SFO investigating financial advisory firm
Auckland-based firm Australian Securities (NZ) being investigated by Serious Fraud Office.
The Serious Fraud Office has confirmed it is investing financial advisory firm Australian Securities (NZ), following allegations that investors may have been fraudulently misled.
Australian Securities, directed by Gregory Alan Arnott, is based in Auckland and has a number of New Zealand based clients.
It specialises in trading derivatives and options on the futures market of the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).
The SFO undertook a preliminary investigation into the company in May, which has resulted in the matter being upgraded to allow the office to exercise more extensive investigative powers.
SFO chief executive Adam Feeley says there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence involving serious or complex fraud may have been committed.
“While the matter is at a relatively early stage and no adverse conclusions have been reached, we believe it is in the public interest for current or future investors to be aware of SFO’s inquiries,” he says.
Interviews with associated parties will begin immediately in order to determine whether the company may pose an "ongoing risk" to investors.
Due to the complex nature of the investigation, independent experts will also be engaged in order to assist the SFO.
Niko Kloeten
Wed, 10 Aug 2011
Wed, 10 Aug 2011
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SFO investigating financial advisory firm
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