Panorama performs for Westpac despite sales talk
Westpac may be seriously considering the future sale of its superannuation, platforms and investments business, but it is continuing to make a positive contribution to the banking group’s balance sheet in the meantime.
Westpac used an investor briefing to confirm that the superannuation, platforms and investments business alongside BT Life remained under active consideration for sale, but data from the firm revealed that the super and platforms business was in positive territory delivering total growth of 10% to $21 billion and positive net flows of $1.3 billion, excluding the impact of early release super and pension payments.
The company also reported that the life insurance business reported a $72 million profit, up $10 million from 2H20 (excluding notables).
The positive news around the platforms business comes as the company continues to undertake the migration of clients from BT Wrap to Panorama.
It said that Panorama increased 59% on the second half of 2020 to $49.6 billion, attributed to momentum in engaging existing and new advisers, and BT Wrap migrations.
It said that there are now 3,535 advisers using the platform up 17% on the second half of 2020, with BT reporting last month that it had reached $50 billion in funds under management.
Recommended for you
Compared to four years ago when the divide between boutique and large licensees were largely equal, adviser movements have seen this trend shift in light of new licensees commencing.
As ongoing market uncertainty sees advisers look beyond traditional equity exposure, Fidante has found adviser interest in small caps and emerging markets for portfolio returns has almost doubled since April.
CoreData has shared the top areas of demand for cryptocurrency advice but finds investors are seeking advisers who actively invest in the asset themselves.
With regulators ‘raising the bar’ on retirement planning, Lonsec Research and Ratings has urged advisers to place greater focus on sequencing and longevity risk as they navigate clients through the shifting landscape.
