SQM Research vows to fight ASIC charges

Research and ratings house,  SQM Research has announced it will be defending the charges levelled against it by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) over the collapse of the Shield Master Fund.

SQM founder and managing director, Louis Christopher noted that ASIC had commenced Federal Court proceedings against SQM in relation to three historical research reports published by the research house between 2021 and 2022.

“SQM intends to respectfully defend the proceedings,” Christopher said.

In doing so, he defended the firm’s methodologies and process.

“For more than 17 years, SQM Research has built its reputation on providing objective, high-quality and transparent investment research to financial advisers, platforms and institutional clients across Australia.

“We have always operated with the highest standards of integrity and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulatory guidance.

“Our methodologies are robust, continually reviewed and enhanced, and our ratings have consistently been recognised for their objectivity and value to the market. Our track record before this terrible event, has been solid,” Christopher said.

“SQM takes its regulatory obligations extremely seriously and has cooperated fully with ASIC throughout its investigation.

“As the matter is now before the court, SQM will not be making any further public comment at this time as we need to save it for the hearing.”

“We remain fully focused on continuing to deliver high-quality, objective research to our clients and the broader financial services community and so it is very much business as usual,” Christopher said.