Count Financial continues acquisitions with another recruit

In 2022 alone, Count Financial has appointed 41 new advisers as it continued to focus on strategic growth and acquisitions.

On Thursday, Count Financial confirmed the appointment of BWC Wealth Partners as the latest firm to join its network.

The firm, based in South-West Victoria, has three offices and practices retirement advice.

Speaking on their reasons for partnering with Count Financial, Stephen Crowe, financial adviser at BWC Wealth, said the decision was based primarily on the support offered in three key areas: research, technical support and compliance.

“Count Financial was very supportive during the transfer from our old licensee. They have robust systems in place to make the onboarding process as seamless as we could hope,” Mr Crowe said.  

“With a broad and flexible approved product list, we are confident that our clients will have access to the right investment and insurance solutions for their needs. We were also impressed with the technology suite they offer which will make us a more efficient business.”

Andrew Kennedy, chief advice officer at Count Financial, said that BWC Wealth is a quality firm with a strong client focus.

“Stephen and the team have a great reputation for being client-focused and embracing new and innovative ways to improve their processes. This aligns very closely with our focus on digital tools and being a technology-focused licensee. We are delighted to have them on board as part of the Count Financial community and we look forward to working closely together.”

Last year, before launching its acquisitions program, it was revealed that the formerly CBA-owned dealer group had lost more than 80 advisers and tens of millions of dollars in earnings as regulatory change drove more practitioners out of the industry.

But as its business transitioned to a new model without grandfathered revenue, it's advice network reported EBITA of $0.69 million in the first half of 2022.

“Our strong financial position enables us to invest in technology that makes it easier for our members to deliver more advice. In the past year, we have seen a 48 per cent increase in advice documents produced thanks to the simplified templates and digital tools we have introduced,” CountPlus interim CEO, Laurent Toussaint, said at the time.

The business boasted 263 advisers in its national community at the end of December, with growth said to reach 288 by 31 March 2022.