Super merger helps ease adviser losses


The number of financial advisers has fallen by net of five this week, in stark contrast to the sharp falls in the industry seen over the last three weeks, according to Wealth Data.
This week was a busier week in terms of adviser movements though, dominated in part by movements across the superannuation sector following the merger of Hostplus and Statewide Super.
Industry Super Holdings, under the IFS Licensee, saw growth of 22, most notably due to 15 advisers switching from Statewide and Link across to Industry Fund Services (IFS). IFS would be the main provider of advisers to the newly-merged entity between Hostplus and Statewide.
“IFS also added a further seven advisers from different AFSLs, so a busy time for the IFS team,” Wealth Data founder Colin Williams said.
VIVID Financial Planning put on three advisers with two coming across from Lifespan. Meanwhile, six licensee owners grew by a net of two advisers including Fortnum , Findex and Oracle. One new licensee also commenced with two advisers.
A total of 26 licensee owners had net growth of one each including Shartru, Sambe Investments, Perpetual and one new licensee.
Statewide Super led losses due to the merger, with Count down net negative four and Castleguard (Lifespan) down negative three. Despite the losses, both licensee owners were in positive territory year to date.
FSSP (Aware Super), Insignia and Steinhardt Holdings (Infocus) were also down by three with a long tail of 32 licensee owners down by one, including Diverger, Bombora and Picture Wealth.
Recommended for you
ASIC has released the results of its first adviser exam to be held in 2025, with 241 candidates attempting the test.
Quarterly Wealth Data analysis has uncovered positive improvements in financial adviser numbers compared with losses in the prior corresponding period.
Holding portfolios that are too complex or personalised can be a detractor for acquirers of financial advice firms as they require too much effort to maintain post-acquisition.
As the financial advice profession continues to wait on further DBFO legislation, industry commentators have encouraged advisers to act now in driving practice efficiency.