The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has imposed a seven-year ban on Victorian broker Raymond Arthur Robinson for misleading and deceptive business practices.

The regulator says that between September 2013 and October 2015 the Wangaratta-based director of Johansen Insurance Brokers altered clients’ policies without their permission and misled them on the levels of cover held and fees he would charge.

“It’s crucial that brokers and other professionals in the insurance industry act with honesty and integrity, because they are entrusted to help consumers and small businesses make important financial decisions,” ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said.

Mr Robinson can appeal against the ban at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.