Count research mandate announcement within weeks



Accountancy-based financial planning dealer group Count Financial has confirmed that its key service provider contracts are currently under review, including software and external research, with a decision to be announced soon.
The announcement of its external research contract, currently held by van Eyk Research, is expected to be made within a month.
In an update released to the Australian Securities Exchange, Count Financial said that any changes relating to the external research contract, software, product platform enhancements and enhancements to its finconnect business model would be implemented progressively over the next six months.
The company’s announcement came at the same time as it said that funds under advice on approved platforms stood at $6.41 billion, down 1.69 per cent over the last 12 months with total funds under administration excluding direct property standing at $10.14 billion, down 3.52 per cent over the period.
It said the movements largely reflected very low industry investment returns for the 12 months ended 30 September and subdued fund flows — something which was “a current short-term characteristic of the wealth management industry”.
The announcement of the Count Financial’s decision on the key external research and software mandates is expected before its annual general meeting scheduled for 16 November.
Recommended for you
The shift in scale and consolidation has led to substantial growth in large privately owned licensees, which have tipped past 20 per cent of advisers for the first time to make up 28.3 per cent of the industry.
ETF providers Betashares and BlackRock are reporting increased flows for currency hedged vehicles, but an adviser has warned on the potential tax implications of changing currency.
Bravura chair Matthew Quinn is to step down later this year, following the exit of CEO Andrew Russell, while its future priority is digital advice in Australia.
Financial advice has an important role to play in navigating family discussions around inheritance, according to CFS, with younger generations expecting a windfall of more than $500,000 while older ones try to meet their retirement needs.