Financial Adviser Head Count Sees Marginal Gains

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Despite the recent uptick, the overall trend for the calendar year remains concerning. WealthData's principal, Colin Williams, highlighted that many advisers previously counted among the fiscal year's large exits have returned under new licenses. This movement has somewhat cushioned the overall number, bringing active financial adviser registrations to 15,469 as of now.

Interestingly, since the beginning of the financial year on July 1, there have been 41 new advisers registered, including the 21 additions from the past week. These recent figures indicate a potential reversal in the downtrend, though the calendar year's net loss of 148 advisers can't be overlooked.

Weekly Adviser Activity Overview

• Net change of advisers: +39
• Total number of active advisers: 15,469
• Year-to-date net change for 2024: -148
• This financial year's net change: +121
• Net change for the last financial year (2023/24): -211
• 39 Licensee Owners achieved net gains amounting to 54 advisers
• 12 Licensee Owners faced net losses, losing 13 advisers
• Two licensees commenced operations, while one ceased
• 21 new advisers entered the scene
• Total advisery movements (appointments/resignations): 74 (down from last week's 246)

Licensee Owner Growth Highlights

Certain licensee owners experienced appreciable gains this week. Insignia Group stands out with a net increase of seven advisers; five being new entrants while the remaining two transitioned from Alliance Wealth and internal positions within Insignia.

AvalonFS showed a net increment of six advisers. However, it's noteworthy that all six had ceased operations toward the end of June but were reinstated in the beginning week of July.

Other notable movers include:

• New licensee onboarding advisers from Advice Evolution
• Pitcher Partners Brisbane: gained two new entrants
• Philborne Pty Ltd (Dirigere Advisory): added one adviser each from Zebra Financial Services and Fortnum
• Bell Financial: inducted two new advisers

Additionally, a broad spectrum of 33 other licensee owners saw a net growth of one adviser each, including firms like Fortnum, Centrepoint, and Capstone.

Licensee Owner Losses This Week

On the flip side, there have been notable declines within certain major licensee owners:

• AMP Group saw a dip by two advisers; one new adviser joined from Godfrey Pembroke, but this gain could not offset three other advisers ceasing their affiliation (backdated to June).
• A group of 11 licensee owners, including prominent names like Findex Group, Infocus, and Morgan Stanley, observed a net loss of one adviser each, including the one licensee that completely wound down.

The ever-evolving adviser landscape reflects the broader shifts and disruptions within the financial advisory sector in Australia. It will be crucial to monitor if trends reverse sustainably or if the industry continues to navigate these turbulent waters. (Source: WealthData)

Published:Saturday, 13th Jul 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Non-Bank Lenders Now Play a Bigger Role in Australian Car Finance

25 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

A new Australian Finance Industry Association report, released on 5 June 2026, highlights how important non-bank lenders have become in the vehicle finance market. According to the report, motor finance non-bank lenders helped 507,000 consumer and commercial customers buy vehicles in 2025, providing $24.4 billion in loans. By the end of that year, their active loan books were worth $53 billion. - read more

Electric Vehicles Capture 20% of Australian New Car Market

11 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

In May 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) achieved a significant milestone in Australia, accounting for 20% of all new car sales. This development indicates a substantial shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable transportation options. - read more

ASIC Calls for Enhanced Standards in Auto Finance Lending

11 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant concerns regarding lending practices. This examination has highlighted issues such as exorbitant establishment fees and a troubling rate of early loan defaults, raising questions about the adequacy of current lending standards. - read more

Electric Vehicle Financing Defies Market Trends with 48% Growth

04 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

In a remarkable development, electric vehicle (EV) financing in Australia has experienced a 48% year-on-year increase, even as the overall motor finance market saw a 3% decline. This data, released by the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA), underscores a significant shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable transportation options. - read more

Understanding the Impact of RBA's Rate Hikes on Your Borrowing Power

04 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has implemented three consecutive rate hikes in 2026, bringing the official cash rate to 4.35%. With the next RBA board meeting scheduled for 16 June, borrowers across Australia are keenly awaiting potential further changes and their implications. - read more

Toyota Expands Electric Vehicle Offerings with Hilux BEV and bZ4X Touring

28 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Toyota has made significant strides in the Australian electric vehicle (EV) market with the recent launch of the Hilux BEV and the bZ4X Touring. These additions reflect Toyota's commitment to providing a diverse range of low-emission vehicles tailored to various consumer preferences. - read more

Electric Vehicles Capture 16.4% of Australian New Car Sales in April 2026

20 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In April 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 16.4% of all new car sales in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the nation's automotive market. This equates to approximately one in every six new vehicles sold being electric, highlighting a rapid shift towards sustainable transportation. - read more

Click for more Finance News