However, we can reassure investors that this did not include information which could expose them to the misappropriation of funds such as passwords, complete bank account details or tax file numbers, and all investments are safe. We have a number of checks and balances in place to protect investors’ account/s, including the requirement for signed instructions from unitholders to make any account changes.
Looking after investors is our key priority. We take investor privacy very seriously and are deeply concerned by the breach, which we are investigating as a matter of urgency. We will contact all affected parties as soon as RBC has provided the relevant details. We are working independently and with RBC to ensure this situation is remedied and to guard against reoccurrence.
More broadly, we are reviewing our arrangements with RBC to ensure client service and protection of privacy are of the highest priority.
Update as at 14 January 2020
RBC has now contacted the 162 investors who received statements in error to apologise for the breach and request the original email is deleted. It has also reissued the correct distribution statements. Separately, and in line with our commitment to put investors’ interests first and remaining open and transparent, Bennelong has also contacted all affected parties.
We sincerely apologise for any concern or inconvenience this has caused our investors, and assure them we are doing everything we can to address this issue and guard against reoccurrence.
