A Western Australian financial adviser has launched a petition and called for Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones to increase the portion of the ASIC levy paid by licensees ahead of the next levy schedule.

AZ NGA chief executive, Paul Barrett, has shared why financial advice firms have become more valuable to acquire in the five years since the Hayne royal commission and why appetite remains high for acquisitions.

A Victorian accounting firm – in which Count holds a 40 per cent equity stake – has announced the acquisition of an accounting client book through a $1.4 million transaction.

GQG Partners has seen a US$7 billion increase in funds under management since the start of 2024.

Boutique asset manager Aldersley Capital has partnered with online platform OpenInvest to launch a new investing solution to reach a broader audience of high-net-worth investors.

According to Calastone, 2023 was the first year since 2019 that Australian investors were net sellers of equity funds, as they turned their heads towards the promise of fixed income.

If the licensee structure is to be removed – or even if it’s here to stay – the imperative for businesses is to evolve or cease to exist, writes Shaun Green.