Former Synchron manager to head Sequoia-owned licensee

Sequoia Financial Group has announced the appointment of former Synchron compliance general manager, Phil Osborne, to the role of head of Libertas Financial Planning.

The move comes as Libertas founder, Mark Euvrard, reduces his time with the licensee and after Mr Osborne's departure from Synchron in June.

In the new role, Mr Osborne will support the development of financial advisers across Sequoia's licensees with a key focus on how legislative changes will impact them and the level of service required to support practices.

“Libertas is a quality licensee and I look forward to continuing the culture that Mark Euvrard commenced and transitioned across to the Sequoia group in 2020,” Mr Osborne said.

“As we grow and develop this licensee within the broader group, I'm also keen to build a sense of community between advisers of all of the Sequoia-owned licensees.

“Adviser health and wellbeing is something we need to keep in mind as we talk about a ‘business-to-consumer’ industry, because behind each advice ‘business’ is a person — the adviser — and we need to interact with respect, integrity and support each business with the person in mind.”

Mr Osborne joined Synchron in February with over 30 years of experience in financial services.

After starting in the industry with roles at AMP and Hillross Financial Services, Mr Osborne went on to work at companies that include Lifestyle Asset Management, SMSF Advisers Network, and InterPrac Financial Planning.

Sequoia managing director, Garry Crole, has confirmed that, as well as the head role with Libertas, Mr Osborne will also chair the Investment Committees of the group's AFS licensees.

“With such an appointment, you're always hoping to find someone who understands the group and how it operates — Phil's previous association with InterPrac (he was the initial National Practice Manager in 2011 prior to moving to the NTAA and helping establish the SMSF Advisers Network AFSL) sees him come to Sequoia with a good feel already for our business,” Mr Crole said.

“Knowing the quality of Phil's work and premium knowledge set from our earlier collaboration, we're delighted to have him back and have Sequoia benefit from those skills and knowledge, as well as sharing in the attributes as a pro-advice spokesperson he has developed since then.”

Neil Griffiths

Neil is the Deputy Editor of the wealth titles, including ifa and InvestorDaily.

Neil is also the host of the ifa show podcast.