Goodrich FS ditches Securitor after Findex acquisition

The Melbourne-based wealth advisory firm will now be licensed by high net wealth advisory firm Centric Wealth, which was itself acquired by Findex in 2014.

Goodrich Financial Services managing partner Martin Goodrich told ifa that while the 26-year-old firm has had a "long and positive" relationship with Securitor, the time had come to move the business forward.

"We're changing our licence and all our planners will now be licensed under Centric Wealth," he said.

Mr Goodrich emphasised he was in no way dissatisfied with Securitor, noting that his planners are still using parts of the platform and they will not be selling down any of their investments.

"I have sat on their Melbourne-based advice circle from inception and the strength of the Securitor brand has been phenomenal," he said.

Currently Goodrich Financial Services has four advisers and Mr Goodrich will remain in his position.

"Our business is not a huge one, but we deal with many high-end clients. We cover the whole spectrum of the service model and this deal will make such a difference to our service offering," he said.

"Our clients will now have in-house access to a full range of specialist accounting professionals in addition to core accounting services and wealth management competencies."

Yesterday it was announced that Findex, one of Australia's largest independent financial services and accounting groups, had acquired both Martin Goodrich & Associates (MGA) and Goodrich Financial Services.

Findex chief executive Spiro Paule said the Goodrich client offering was aligned with the Findex philosophy.

"Both entities are committed to a holistic financial services offering in the mode of a one-stop shop for financial services and related advice, also known as a Family Office approach.

"MGA have been one of the pioneers in offering a complete Family Office service to mainstream clients, rather than just the very wealthy, focusing on SMEs, private clients and family-owned businesses."

The Findex brands include Crowe Horwath (Australia and New Zealand); Centric Wealth; Financial Index Wealth Accountants; Prescott Securities; MBP Advisory; Civic Financial Planning; and MOVO online advice, together looking after the needs of around 250,000 clients.

The group employs more than 3,000 finance professionals from 120 capital city and regional offices.

Findex was awarded the IFA Excellence Award for Best Dealer Group in 2014

Findex Group businesses have more than $17 billion in funds under management.