The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has secured interim Federal Court orders freezing certain assets of Melbourne-based financial adviser Ferras Merhi, as part of an ongoing investigation into Mr Merhi and associated entities linked to managed investment schemes including the Shield Master Fund. The freezing orders remain in place until 7pm (AEDT) on 4 April 2025, when the Court is scheduled to hold a final hearing to decide whether the orders should continue. Mr Merhi controls Venture Egg Financial Services Pty Ltd (formerly Ferras Merhi Pty Ltd) and United Financial Advice Pty Ltd, trading as Venture Egg and Financial Services Group Australia Pty Ltd (FSGA); Venture Egg and Mr Merhi are authorised representatives of Interprac Financial Planning Pty Ltd (an Australian Financial Services Licence holder), and FSGA also holds an Australian Financial Services Licence.
Australian Securities & Investments Commission 2025-02-27
Australian Securities & Investments Commission obtains interim Federal Court asset freeze on adviser Ferras Merhi pending 4 April hearing
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has obtained interim Federal Court orders to freeze assets of Melbourne-based financial adviser Ferras Merhi amid an investigation into his involvement with managed investment schemes, including the Shield Master Fund. Mr. Merhi controls Venture Egg Financial Services Pty Ltd and United Financial Advice Pty Ltd and is an authorised representative of Interprac Financial Planning Pty Ltd, with both entities holding Australian Financial Services Licences. The freezing orders are effective until a final court hearing on 4 April 2025.