Former director fined for failing to notify market of share trading

SFC fines

Mr Angus Matthew Holt, of Sunshine Beach, Queensland, has been convicted and fined in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court for failing to lodge notices regarding his share trading during the period 13 January 2015 to 3 July 2015.

Mr Holt was a director and executive chairman of Optiscan Imaging Limited between February 2009 and July 2015.

Mr Holt pleaded guilty to nine charges of failing to notify the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) within 14 days of any change in the director’s interest in a listed public company, and three charges of failing to notify the ASX within two business days of the changes in his substantial holdings in a listed public company.

The Magistrate ordered that the 12 convictions against Mr Holt be recorded. Mr Holt was fined $4,500.

Investors and the market in general, have a legitimate interest in the trading by directors in the company. It is important that directors uphold their responsibilities to ensure market transparency and efficiency. Where ASIC becomes aware of repeated and lengthy failures to make the required disclosures, ASIC will bring the matter before the Courts ,’ ASIC Commissioner Cathie Armour said.

Mr Holt was sentenced on 16 March 2017.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted the matter.

Mr Holt voluntarily co-operated with ASIC in the investigation of the offences.

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