The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has made two orders permanently banning Matthew Allen Beresford from engaging in financial services and credit activities. ASIC found that Beresford used a false identity and fraudulent bank accounts to set up a business that illegally offered financial advice and services, while the business website falsely claimed company representatives held an Australian Financial Services licence. Investors deposited about AUD 374,000 into various accounts opened by Beresford. Victoria Police initiated criminal charges and, on 27 June 2024, Beresford pleaded guilty in the County Court of Victoria to false document and proceeds of crime offences and was sentenced to 85 days’ imprisonment and a 30-month Community Corrections order; the banning has been recorded on ASIC’s banned and disqualified register.