Enforcement · SEC · 8 Nov 2019
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Ghana has revoked the licences of 53 fund management companies due to severe regulatory breaches, including the failure to return client funds and mismanagement of assets. The regulator has notified the Registrar of Companies to initiate winding-up proceedings and secured the premises of affected firms for further investigation under the Securities Industry Act. Affected investors are urged to gather documentation for claim validation, with details on the process to be provided by November 11, 2019, while the government commits to providing capped relief to those impacted.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, GHANA
Accra, Ghana 8 th November, 2019
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has, with effect from today revoked the licences of Fifty-Three (53) Fund Management Companies (see Annex A for list of Companies). These actions were taken pursuant to Section 122 (2) (b) of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929 or “the Act”) which authorises the Securities and Exchange Commission to revoke the licence of a market operator under any of the following circumstances:
(a) If it is wound up;
(b) It ceases to carry on the business for which it was licensed; (c) If the Commission has reason to believe that the licensed body or any of its directors or employees has not performed its functions or the functions of directors efficiently, honestly and fairly; (d) If the licensed body contravenes or fails to comply with a condition or restriction applicable in respect of the licence or any other provision of Act 929; and (e) If the licensed person fails to commence business within 6 months of being granted a licence. NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF LICENCES OF FUND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AND NOTIFICATION TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES NOTICE NO. SEC/PN/012/11/2019
The revocation of the licences of the specified companies has become necessary as they have largely failed to return client funds which remain locked up and in a number of cases, they have even folded up their operations. Essentially, they have failed to perform their functions efficiently, honestly and fairly and in some cases are in continuing breach of the requirements under relevant securities laws, rules or conditions, despite opportunities provided to them by the SEC within a reasonable period of time to resolve all regulatory breaches. The SEC has concluded after extensive engagement with these institutions that their continuous existence in the light of their conduct poses severe risks to the stability of the capital market and to the interests of investors. The SEC has taken this action in accordance with its mandate of protecting investors and the integrity of the capital market. The SEC and its authorised agents will secure the premises of the affected companies for further investigations under section 26 of the Act. In addition, the SEC has notified the Registrar of Companies of the revocation of these licenses and has requested that the Registrar petitions the High Court to commence winding-up proceedings against these companies under the Bodies Corporate (Official Liquidations) Act, 1963 (Act 180). The authorized agent of SEC (and the Liquidator once appointed) will work together with the Government to pay a capped amount to all affected investors of these firms in line with Government commitment to support the securities industry and to provide some immediate relief to investors who are hurting because of their locked-up funds. The outcome of the court process will inform the handling of assets retrieval and liquidation to further sort out validated investor claims. By the close of business on Monday the 11th of November 2019, SEC, together with its authorized agent, will provide further details about the validation process and specific locations where investors can present their claims to be validated. In the interim we urge all investors to remain calm, gather all receipts, statements and any other documentation related to their investment with the affected institutions. There is also no need for any panic withdrawals on the firms whose licences are intact and not on the revocation list. A list of firms whose licences have not been revoked can be found on the SEC website (www.sec.gov.gh)
Background
The SEC, pursuant to its mandate under Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929) to protect investors, maintain surveillance, monitor solvency and protect the integrity of the Securities market, carried out on site and off site supervisory activities including the following a) review of reports submitted by Fund Managers, b) On-site inspections of Fund Managers, c) Forensic audits, and d) Complaints Hearings. The reviews and investigations identified serious infractions by the specified institutions, summarized below:
a) Guaranteeing of returns contrary to the directive of the Commission; b) Failure to honour client redemption requests; c) Failure to honour payment terms agreed at Complaints Hearings; d) Failure to place client funds with proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct, evidenced by over concentration of portfolios in high risk institutions and related party transactions resulting in severe liquidity challenges; e) Failure to segregate client funds from operational funds and in some cases using client funds to pay for operational activities; f) Closure of offices without following due process; g) Persistent regulatory breaches including failure to submit reports as required; h) Corporate governance weakness with weak Board oversight, poor accountability, and override of Investment guidelines; and/or i) Failure to monitor and inject liquidity to comply with required levels. All efforts by the SEC to get Directors and Management of the affected institutions to rectify the above lapses have yielded no positive results. Consequently, the liquidity challenges of these companies continue to deteriorate leading to twenty-one (21) of them closing their offices and absconding with clients’ funds without due process, whilst those currently operating have severe challenges in meeting clients’ requests for a return of their funds or investments. Given the increasing number of challenges facing investors in retrieving their investments and the challenges facing the affected Fund Managers, which in turn pose risks to the stability of the
financial system, the SEC is sanitizing the Fund Management sub-sector through a revocation of licences in accordance with section 122 of Act 929. The SEC is committed to ensuring that the Fund Management Sub-sector remains supportive of the Capital Market growth and the economy as a whole. The SEC will continue to regulate and promote the growth and development of an efficient, fair and transparent securities market in which investors and the integrity of the market are protected. Kindly direct any questions to the SEC help desk on the following toll free number or email address: 0800-100-065, helpdesk@sec.gov.gh
Appendix A
LIST OF FUND MANAGERS WHO ARE NOT OPERATING AND WHOSE LICENCES HAVE BEEN REVOKED No. NAME OF FUND MANAGER 1 Alpha Cap Limited 2 Beige Capital Asset Management Limited
3. Cambridge Capital Advisors Limited
4. EM Capital Limited
5 Energy Investments Limited
6 Fromfrom Capital Limited
7 Gold Rock Capital Management Limited
8 Heritage Securities Limited (formerly Futurepip Asset Management Limited) 9 Kamaag Kapital Limited (formerly Lifeline Asset Management Limited) 10 Kron Capital Limited 11 Mak Asset Management Limited 12 Man Capital Partners Limited 13 McOttley Capital Limited 14 Mec-Ellis Investments (Ghana) Limited 15 Nickel Keynesbury Limited 16 SGL Royal Kapita Limited 17 Standard Securities Limited (formerly ASN Investments Limited) 18 Tikowire Capital Limited 19 Ultimate Trust Fund Management Limited 20 Universal Capital Management Limited 21 Weston Capital Limited LIST OF FUND MANAGERS WHO ARE OPERATING AND WHOSE LICENCES HAVE BEEN REVOKED No NAME OF FUND MANAGER 1 All-Time Capital Limited 2 Apex Capital Partners Limited 3 Axe Capital Limited ( Formerly United Asset Management Limited) 4 Blackshield Capital Management Ltd (formerly Gold Coast Fund Management Ltd) 5 Brooks Asset Management Limited
6. Canal Capital Limited
7 Corporate Hills Investment Limited
8 Dowjays Investment Limited
9 Firstbanc Financial Services Limited
10 Frontline Capital Advisors Limited
11 Galaxy Capital Limited
12 Global Investment Bankers Limited
13 Goldstreet Fund Management Limited (formerly Goldstreet Investment Limited)
14 Ideal Capital Partners Limited
15 Intermarket Asset Management Limited (formerly CDH Asset Management Limited) 16 Integrity Fund Management Limited 17 Kripa Capital Limited 18 Legacy Fund Management Limited (formerly Legacy Financial Services Limited ) 19 Liberty Asset Management Limited 20 Monarch Capital Limited 21 Mutual Integrity Asset Management Limited 22 Nesst Capital Limited 23 Nordea Capital Limited 24 Omega Capital Limited 25 Procap Finance Limited 26 QFS Securities Limited 27 Sirius Capital Limited 28 Strategic Hedge Capital Limited 29 Supreme Trust Capital Limited 30 Unisecurities Ghana Limited 31 Utrak Capital Management Limited 32 Wealth Vision Financial Services Limited
APPENDIX B
DETAILS OF FUND MANAGERS WHOSE LICENCES HAVE BEEN REVOKED A. COMPANIES NOT OPERATING (21)
Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
3. CAMBRIDGE CAPITAL ADVISORS LTD.
Cambridge Capital Limited (“Cambridge”) was incorporated on the 29th January, 2013.and licensed by the SEC on 11th December, 2013. During on and off site reviews, Cambridge was found to be in breach of the Rules and Regulations of its licence and engagements were held between the SEC and Cambridge but the infractions remained unresolved. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Review of its 2019 first quarter clients’ placement report indicates that 78.54% of its Funds have been placed with Ngoya Etix (certificate discounting) and 21.45% with Multibility Microfinance Ltd. (in receivership). b) Persistent penalties on late notification in contravention to Regulations 18 of LI 1728 c) Persistent inconsistencies/inaccuracies in statutory reports submitted in contravention to section 201 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929). d) Failure to adhere to proposed payment plans to the Commission. e) Unlicensed person signing letters as chief executive officer in contravention of section
4. EM CAPITAL LIMITED
EM Capital Limited (“EM”) was incorporated on the 5th February, 2010 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 8th July, 2013. EM is going through an official liquidation process. The Specific issue that led to the revocation is the ongoing liquidation process.
5. ENERGY INVESTMENTS LIMITED
Energy Investments Limited (“Energy”) was incorporated on 19th July, 2012. It’s Fund Manager licence has not been renewed since 2018. During on and off site reviews, Energy was found to be in breach of the Rules and Regulations of its licence. Energy has failed to respond to all of the SEC’s communication on its breaches. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to submit Audited Accounts for the year 2018 in breach of Regulation 33 (1) (c) of LI 1728; b) Failure to submit statutory returns from April 2019 to date in breach of Regulation 33 (1) (a), (b) of LI 1728; and c) Failure to notify the Commission on closure of office contrary to Section 120 of the Securities Industry Act .2016 (Act 929) and regulation 18 of L.I 1728.
c) Failure to notify the Commission of closure of Head Office contrary to section 120 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929); d) Failure to monitor, maintain and introduce additional liquidity contrary to Regulations 22 and 23 of L.I 1728; e) Non submission of statutory reports contrary to Regulations 33 (1) (a) (b) (c ) and (6) of LI 1728; f) Placement of client funds with non-permitted instruments (such as a memorandum of understanding with an event company and a joint venture with a road construction firm) and failing to exercise the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of
Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and
Representatives 2008 and SEC Guideline on Permissible activities issued on 14th April, 2014; and g) Failure to respond to the SEC’s invitation to complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 of Part X of the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
9. KAMAAG KAPITAL LIMITED (FORMERLY LIFELINE ASSET MANAGEMENT
LIMITED)
Kamaag Kapital Limited (“Kamaag”) was incorporated on 22nd November, 2012 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager in December, 2013. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Kamaag include Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Kamaag with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Placement of client funds with related parties without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives
2008. Placement with related parties including Abrempong Holdings Limited, Royal Nikos,
Lifeline Properties and CIG Microfinance. b) Breach of the guidelines for investing in commercial paper c) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice. d) Unlicensed representatives and inadequate staff contrary to Section 109 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929); e) Inability to locate company at its known address contrary to Securities Industry Act, 2016(Act 929)
Section 122 (2)(b)(v);
f) Non submission of reports (the firm has unresolved software issues, leading to inaccurate balances) contrary to Regulation 33(1)(a) (b) (c) of L.I 1728; and g) Issuance of dud cheques to some clients.
MAN CAPITAL PARTNERS LIMITED
Man Capital Limited (“Man”) was incorporated on 9th September 2013 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on the 11th June 2014. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Man including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Man with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds with related parties without the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the SEC Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008; c) Engaging in activities outside the permissible activities provided by circular number SEC/CIR/001/2014; and d) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
MCOTTLEY CAPITAL LIMITED
McOttley Capital Limited (“McOttley”) was incorporated on 6th February, 2013 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on the 25th August 2014. The SEC has had a number of engagements with McOttley including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against McOttley with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds with related parties without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives
Related parties include McOttley Money Lending (revoked), McOttley Properties, McOttley
Holding; c) Operating unlicensed CIS products contrary to Section 109(1)(2) of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929); d) Submission of inaccurate report on Funds under Management to the Commission, contrary to
section 201 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929); and
professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
MEC-ELLIS INVESTMENTS (GHANA) LIMITED
Mec-Ellis Investments (Ghana) Ltd. (“Mec-Ellis”) was incorporated on the 19th December, 2003 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 21st March, 2013. The SEC engagements with Mec-Ellis include Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions were issued by the SEC against Mec-Ellis with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Related party exposures include Zeta Money Lending ( in receivership), Manox Mining, and Ellis Microfinance (in receivership); c) Non submission of statutory reports contrary to Regulations 33 (1) (a) (b) (c ) and (6) of LI 1728; and d) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 of Part X of the SEC Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
NICKEL KEYNESBURY LTD
Nickel Keynesbury Ltd (“Nickel”) was incorporated on 9th April 2017 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 7 th December, 2017. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Nickel including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions were issued by the SEC against Nickel with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption; b) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008; c) Failure to notify the Commission on closure of office contrary to Section 120 of the Securities Industry Act .2016 (Act 929) and Regulation 18 of L.I. 1728; d) Non submission of statutory returns contrary to Regulation 33 (1)(a)(b)(c) of L.I. 1728; and professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
SGL ROYAL KAPITA LTD.
SGL Royal Kapita Limited (“SGL”) was incorporated on the 27th November 2013 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on the 14th of April, 2014. The SEC has had a number of engagements with SGL including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions were issued by the SEC against SGL with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption request; b) Placement of client funds with related parties without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives
The firm placed 18.05% of its funds under management with Stepwise Group Limited, a
related party. c) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice; d) Registered office was closed without notification contrary to Section 120 (c) Securities Industry Act, 2016 (929); and e) Non submission of statutory reports contrary to Regulation 33(1)(c) of L.I 1728
STANDARD SECURITIES LIMITED (FORMERLY ASN INVESTMENTS
LIMITED)
Standard Securities Limited (“Standard”) was incorporated on the 2nd of February, 2013 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 21st March, 2013. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Standard including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Standard with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption request; b) Placement of client funds with related parties without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives
Related party placement with related party called ASN Financial Services Limited (in
receivership). Other Placements include Dwadifo Adanfo Microfinance (in receivership), Express Savings & Loans (in receivership), Eclipse Microfinance (in receivership), CIG Microfinance (in receivership) and Midland Savings & Loans (in receivership); c) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice;
d) Non-submission of statutory reports contrary to Regulations 33 (1) (a) (b) (c) and (6) of L.I. 1728; e) No evidence of a functioning board; f) Failure to officially notify the Commission on closure of office (since August 2018) contrary to
Section 120 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929) and Regulation 18 of L.I. 1728; and
g) Failure to pay penalties levied by the Commission for violation of Securities Industry Laws.
18. TIKOWRIE CAPITAL LTD.
Tikowrie Capital Limited (“Tikowrie”) was incorporated on the 13th of November, 2013 and licensed as a Fund Manager on 11th December, 2013. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Tikowrie including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Tikowrie with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Failure to notify the Commission on closure of office contrary to Section 120 of the Securities Industry Act .2016 (Act 929) and regulation 18 of L.I 1728; c) Submission of false reports to the SEC in respect of complaints received contrary to Section 201 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929); and d) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
19. ULTIMATE TRUST FUND MANAGEMENT LTD.
Ultimate Trust Fund Management Limited (“Ultimate”) was licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 16th November, 2013. Ultimate has closed its offices without following due process. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Placement of client funds with related parties without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. 100% of its total Funds under Management were placed with FTS Capital Microfinance Ltd (in receivership) which is a related party; b) Failure to notify the Commission on closure of office contrary to Section 120 of the Securities Industry Act .2016 (Act 929) and regulation 18 of L.I 1728; c) Non submission of statutory returns contrary to Regulation 33 (1)(a)(b)(c); and d) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
B. COMPANIES OPERATING (32)
a) Failure to honour Clients’ redemption requests b) Non submission of statutory reports contrary to Regulations 33 (1) (a) (b) (c ) and (6) of LI 172 c) Submission of inaccurate report on Funds under Management to the Commission, contrary to
section 201 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929).
d) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 of Part X of the SEC Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
4. BLACKSHIELD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LTD (FORMERLY GOLD COAST
FUND MANAGEMENT LIMITED)
Blackshield Capital Management Ltd (formerly Gold Coast Fund Management Limited), “Blackshield”, was incorporated on the 12th August, 1993 prior to the passage of the Act and was licensed by the Commission on 12th August, 2013. On 11th July, 2019, the firm changed its name to Blackshield Capital Management Ltd. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Blackshield including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Blackshield with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests b) Placement of client funds with related parties without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. According to Blackshield’s 2nd Quarter 2018 Placement Report, 99.41% of Blackshield’s funds under management had been placed with an unregulated related entity, Ghana Growth Fund Limited (now Gold Coast Advisors Limited). c) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 of Part X of the SEC Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice. d) Non-submission of statutory reports contrary to Regulation 33 (1) (a) (b) (c) and (6) of L.I. e) Failure to pay penalties levied by the Commission f) Advertising of an unapproved investment product, Cardinal Master Trust in contravention of Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929) and Securities and Exchange Commission Regulations, 2003 (LI 1728).
b) Placement of client funds without due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Placements include 54.19% of its assets under management with ASN Financial Services Ltd. (in receivership) and 35.98% in a commercial paper issued by Samba Transfer Services (a breach of the Guidelines on Commercial Paper issued by the Commission); c) Failure to prepare bank reconciliation of all accounts (Part V section L (5a) of the SEC Compliance Manual); d) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice; e) Failure to conduct regular board meetings (Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992).
8. DOWJAYS INVESTMENT LTD
Dowjays Investment Limited (“Dowjays”) was incorporated on the 18th September, 2015 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 16th November, 2016. The SEC has directed Dowjays to resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Placement of client funds with related parties without due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Placement including 33% in Goldman Capital (receivership); b) Payment of operational activities with clients’ funds contrary to Section 159 and 160 (3) of Act 929
9. FIRSTBANC FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED
Firstbanc Financial Services Limited (“Firstbanc”) was incorporated on 27th October, 2008 and subsequently licensed by the SEC. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Firstbanc including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, following which decisions have been issued by the SEC against Firstbanc with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence include the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds without the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. As at June, 2019, 71% of FirstBanc’s funds under management (excluding Pension Funds and Mutual funds) had been placed in unlisted bonds. c) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
Representatives 2008. Related Party Placements include Gifs Micro Finance (24.62% of placement) and Building and Bridging (37.90% of placement); c) Failure to monitor, maintain and introduce additional liquidity contrary to Regulations 22 and 23 of L.I 1728; d) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice; e) Payment of operational activities with clients’ funds contrary to Section 159 and 160 (3) of Act 929; f) Failure to address inspection recommendations. In 2016 a team of officers visited the firm and made recommendations. In 2019 the team found that most issues identified still persist; g) Failure to pay penalties levied. There are outstanding penalties that Global has not settled/paid. Some include penalty for operating without licence and late submission of annual report; h) Opening a branch without notifying the Commission. Global opened a branch in Kumasi without notifying the Commission as required by Regulation 19(2) of the Securities and Exchange Commission Regulations, 2003 (L. I. 1728).
13. GOLDSTREET FUND MANAGEMENT LIMITED (FORMERLY GOLDSTREET
INVESTMENTS LTD)
Goldstreet Fund Management Limited (“Goldstreet”) was incorporated on the 17th December, 2014. It was licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 29th September, 2015. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Goldstreet including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Goldstreet with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Payment of operational activities using client funds contrary to Section 160 of the Act 929; c) Non submission of statutory reports contrary to Regulations 33 (1) (a) (b) (c ) and (6) of LI d) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Placements include 50.61% with Ideal Finance Ltd ( in receivership) and 10.06% with First Trust Savings & Loans (in receivership)
f) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
17. KRIPA CAPITAL LIMITED
Kripa Capital Ltd (“Kripa”) was incorporated on 20th March, 2015 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 9th March, 2016. A review of Kripa’s reports to the SEC show that Kripa has failed to comply with the Commission’s regulatory framework and directives. The Specific issue that led to the revocation of its licence was the following:
a) Placement of clients funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Placement of 90% of client funds with one firm, Unique Microfinance (in receivership).
18. LEGACY FUND MANAGEMENT LIMITED
(FORMERLY LEGACY FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD)
Legacy Fund Management Limited (“Legacy”) was incorporated on the 23rd July 2013 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 18thJune, 2014. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Legacy including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Legacy with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds with related parties without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives
2008. Placement of 18% of funds in related party Legacy Capital Savings Limited (in receivership)
and 33% of funds with other Fund Managers (23% with Firstbanc Financial Services); c) Operating an unlicensed CIS product contrary to Section 109 (1) (2) of Act 929; d) Payment of operational activities using client funds contrary to Section 160 of the Act 929; and professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
d) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. 54% of placement of client funds with Commerz Savings & Loans, CDH Savings & Loans (both in receivership); and professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 of Part X of the SEC Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
22. NESST CAPITAL LTD
Nesst Capital Limited (“Nesst”) was incorporated on the 31st March, 2016 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 4 th December, 2017. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Nesst including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Nesst with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct and violation of commercial paper guidelines contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and Commercial Paper guidelines issued on 8th October, 2012. 100% of Funds under Management in Commercial Paper (CP) contrary to the SEC Guidelines on Commercial Paper issued on 8th October, 2012; and c) Persistent late submissions of statutory returns contrary to Regulations 33 (1) (a) (b) (c) and (6) of LI 1728.
23. NORDEA CAPITAL LIMITED
Nordea Capital Limited (“Nordea”) was incorporated on 28th March, 2013 and licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 7th May, 2013. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Nordea including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Nordea with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption request; b) Placement of client funds with related parties without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Placement of 50% of Funds under management with a related party; Commerz Savings and Loans (in receivership); c) Failure to monitor liquidity levels and introduce capital contrary to Regulations 22 and 23 of L.I 1728; and
d) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
24. OMEGA CAPITAL LIMITED
Omega Capital Limited (“Omega”) was incorporated on 27th June, 2012 and licensed by the SEC to operate as a Fund Manager on 20th December, 2012. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Omega including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Omega with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct and violation of commercial paper guidelines contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and Commercial Paper guidelines issued on 8th October,
2012. Placement of 38% of funds under management with SMEs; and
c) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 of Part X the SEC Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
25. PROCAP FINANCE LIMITED
Procap Finance Ltd (“Procap”) was incorporated on 13th June, 2016 and licensed by the SEC on a 4th December 2017 as a Fund Manager. The SEC has directed Procap to resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issue that led to the revocation of its licence:
a) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Over 68% placement in revoked Savings and Loans institutions including Midland Savings and Loans and FirsTrust Savings & Loans .
26. QFS SECURITIES LIMITED
QFS Securities Limited (“QFS”) was incorporated on 20th June, 2005 and was licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 23rd December, 2008. The SEC has directed QFS to resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence:
a) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual
for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. This is illustrated through inadequate portfolio diversification: over 98% of placements are with two (2) SMEs; and b) Trust Account with a related party: QFS’s trust account was maintained with Quicken Microfinance Finance Limited, a related party in contravention of Section 140 (a) of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (929) which requires clients’ funds to be deposited in a trust account in a bank.
27. SIRIUS CAPITAL LTD.
Sirius Capital Limited (“Sirius”) was incorporated on the 9th of March, 2012. It was subsequently licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 7th June, 2012. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Sirius including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Sirius with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. 66% of client funds were placed in unlisted equities and debentures; and c) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
28. STRATEGIC HEDGE CAPITAL LIMITED
Strategic Hedge Capital Limited (“Strategic”) has not had its licence renewed since 2018 due to regulatory issues. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Strategic including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions were issued by the SEC against Strategic with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests b) Failure to adhere to proposed penalty payment plans to the Commission for violation of Securities Industry Laws as contained in a letter dated 30th May, 2019. c) Payment of operational activities with clients’ funds contrary to Section 159 and 160 (3) of Act 929 d) Failure to address inspection recommendations. In 2018 a team of officers visited the firm and made recommendations. In 2019 the team found that most issues identified still persist; e) Use of unlicensed Fund Manager’s Representatives contrary to Regulation 13 of L.I 1728 and
Section 109 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929); and
f) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct and violation of commercial paper guidelines contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of
Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and
Representatives 2008 and Commercial Paper guidelines issued on 8th October, 2012.
29. SUPREME TRUST CAPITAL LIMITED
Supreme Trust Capital Limited (“Supreme”) was licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 25th August 2014. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Supreme including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Supreme with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption requests; b) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct and violation of commercial paper guidelines contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of
Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and
Representatives 2008 Supreme Trust placed more than 50% of its FUM in the health sector; 70% of placements were invested in Supreme Trust Microfinance and Supreme Trust Hospital which are related parties; c) Failure to introduce additional capital since June 2018 in breach of Regulation 23(1) (a) of LI 1728; and d) Payment of operational activities using clients’ funds contrary to Section 160 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929).
30. UNISECURITIES (GHANA) LTD.
Unisecurities (Ghana) Limited (“Unisecurities”) was incorporated on 29th March, 2010 and was licensed by the SEC as a Fund Manager on 8 th October, 2010. The SEC has had a number of engagements with Unisecurities including Hearings pursuant to section 19 of Act 929, decisions have been issued by the SEC against Unisecurities with directives to take steps to comply and resolve its regulatory infractions, all to no avail. The Specific issues that led to the revocation of its licence included the following:
a) Failure to honour clients’ redemption request; b) Placement of client funds without proper due diligence and the requisite standard of professional conduct contrary to Paragraphs, 2, 3, 6 and 13 of Part X of the Commission’s Compliance Manual for Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008. Related parties Hoda Holdings Ltd , Intrepid Venture Capital Ltd, Premier Portfolio, Integrated Properties Ltd, Bolton Portfolio Ltd, Numa Logistics and Alban logistics c) Failure to adhere to voluntary payment plans agreed on at Complaints hearings contrary to required professional and ethical conduct in paragraph 2, 3 and 6 the SEC Compliance Manual for BrokerDealers, Investment Advisers and Representatives 2008 and general best international industry practice.
Note from RegAlert. AI assistants can read this document in full, and search 70,000+ more, through the RegAlert MCP connector (https://mcp.regalert.today/mcp). Free with an account. How to connect ChatGPT, Claude or Cursor.
More like this from SEC
SEC published 4 documents in the last 30 days. We email you each new one the day it's published.
Source: Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana — original document · Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works
In RegAlert: added · updated