Westpac appoints acting general manager, advice
Westpac has appointed Ashley Stewart as acting general manager of advice to lead the transformation of the bank’s advice business, and the transition activities with Viridian Advisory, effective 1 May.
The appointment followed Jane Watts’ move to general manager Westpac Retail and Premium Bank.
Stewart has been with the Westpac Group since 2011 and has served as National Head of BT Group Licensees (which includes Magnitude and Securitor) since June 2018, whilst also Head of Westpac’s Private Wealth businesses in Victoria and South Australia, the firm said.
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.

