Thursday, 2 October 2014

Coffs Harbour insurance broker banned from industry for life


A Coffs Harbour-based insurance broker has received a life ban from providing any form of financial services after stealing money from clients.
Leslie Allan Gentle was reported to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission by his own employers, Westlawn Finance, last year.
Westlawn Finance employed Gentle as an insurance broker.
It is essential for those in the financial services industry to act with honesty and integrity at all times
Peter Kell, Deputy ASIC Chairman
The subsequent investigation found that on multiple occasions between March and October last year, Gentle deposited client cheques into his own bank account, for his own use.
The cheques included insurance claim payments owed to his clients.
He has now been permanently banned from providing financial services.
Westlawn has ensured affected clients have not been disadvantaged.
Deputy ASIC Chairman Peter Kell said the industry has certain standards that need to be met.
"It is essential for those in the financial services industry to act with honesty and integrity at all times," he said.
"Individuals who do not act in this way will be removed from the industry."

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