Netwealth FUA thins as outflows surge

Netwealth has published its results for the December quarter of 2022, reporting total funds under administration (FUA) of $62.4 billion, up 10.2 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

Total FUA growth was stunted by a 42 per cent plunge in net inflows, down from $3.6 billion as at 31 December 2021 to $2.1 billion.

This resulted from a 65.6 per cent spike in outflows ($2 billion), offset by inflows totalling $4.1 billion, albeit down 14.7 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

Meanwhile, total funds under management (FUM) grew 4.5 per cent, closing the December quarter at $14.4 billion.

However, FUM net inflows also slumped, down 56.7 per cent on the previous corresponding period to $364 million, driven by a 68.4 per cent fall in managed account net inflows, which totalled $244 million as at 31 December 2022.

This was partially offset by a 94.3 per cent surge in managed funds net inflows, which rose to $120 million.

In a statement to the ASX, Netwealth attributed weakness in net inflows to the “uncertain economic environment” and recent changes in financial market sentiment.

According to the firm, these conditions are “adversely impacted”:

• the timing of committed transitions and subsequent inflows in 1H23; and
• the quantum of outflows for the December quarter.

The group claimed outflows were “proportionally above” average due to partial withdrawal of funds from high-net-worth (HNW) and mid-market/institutional account holders.

Despite comparative weakness in net inflows over the December quarter, Netwealth told shareholders it “remains in an excellent financial position”, reporting strong profitability, cash generation, high levels of recurring revenue, and low capital expenditure.