Westpac appoints acting general advice manager

Mr Stewart will lead the transformation of the advice business and also the transition activities with Viridian Advisory, as announced last month.

Westpac announced in March that it would exit face-to-face financial advice in BT Financial group and that Viridian Advisory would take on its salaried advisers and commence supporting advice customers.

Mr Stewart has been with the Westpac Group since 2011 and has served as national head of BT Group licensees since June 2018, while also head of Westpac’s private wealth business in Victoria and South Australia.

His appointment follows Jane Watts’ move to general manager of Westpac's retail and premium bank.

Mr Stewart said he was excited to take on the role and continue the significant work undertaken with Viridian already.

“Viridian Advisory is well progressed in the transition with a majority of offers already made to advisers within the group. Early responses have been very positive. There is still a great deal of work to do,” he said.

Ms Watts said she wanted a smooth transition for customers and advisers and Mr Stewart would provide that.

“The smooth transition for customers and advisers is paramount to the success of implementing these changes. Ashley’s deep experience in advice and across our business will be a key driver in this transition,” she said.

Eliot Hastie

Eliot Hastie is a journalist at Momentum Media, writing primarily for its wealth and financial services platforms. 

Eliot joined the team in 2018 having previously written on Real Estate Business with Momentum Media as well.

Eliot graduated from the University of Westminster, UK with a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism).

You can email him on: [email protected]