BT appoints new head of distribution

BT has officially named acting head of distribution Jason Brown to the role, which the company said would bolster its team as it continues to invest in BT Panorama’s digital capability, platform features, and managed accounts offer.

Mr Brown has more than 30 years’ experience in financial services, including the last 14 years at BT across business development and account management.

Kathy Vincent, chief strategy and product officer at BT, said: “Jason is the right fit for the team at the right time. He has enormous respect with our people and advisers and has demonstrated strength in his leadership skills through market volatility, changing economic environments, as well as rapid growth and change.”

As head of distribution, Mr Brown will oversee the distribution team to build and drive BT Panorama’s position in the market. BT said this would include an amplified focus on supporting advice practice professionals and BT’s online and face-to-face time with advisers.

Mr Brown said: “BT is an innovative and adaptable business with a strong brand, and it has been my privilege to be part of the development of the platforms business to where it is today.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our dedicated team and the advisers and practices who have entrusted us to be the custodians of their clients’ wealth, as we invest in our award-winning BT Panorama platform.”

BT has $130.8 billion in funds under administration (FUA) across its platforms, including BT Panorama’s $102.1 billion in FUA. The platform has more than 6,000 active advisers now using the platform.

Mr Brown has been acting in the role since December 2022 and was most recently head of account management at BT.

In March, BT Super completed its merger into the Mercer Super Trust. According to Mercer, the Mercer Super Trust is now one of the 15 largest funds in Australia with approximately 850,000 members and $63 billion total assets under management.

At the time, BT Super Trustee chair Gai McGrath said: “This merger has created a larger superannuation fund with the potential to deliver improved performance, lower fees, and broader member services, while maintaining continuity of knowledge and service for BT Super members.”