The Financial Planning Association Conduct Review Commission investigated a complaint against Dianne Margaret Bainbridge, of Gold Financial Services in Albury. 

Two documents had been sent to the Financial Ombudsman Service - which was investigating a client’s complaint against the business - with fabricated signatures.

The client had been seeking compensation, after the adviser allegedly failed to invest their money as instructed.

Ms Bainbridge conceded that the signatures had been fabricated, but said a staff member had added them to the documents.

A decision recently published by the commission found Ms Bainbridge had failed to provide proper supervision of the staff member who prepared the documents.

Ms Bainbridge has been suspended from the organisation for six months, must pay costs and has been ordered to undergo professional education before she can return.

The association found the behaviour “stands to bring the profession into disrepute”.

“Even where there is no detriment to a client established such conduct is the antithesis of the conduct expected of financial planners in their dealings with the public,” the commission found.

“It brings into question the public confidence as to how the profession is discharging its professional obligations.”

The investigating panel found the breach of the code of conduct was serious, despite Ms Bainbridge breaching her obligations unknowingly.

Three audits carried out by licensee Securitor Financial Group showed failures in back office documentation, including documents not being completed on time and issues with dates being recorded.

The association found the "fabrication of any documents … is unacceptable" and against the ethics by which members operate.

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