Gold Corporation CEO Jason Waters has resigned from his role overseeing the Perth Mint after a high-pressure start to 2023.
Waters lasted just one year in the role after replacing John Collins in January of 2022. Prior to Collins, Richard Hayes served as CEO for seven years.
Waters has reportedly accepted a new job at the Perth Airport. Gold Corporation chairman Sam Walsh said he was disappointed to see him depart.
“On behalf of the board, I thank Jason for the work he has done for Gold Corporation in the time he has been here,” Walsh said.
“He has made a significant and positive impact, and we are sorry to see Jason go.”
The search for the new CEO of the Perth Mint is reportedly already underway.
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) recently confirmed that it would extend the investigation into the practices of the Gold Corporation.
The investigation was publicly announced in September with a 180-day deadline set.
AUSTRAC deputy secretary Peter Soros told a senate hearing last week that the report would not be completed before the original deadline because of staff absences, record-keeping issues, and the overall complexity of the investigation.
According to reporting by the Australian Financial Review the Perth Mint may soon have a new owner.
“The WA government – set to have a new leader by the end of the week after the shock resignation of Mark McGowan – is considering privatising the mint as part of a review sparked by a string of controversies,” writes Brad Thompson.
“Jason Waters’ resignation comes as the government-owned Gold Corporation, trading as The Perth Mint, tries to restore its tarnished reputation and as the financial crimes regulator continues an investigation relating to compliance concerns under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act.”
The London Bullion Marketing Association recently completed its investigation into the mint after a review was spurred by allegations involving the Shanghai Gold Exchange.
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