ASIC charges former CBA Financial Planner, Ricky Gillespie, with Forgery

Following an ASIC investigation, Gold Coast man Mr Ricky David Gillespie, 38, has appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court on one rolled-up charge alleging the forgery of 31 documents.

Mr Gillespie provided advice as a former representative of the Commonwealth Bank's financial planning subsidiary, Commonwealth Financial Planning Limited (CFPL).

ASIC alleges that between 1 January 2007 and 13 June 2009, Mr Gillespie, while a Senior Financial Planner based at the Broadbeach Commonwealth Bank branch on the Gold Coast, forged the signatures of a number of the bank's clients to whom he was providing financial advice.

It is alleged Mr Gillespie forged the signatures of clients on documents including applications for financial products and a series of internal CFPL documents.  It is alleged that the purpose of the forgeries was to meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Bank's internal audit process.

The case was adjourned for further mention on 4 July 2016.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Background

In 2014, ASIC placed conditions on the AFS licence of CFPL. ASIC continues to monitor the licence conditions. (refer: 14-192MR)

In 2012, Mr Gillespie was permanently banned by ASIC from providing any financial services. (refer: 12-269MR)

Editor's note:

On 4 July 2016, the matter was adjourned for a mention on 5 September 2016.