AET acquisition helps Equity Trustees profit in 1H23



Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) at Equity Trustees was $13 million for the first half of the financial year.
Announcing its results for the six months to 31 December, 2022, the firm said underlying NPAT was up 2.5% compared to the prior corresponding period.
Revenue was up 12% over the same period to $62.8 million.
Funds under management, administration and supervision (FUMAS) was $155.5 billion, up 4.4% on the prior corresponding period, where significant new business had offset client mandate losses in the core trustee service.
The acquisition of Australian Executor Trustees had contributed $6.8 billion.
In the trustee & wealth services division, the firm said it had seen a significant uplift in revenue driven by organic growth in most areas and the acquisition of AET which the firm described as having been “high complementary and strengthens our private client capability in key growth segments”.
The company said it would pay a fully franked interim dividend of 49 cents per share.
Managing director, Mick O’Brien, said: “FUMAS and revenue remain on a steady upward trend, demonstrating the strength of our core business and leadership in our trustee services across Australia.
“Our underlying profit has also risen despite adverse investment markets.
“Our balance sheet remains strong, with low gearing and a strong regulatory capital position. This provides stability in volatile times and the flexibility to fund growth as required.”
Recommended for you
The big four bank is set to see $40 million per annum in cost savings as it continues to migrate customers from its Asgard wealth platform to BT Panorama by FY26.
Advice licensee WT Financial has announced a 50/50 joint venture with the Australian subsidiary of a US financial advice investor.
Wealth managers will need to reach aggressive short-term goals to grow their assets under management, according to Natixis Investment Managers, but Asia-Pacific has the lowest expectations on their future growth.
With a rising number of licensees opting for bespoke managed accounts, a panel of experts has shared what firms need to know before going down the custom route.