Betashares is to merge its managed account business with InvestSense to form a purpose-built, comprehensive option for financial advisers that will have $8 billion in funds under management (FUM).
The combination of the two firms will be known as Trellia Wealth Partners, operating as an independent standalone business, and includes index-based, active, and bespoke managed account options for financial advisers. As well as this, it will provide technology and tools to enhance business efficiency and deliver a greater client experience.
The possibility of a merger with Sydney-based InvestSense, which was founded in 2014, had been flagged by the media last month.
“Trellia Wealth Partners brings a powerful and diverse set of capabilities designed to support and empower advisers to deliver lasting value for their clients.
“Financial advisers will benefit from a broad range of investment solutions, deeper strategic support for practices, and new tools to deliver the highest level of client experience,” Betashares said.
InvestSense directors Jonathan Tolub, Jonathan Ramsay, Fil Andronaco, and Paul Carrington will serve as partners and have all made a long-term commitment to the business. There will be no change to the management or service of existing client portfolios unless enhancements with adviser benefits are available.
The transaction to form Trellia Wealth Partners is expected to be completed in Q3 2025.
Betashares said the deal was made as the ETF provider could observe a positive outlook for Australia’s financial advice market, which is conducive to future growth and uptake of managed accounts. According to the Institute of Managed Account Professionals (IMAP), the sector reached $232.7 billion in assets as of 31 December 2024.
The positive drivers include greater advice demand, rise of ETFs, growth in private market opportunities, and shift into pension phase for the superannuation sector.
Alex Vynokur, chief executive of Betashares, said: “Financial advisers play an integral role in helping many Australians progress towards their financial goals. Trellia Wealth Partners brings together our unique strengths and a shared purpose – to support advisers through innovation, partnership, and best-in-class investment thinking. This is not just about combining capability, it’s about accelerating our impact.”
Tolub said: “Our flagship and custom-built portfolio solutions have helped advice practices grow for over a decade. Now, we are combining that agility with the scale, support, and world-class infrastructure needed to deliver even more value to our clients.
“From the beginning, it was clear that this partnership was more than complementary – it was aligned in purpose. We bring different strengths, but we share a belief in building client-centric, advice-aligned solutions. Trellia Wealth Partners allows us to provide advisers the advantage of leading investment solutions, best-in-class support capabilities and depth in expertise, to assist our clients in their growth journeys.”
