Infocus makes 2 senior leadership hires
Infocus has announced two appointments to its senior leadership team, just days after unveiling a new business model for the advice licensee.
Former Fitzpatricks Private Wealth chief executive, Matthew Fogarty, has been appointed as executive general manager for strategic relationships. Meanwhile, Hayley Briggs will join the firm as chief financial and operating officer.
Fogarty, who led Fitzpatricks from June 2018 to November 2022, will lead Infocus’ partner program which collaborates with advice firms to deliver capital solutions and integrated support systems. He also spent almost two years as the head of private wealth at Kelly+Partners.
Briggs will be responsible for overseeing Infocus’ financial and operational performance, including financial planning, cash flow management, financial analysis, and people and culture strategy.
Prior to joining Infocus, she spent six years at JP Morgan where she led strategic financial planning, forecasting and reporting functions, and also spent a decade at Deutsche Bank, both positions in London.
Infocus founder and managing director, Darren Steinhardt, said: “The financial advice sector is at a turning point and advisers need a trusted partner who not only understands their unique challenges but is deeply and actively invested in their success.
“Matthew and Hayley’s leadership will be key in advancing Infocus’ value proposition, driving innovation and delivering solutions that help advisers achieve client-first, best interest outcomes. We’re excited to welcome them and confident their expertise will be invaluable to the team.”
Earlier this week, the firm announced a new integrated business model that seeks to partner with financial advisers and help them to scale up their practices.
Its new business model has a focus on flexible solutions in three core areas: advisory, technology and investment management.
Key elements of the firm’s offering will include flexible partnership models – member, partner and enterprise – and licensing support, regardless of whether advisers are self-licensed or licensed by Infocus. Advisers will be able to collaborate with Infocus for technology, investment solutions, operational support and scaleable solutions, with Infocus acting as a capital partner.
Steinhardt said: “This means we are open for business as a firm built by advisers for advisers. From fully autonomous advisory practice models to collaborative partnerships – each can benefit from tailored technology, investment solutions, and operational support for sustainable growth.”
AUTHOR
Laura Dew
Recommended for you
As the industry navigates the fallout from recent product failures, two major AFSLs have detailed their APL selection process and relationship with research houses, warning a selection error could “destroy” a licensee.
The impending retirement of financial advisers in their 50s could see the profession face significant succession challenges over the coming decade and younger advisers may not be the answer.
With a third of AFSLs being solo advisers, how can they navigate key person risk and ensure they are still attractive propositions for buyers when it comes to their succession planning?
A quarter of advisers who commenced on the FAR within the last two years have already switched licensees or practices, adding validity to practice owners’ professional year (PY) concerns.
