MLC practices join listed dealer group

In a statement, Count Financial said Canberra-based Sapphire Coast Financial Services – a former Godfrey Pembroke practice – along with ex Meritum practice Next Generation Financial Planning, and former Garvan firm Aspire Financial Planning Group, had all joined the dealer group.

The news caps off a number of ex-MLC adviser movements to Count, with the licensee adding Godfrey Pembroke practices Plan Protect in February and Venture Financial Advisers in December last year.

Sapphire Coast Financial Services adviser and director Darren Stevens said the firm had chosen Count because of their advice-led business philosophy and sustainable dealer group model.

“The biggest drawcard for joining Count Financial is that they are an AFSL that believes in advice first, with no conflicts of interest in manufactured product,” Mr Stevens said.

“They are not aligned with a product provider or platform and are purely advice-led, which aligns closely with our own business values. There is also great comfort in being involved with a financially stable licensee that is profitable.”

Count chief advice officer Andrew Kennedy said the group was “delighted” to have the three practices come on board.

“Sapphire Coast, Next Generation and Aspire are three exceptional advice firms that we are delighted to have joining our national network,” Mr Kennedy said.

“They bring experience and expertise which the rest of our member network will be able to benefit from. With our annual conference just two months away, we’re excited that all of our new firms will have the chance to come together and experience Count Financial’s renowned sense of community in a dynamic and engaging environment.”