Count adds Tribel following Affinia acquisition

Count has announced that Tribel Advisory, which is home to 11 financial advisers, has joined its AFSL network and is now the largest firm licensed with Count in terms of authorised representative numbers.

Count added that Tribel is also one of the first to join from Affinia following Count’s acquisition in May 2023.

In May, Count announced it had completed its acquisition of Affinia Financial Advisers from Australian life insurer TAL, with the licensee adding that Tribel is also one of the first to join from Affinia.

“The Affinia acquisition positions Count as Australia’s leading integrated accounting and wealth services provider and a major player in the future of wealth management in Australia,” Count chief executive officer Hugh Humphrey said in a statement to the ASX in May.

“This strategic acquisition follows our recent brand transformation from CountPlus to Count and signals a dynamic new phase for the company, giving clients greater certainty about our offering and providing them with the confidence to look ahead.”

Tribel CEO Jayson Walker strongly said that joining Count was a natural move for the firm.

“Count is a business that supports advisers and accountants who are ultimately aiming to become professional integrated wealth and accounting firms,” Mr Walker said.

“If that’s the vision and direction in which Count is heading, why wouldn’t we want to align and partner with a group that is going to deliver support to groups like us?”

He added that Count was responsive to feedback to help improve the onboarding experience.

“In response to the insights and suggestions we provided, Count modified their approach and created a better experience for Tribel. We are excited and optimistic about commencing this new chapter,” Mr Walker said.

Count chief advice officer Andrew Kennedy said Tribel’s appointment was terrific news that would create cultural benefits for the entire Count network.

“Tribel is a highly successful business that will act as a role model for others in our network. Their professionalism, community focus, and unwavering commitment to clients encompasses everything we stand for as a business,” Mr Kennedy said.

In September, Count announced the strategic acquisition of Diverger Limited, under which Count will acquire 100 per cent of the issued shares in Diverger by way of a scheme of arrangement that values Diverger at $45.3 million.

At completion, which is expected in early 2024, Count will represent a diversified financial services provider bolstered by total revenues of $132 million, funds under management and advice of $29 billion, around 550 advisers, 563 accountants, and a significantly expanded services function.