ASIC has banned Mr Adrian Chenh and Mr Bill El-Helou from providing financial services for a period of five years each following an ASIC investigation.

ASIC’s investigation found that Mr Chenh and Mr El-Helou provided advice to clients that was in breach of the best interests duty introduced under the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms.

ASIC found that Mr Chenh and Mr El-Helou had:

• failed to act in the best interests of clients in that the advice provided did not leave them in a better position;
• failed to provide advice that was appropriate to the clients; and
• failed to provide financial services guides, product disclosure statements and statements of advice.

An additional finding was made that Mr El-Helou was not adequately trained, or not competent, to provide financial services.

ASIC deputy Chairman Peter Kell said, ‘Financial advisers must act in the best interests of their clients and provide advice that is appropriate. ASIC is committed to raising standards in the financial advice industry.’   

Mr Chenh and Mr El-Helou both have a right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decisions. Mr Chenh has exercised his right of appeal and filed an application for review on 21 March 2017.

Background

ASIC has commenced proceedings against NSG Services Pty Ltd (formerly National Sterling Group Pty Ltd) (NSG) for breaches of the "best interests obligations" contained in the Corporations Act, and is seeking declarations of breaches and financial penalties (refer: 16-187MR).  A hearing on liability occurred on 30 March 2017.

Both Mr Chenh and Mr El-Helou, previously representatives at NSG, gave financial product advice, particularly in relation to superannuation and insurance.

Editor's note:

Mr El-Helou has exercised his right of appeal and filed an application for review on 30 March 2017.

Editor's note 2:

On 7 and 12 February 2019, Mr El-Helou and Mr Chenh each withdrew their applications to the AAT for review. They will continue to serve their bans, which will expire on 14 and 19 March 2022 respectively.