Cerulli in talks with local researchers about closer ties

Internationalresearch and consulting firm Cerulli Associates has approached a number of prominent Australian researchers with an offer to forge formal ties ahead of what could be a permanent move into the Australian market.

Money Managementhas confirmed Cerulli is currently in discussions with at least one well-known researcher about the possibility of a move into the Australian market.

Money Managementhas also learnt that Cerulli had approached another researcher late last year about establishing an Australian presence, although the move did not eventuate.

Cerulli Associates managing director Ben Phillips confirmed last week that he had held discussions with researchers while on a recent visit to Australia.

However, Phillips has denied that the discussions necessarily implied Cerulli was planning to open an office in Australia, although he did not rule out such a move down the track.

He says it is standard practice for Cerulli to hold discussions with researchers in markets the group researches.

“We always look for people who might be good employees or partnerships ... in all the marketplaces we offer,” he says.

Cerulli Associates is best known in Australia for the one report it has written exclusively on the local market.

The report predicted further consolidation in the Australian master trust market would mean the market would soon be whittled down to only five major competitors.

Phillips, who in the past has visited Australian twice a year, says he is hoping to come to Australia up to four times a year from now on.