monitor the licence conditions. [This media release was amended on 6/12/2024 in accordance with ASIC policy - see INFO 152 Public comment on ASIC's regulatory activities.]

In 2012, Mr Gillespie was permanently banned by ASIC from providing any financial services. (refer: 12-269MR)

Editor's note 1:

On 4 July 2016, the matter was adjourned for a mention on 5 September 2016.

Editor's note 2:

On 5 September 2016, the matter was adjourned for further mention on 17 October, 2016.

Editor's note 3:

At a mention on 17 October 2016, the matter was adjourned for further mention until 5 December 2016.

Editor's note 4:

The matter was mentioned on 5 December 2016. The matter has been adjourned until 30 January 2017 to hear a  defence application for a permanent stay.

Editor's note 5:

On 6 February 2017, the Magistrates' Court at Southport declined to stay the proceedings which are now set down for mention on 20 February 2017.

Editor's Note 6:　

On 20 February 2017, the matter was set down for hearing in the Southport Magistrates Court between 17 and 19 July 2017.

Editor's note 7:

The trial dates set down for 17 to 19 July 2017 have been vacated. The matter is now set down for mention on 19 June 2017.

Editor's note 8:

The matter has been adjourned for further mention until 17 July 2017.

Editor's note 9:

On 17 July 2017, the matter was set down for hearing in the Southport Magistrates' Court commencing on 6 November 2017. The matter will be next mentioned in Court on 24 October 2017 for a review prior to hearing.