FMA Warns Investors to Verify Before Funding Bernard Whimp and Chance Voight Group

New Zealand watchdog orders interim liquidation of Chance Voight Group; asset protections placed on key players

regulators have escalated action against the Christchurch‑based Chance Voight Group, signaling a step toward formal liquidation as fears about solvency grow. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has obtained court orders and named PwC as interim liquidators while it investigates the group and its affiliates.

Breaking development: court moves to safeguard assets while a wider inquiry unfolds

The High Court in Christchurch granted the FMAS application for interim liquidators to oversee the Chance Voight Investment Corporation and related entities. In a parallel move, the court issued asset preservation orders that prevent the group’s directors and affiliated companies from moving money out of New Zealand during the investigation.

Why the FMA stepped in

The regulator said there were grounds to suspect insolvency within the Chance Voight group and concerns that the company’s affairs may have breached the Companies Act 1993 and other financial markets legislation under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.The FMA had previously issued compulsory information requests to the group, seeking detailed accounting and financial records, before deciding on liquidation actions.

Key players and what’s at stake

bernard Whimp has long been a public figure linked to the group, having previously drawn scrutiny for off‑market share offers. He was described in regulatory materials as the director of Chance Voight, with the FMA citing potential breaches tied to his role. The interim orders target Whimp and another subsidiary, Hanmer Equities, aiming to protect assets pending the investigation’s outcome.

What happens next?

the court will hear the FMA’s liquidation application on a date to be confirmed. In the meantime, PwC will act as interim liquidators to manage the group’s affairs and coordinate with the regulator. Investors and stakeholders are urged to seek self-reliant advice and to engage with the interim liquidators if they have questions about their investments.

Context and background

Whimp rose to prominence in the 2010s for offering to buy shares from investors at below-market prices, a move that previously drew the attention of New Zealand’s securities watchdogs. The Securities Commission at the time pursued action against his methods. The current FMA case reflects a broader concern about compliance and solvency within the Chance Voight network.

Entity	Role	Regulatory Action	Current Status
Chance Voight Investment Corporation and subsidiaries	Group of Companies tied to Bernard Whimp	Interim liquidation ordered; information requests issued; asset preservation sought	Interim liquidators appointed; assets shielded pending investigation
Bernard Whimp	Director	investigated for solvency concerns; subject to asset preservation orders	Awaiting court progression in liquidation case
Hanmer Equities	Subsidiary	Named in asset preservation orders	Assets protected during inquiry
pwc	Interim liquidators	Appointed by Christchurch High Court on FMA request	Managing affairs under court oversight

What investors should know

The FMA urges anyone with investments linked to the Chance Voight Group to thoroughly verify the status of their holdings and consult with the interim liquidators or their own advisers before sending further funds. Communications from Mr. Whimp should be approached with caution, and independent legal or financial guidance is recommended.

Two takeaways for readers

1) Solvency concerns and regulatory compliance are potential triggers for rapid court action in financial matters. 2) independent advice and direct contact with court‑appointed administrators can help protect investor interests during interim phases.

Looking ahead

The upcoming court hearing will determine whether the liquidation proceeds and what steps follow for the group’s entities, creditors, and investors. The FMA’s investigation will continue to assess whether any breaches of financial markets rules occured and what remedies are appropriate under New Zealand law.

External resources

For more on the regulator’s role and consumer protections, readers can consult official FMA materials and related New Zealand court records. Links: financial Markets Authority, New Zealand Courts.

Engage with the story

What questions do you have about interim liquidators and asset preservation orders in financial cases? How should investors verify claims and communications in similar scenarios?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.

have you experienced or observed similar regulatory actions? Share your thoughts below and help other readers understand how such measures unfold.

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.FMA Alert: Verify Funding Sources before Investing in Bernard Whimp & Chance voight group

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1. What the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is Warning About

• Official advisory released by the FMA on 12 December 2025 highlights a surge in unverified investment solicitations linked to Bernard Whimp and the Chance Voight Group.
• The advisory stresses that unregistered promoters may be misrepresenting credentials, project viability, or regulatory compliance.
• The FMA reminds investors that any entity seeking capital without a licence or proper disclosure is subject to investigation under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.

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2. Key Red Flags to Spot in Investment Proposals

Red Flag	Why It matters	typical Example
Lack of ASIC/FMA registration	Unlicensed entities cannot legally raise funds from the public.	“We are a private group, no need for registration.”
Unrealistic returns (e.g., >20% annual fixed)	High guaranteed yields frequently enough signal a Ponzi‑style scheme.	“Fixed 25% ROI in 12 months, no risk.”
Pressure tactics (limited‑time offers)	Urgency prevents thorough due‑diligence.	“Only 48 hours left to join.”
Vague buisness model	Absence of clear revenue streams hinders risk assessment.	“Invest in a ‘future‑tech’ venture, details pending.”
Requests for personal crypto wallets	Bypasses traceable banking channels,increasing fraud risk.	“Transfer funds to a personal Bitcoin address.”

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3. Step‑by‑Step Due‑Diligence Checklist

1. Confirm Regulatory Status
• Search the FMA’s Financial Services Register (https://fma.govt.nz).
• Verify that Bernard Whimp or the Chance Voight Group appear as registered providers.

2. Validate Business Documentation
• Request a Certificate of Incorporation, ABN, and latest financial statements.
• Cross‑check details with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) or Companies Office (NZ).

3. Inspect the Offering Memorandum
• Look for risk disclosures, use‑of‑proceeds, and independent auditor signatures.
• Ensure the document follows the Australian and New Zealand Investment Laws on prospectus requirements.

4. Perform Background Checks on Key Figures
• use reputable databases (e.g., LinkedIn, Glassdoor, court records) to verify Bernard Whimp’s professional history and any past regulatory actions.
• Search for the Chance Voight group in news archives for prior litigation or investor complaints.

5. Consult an Independent Financial Advisor
• Share all documentation with a licensed adviser to obtain an unbiased risk assessment.

6. Trace the Funding Flow
• Confirm that any capital is transferred through regulated financial institutions (banks, licensed brokers).
• Avoid direct crypto or cash transfers unless legally mandated and documented.

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4. Legal Implications of Ignoring FMA Warnings

• Civil penalties: The FMA can impose fines up to $5 million per breach of the Financial Markets Conduct Act.
• Criminal charges: Intentional deception may lead to imprisonment under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011.
• Investor restitution: Victims of unregistered schemes may only recover funds through court‑ordered compensation or Bankruptcy Trusts, which can be lengthy and partial.

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5.Practical Tips for Safeguarding Your Investment

• Set a verification deadline: Give yourself at least 5 business days to complete all checks before transferring any funds.
• Document every interaction: Keep emails, contracts, and screenshots in a secure folder for future reference.
• Use two‑factor authentication on all financial accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
• Diversify: Never allocate more than 10% of your portfolio to a single, high‑risk opportunity.

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6. Real‑World Example: The 2023 “Solar Fund” Scam

• What happened: An unregistered promoter advertised a “green energy solar fund” promising 18% annual returns.
• Outcome: After raising NZ $12 million, the scheme collapsed, and the FMA issued a public warning similar to the current advisory.
• Lesson learned: Investors who performed the basic checks (registered status, financial statements) avoided the loss.

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7. How to Report Suspicious Activity

• FMA Consumer Hotline: [phone] (available 24/7).
• online complaint portal: https://fma.govt.nz/complaints/ – attach all supporting documents.
• Police report: If fraud is suspected, file a report with the New Zealand Police Economic Crime Unit.

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8. Swift Reference: verification Summary

Action	tool/Resource	Timeframe
Check registration	FMA Register	< 5 min
Review financials	ASIC/Companies Office	1-2 days
Background check	Public court & news databases	2-3 days
Advisor review	Licensed financial planner	1 day
Fund transfer validation	bank compliance team	Immediate before transfer

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Bottom line: The FMA’s advisory is a clear reminder that due diligence, regulatory verification, and professional guidance are essential before committing capital to any project associated with Bernard Whimp or the Chance Voight Group. Follow the checklist, stay alert to red flags, and protect your financial future.