Nervous MLC advisers contemplate alternatives


Nervousness around the speculated private equity ownership of MLC Limited has seen a number of aligned financial planning businesses open up discussions with rival licensees.
A number of dealer group heads have confirmed the receipt of overtures from planning businesses currently operating under the remaining MLC licenses, including Godfrey Pembroke.
MLC earlier this year announced a consolidation of its financial planning licenses with the retirement of the Apogee, Garvan and Meritum brands and the launch of a new license under the TenFifty Financial Group.
Godfrey Pembroke is currently claiming 140 “financial advice specialists” across the business.
Recent reports have suggested that private equity giants such as KKR are vying for ownership of MLC but there have been question marks over their level of interest in the financial planning elements of the business.
Recommended for you
Sequoia Financial Group has declined by five financial advisers in the past week, four of whom have opened up a new AFSL, according to Wealth Data.
Insignia Financial chief executive Scott Hartley has detailed whether the firm will be selecting an exclusive bidder for the second phase of due diligence as it awaits revised bids from three private equity players.
Insignia Financial has reported a statutory net loss after tax of $17 million in its first half results, although the firm has noted cost optimisation means this is an improvement from a $50 million loss last year.
With alternative funds being described as “impossible” for fund managers to target towards advisers without the support of BDMs for education, Money Management explores the evolving nature of the distribution role.