Sydney adviser pleads guilty to misappropriating $2.9m

Ross Hopkins from Northern Sydney suburb Seaforth, appeared at the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to 15 offences and was committed to the Sydney District Court for sentence.

The case against Hopkins alleged that between 14 October 2016 and 8 October 2019, as the sole director of advice firm QWL, he made 167 unauthorised transactions for 13 clients amounting to $2.94 million.

ASIC alleged the misappropriated funds were transferred into Hopkins’ own personal accounts, or accounts otherwise controlled by him, and used for his own benefits.

The regulator also alleged he made false representations about the nature of the unauthorised transfers to conceal his dishonest conduct and avoid detection.

QWL, which has held its AFSL since 2004, provided financial advice including dealing in securities and advising on self-managed superannuation funds.

ASIC commenced an investigation into Hopkins and the company in 2019, in response to allegations that QWL had failed to assist AFCA in resolving client complaints.

On 4 November 2019, ASIC obtained orders and undertakings restraining Hopkins and QWL from dissipating assets or providing financial services to clients.

On 18 November 2019, the regulator obtained an extension of those orders until 25 May 2020, with a further extension obtained until 23 November.

Following ASIC’s investigation, Hopkins was charged with dishonesty offences and then entered into an early guilty plea. Hopkins has been granted conditional bail.

The matter has been adjourned to the Sydney District Court for mention on 18 December.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter following a referral by ASIC.