ASIC has permanently banned Mr Samuel Trubnik Tessa (also known as Simon Trubnik) of Elwood, Victoria from providing financial services and engaging in credit activities.

Mr Tessa was banned following an ASIC investigation into his dealings with individuals and small businesses in the Melbourne automotive repair industry during the period 1 May 2013 to 31 December 2016. It is alleged that Mr Tessa purported to act as an insurance broker and dishonestly obtained money on multiple occasions from individuals or small businesses on the pretense that payments were required for insurance premiums. 

ASIC found that Mr Tessa had contravened a financial services law, had conducted himself dishonestly and was not of good fame or character. ASIC also found that Mr Tessa is not a fit and proper person to engage in credit activities.

Mr Tessa has also been charged with five counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception. See 18-003MR.

Mr Tessa has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review of ASIC's decision. 

Mr Tessa’s banning will be reflected on ASIC’s Banned and Disqualified Persons Register.

ASIC's Small Business Strategy was released in August 2017 and focuses on the elements of assisting, engaging with and helping to protect small business.

ASIC's MoneySmart website has information for consumers on buying insurance.

Editor's note:

After a three-week trial in the Victorian County Court, Mr Tessa was found guilty on five counts of obtaining property by deception and two counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception (22-362MR).