Benchmark goes into liquidation

The regulator has announced that five companies under the Benchmark Private Wealth banner have entered liquidation, with Michael McCann of Grant Thornton appointed as liquidator.

ASIC sought the ex parte orders following an investigation into Benchmark and its director Liam Young, which found concerns over the solvency of relevant companies. 

A statement from the regulator also raises concerns about transactions entered into by Benchmark with entities linked to the collapsed property spruiker outfit Members Alliance Group under the directorship of Richard Marlborough.

The Benchmark Private Wealth website describes the company as a provider of “considered, professional advice” that aims to “help [consumers] make the best financial decisions". 

However, the website does not contain any information pertaining to an AFSL and explains that any “financial planning advice” provided to clients is provided by third-party referral partners.

Benchmark is a credit representative of Outsource Financial. 

Neither Mr Young nor Mr Marlborough appear on the financial advisers register.