South Australian advice firm makes acquisition



Adelaide financial planning firm Retirement Strategies has been acquired by Calder Wealth Management (CWM).
The firm was founded in 2002, while CWM was founded 50 years ago.
The two businesses said there is a “unique alignment” in how the two South Australian firms are run as well as in its shared values.
Ben Cheney, director of Retirement Strategies, said the decision to sell was taken as the “time was right” for him to transition away from financial advice after a decade. He will remain available to provide consultancy support throughout the transition, and his team will move across to CWM to maintain consistency with clients.
“Leading this company has been an incredibly rewarding experience and I am grateful for the relationships I’ve built with more than 300 family groups over the years.
“The decision to step away for personal and family reasons has not been made lightly and comes with a mix of emotions, but I do it with full confidence that my clients will continue to receive top advice and support through Calder Wealth Management.”
CWM managing director Ben Calder said: “This is the coming together of two highly respected, family owned South Australian financial advisory businesses that share a rich history. Most importantly, we both focus on building long-term relationships with clients that are built on trust.
“Both firms share similar cultures, and we have a high value for family, education, excellence, sustainability and also fun, as we work with our clients to set them up for the future they really want.
“We’re proud of our 50-year history and our continued, sustainable growth across South Australia, which enables us to be there for all of our clients whenever and wherever they need us, to help them overcome financial changes, grow their wealth, protect the fruit of their hard work, and leave a lasting legacy.”
Last month, high-net-worth wealth manager Statton Partners announced it was merging with Wilsons Advisory Private Wealth to add to its clients, advisers and client assets.
Wilsons Advisory has a history of over 125 years focused on financial and advisory services with offices across Australia. Meanwhile, Statton Partners was established in 1967 to provide financial and investment advice.
Casimir Skillecorn, head of private wealth at Wilsons Advisory, said: “This merger is a strong endorsement of the strength of our client service capabilities, operating model, and growing presence. We look forward to our teams coming together and excited about the opportunity to expand our reach and breadth of services to Australia’s high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices.”
Recommended for you
The new financial year has got off to a strong start in adviser gains, helped by new entrants, after heavy losses sustained in June.
Michael McCorry, chief investment officer at BlackRock Australia, has detailed how investors are reconsidering their 60/40 portfolios as macro uncertainty highlight the benefits of liquid alternatives.
Having reset its market focus to high-net-worth advisers, Praemium’s administration solution has been selected by Bell Potter in a deal that increases the platform's funds under administration by $6 billion.
High transition rates from financial advisers have helped Netwealth’s funds under administration rise by $3.7 billion in the fourth quarter of FY25.