NAB state manager joints Count

In a statement, Count Financial said it had appointed Stephen Carton, a previous business growth manager in NAB’s adviser business for the last three years, as practice development and growth manager for Queensland.

Count said Mr Carton had “around 30 years’ experience in financial services roles across Australia”, and had previously been a state manager for AMP’s advice network across Victoria and Tasmania prior to his role with NAB.

Count chief advice officer Andrew Kennedy said Mr Carton’s focus would be firmly on adviser recruitment as the dealer group signalled a growth phase, fresh from recruiting ex Godfrey Pembroke practice Ascent Wealth in the fallout of MLC’s buyout by IOOF.

“Stephen’s industry knowledge and ability to articulate our offer will be key as we target quality advice firms to join the Count Financial network,” Mr Kennedy said.

“With experience working closely with small businesses, Stephen will help our member firms consider new ways to grow revenue and navigate the unique challenges being felt across the advice landscape at present.”

Mr Carton said he was excited to join the dealer group, which was heading in a positive direction following its acquisition by CountPlus from the Commonwealth Bank.

“It has been interesting to follow Count Financial over the past year or so under CountPlus ownership,” Mr Carton said.

“They are delivering a compelling value proposition to self-employed advisers centred around building a clean, sustainable licensee model for the future and they are investing in the resources needed to bring that vision to life.”