ASIC freezes adviser’s assets

Mr Hopkins, a financial adviser, is sole director of Sydney-based QWL Ltd Pty and QWL Asset Management (together, QWL).

The regulator gained consent orders and undertakings from the court on Monday, limiting Mr Hopkins and QWL from dissipating or diminishing the value of their assets and providing financial services to clients without seeking prior ASIC approval.

ASIC had commenced an investigation in relation to claims that Mr Hopkins and QWL had failed to assist the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to resolve client complaints. The inquiry is still ongoing.

The matter is scheduled to return before the Supreme Court of NSW on 18 November.