ASIC cancels AFSL of Capital Guard over fake bond sale

ASIC has cancelled the Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) of Capital Guard after finding that it had engaged in dishonest conduct, including the selling of a fake bond and providing false documents to its auditor.

ASIC said the licence was cancelled after it found Capital Guard had contravened its obligations as an AFS licensee, based on findings including misleading or deceptive conduct, dishonest conduct in connection with its financial services business, and failures in compliance, supervision and resourcing.

ASIC found Capital Guard used or caused to be created a fake bond prospectus for a Macquarie Bank bond that did not exist, which was used to solicit investor funds; encouraged and facilitated client investment into that non-existent bond product, including arranging payment and documentation for transactions; obtained at least $100,000 from investors for a bond that did not exist; made misleading or deceptive statements on its website, including misrepresenting its experience and altering scam warnings about it that were issued by third parties; and provided false documents to an auditor, amounting to dishonest conduct.

ASIC also identified broader failings in Capital Guard's operations, including failures to notify ASIC of changes in control and to maintain proper accounts and oversight; and maintain adequate resources, competence and compliance arrangements required to operate as an AFS licensee.

ASIC said further considered the conduct outlined indicated a risk of ongoing non-compliance and misconduct if the licence were to remain in force.

ASIC said its investigation into Capital Guard remains ongoing. The licence cancellation is effective from 29 June 2026.

Capital Guard may apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for a review of ASIC's decision to cancel its AFSL.

Capital Guard has held an AFSL since 15 August 2017, however the previous financial services business was sold in 2024 to its current management.

"ASIC considers that Capital Guard has engaged in conduct that is misleading or deceptive, dishonest, and inconsistent with the fundamental obligations of AFS licensees to act efficiently, honestly and fairly," ASIC said.

"ASIC's action reflects its ongoing focus on disrupting investment scams, particularly those exploiting trusted brands or purporting to offer fixed-income or bond products to retail investors."