2019-04-15
The Securities and Exchange Commission issued this notice regarding Gold Coast Fund Management Limited's liquidity crisis and the numerous investor complaints currently under adjudication. The regulator has directed the firm to cease accepting new funds until all matured investments are settled or mutually agreed terms are reached. While reviewing proposals for a sustainable solution, the Commission warns that regulatory sanctions will be applied if the company is found culpable of breaching the Securities Industry Act, 2016.
1 | P a g e SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION The Securities and Exchange Commission wishes to bring to the notice of clients of Gold Coast Fund Management Ltd. and the general public that it is fully aware of the plight of investors who have placed funds with the company and are unable to redeem same on maturity. Gold Coast Fund Management Limited has had numerous complaints lodged against it and the Commission is currently hearing these complaints in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929). In view of its significant size in the Asset Management Industry, the Commission remains in constant engagement with the company with the aim of securing a sustainable solution to its liquidity challenges and the numerous complaints lodged against it. The Commission has received proposals from Gold Coast Fund Management Ltd with the aim of resolving its obligations to its clients and investors. The SEC is presently reviewing the viability of the proposals and wishes to assure all interested parties that it is doing so in the interest of investor protection. The Commission shall however continue to receive, hear and adjudicate complaints against Gold Coast Fund Management Ltd while investigations for any possible breaches of provisions of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929), and its accompanying Rules and Regulations continue. The Commission shall spare no efforts at applying regulatory sanctions against Gold Coast Fund Management Ltd if found culpable. While the Commission continues to review the proposals presented to it, the company should continue to honour its investment obligations to its clients and PUBLIC NOTICE ON GOLD COAST FUND MANAGEMENT LTD. SEC/PN/004/04/2019
2 | P a g e investors. In the meantime, the Commission has directed Gold Coast Fund Management Ltd to cease collection or receipts of new funds or investments from the investing public until all clients and investors with outstanding matured investments have been paid or mutually agreed settlement terms reached. The Commission’s previous notices on guaranteed returns also remain fully operational. The general and investing public are hereby informed to take note and act accordingly. The Commission shall continue to apprise the general and investing public on any further developments. The general public is also advised to contact the Commission on its Toll free number: 0800-100-065 or main line: 0302768970-2 for any further clarification. This Notice is issued pursuant to Sections 3(b) (e) (m), and 208 (c) of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929). BY ORDER OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Dated the 15 th Day of April, 2019