Global investment manager Fidante has formed a strategic partnership with a London-based asset manager to secure exclusive distribution rights across the APAC region.

Bravura Solutions has appointed a new chair and deputy chair to take over from departing Matthew Quinn, while Shezad Okhai picks up another responsibility.

Two advisers say M&A is becoming a “contact sport” as competition heats up to acquire attractive advice firms, while a lack of new entrants creates roadblocks in organic growth opportunities.

Perth advice firm Integro Private Wealth has appointed a head of advice to spearhead a major business development initiative to expand nationwide.

AZ NGA has taken a larger stake in ex-AMP advice firm Geographe Financial Group, triggering leadership changes as it prepares for future M&A growth opportunities.

Private markets manager Fortitude Investment Partners has launched an evergreen small-cap private equity fund.

Over half of financial advice clients say they have found their adviser via a referral from an existing client, according to Dimensional.

Blackwattle Investment Partners has hired a management trio from First Sentier Investors – who departed amid the closure of four investment teams last year – to run its first equity income offering.

With the intergenerational wealth transfer underway in Australia, wealth managers are focusing on how they can attract the next generation of advisers to service these younger clients.

As private markets garner mainstream attention, a panel of experts believe access to the asset class through managed accounts will become more widely available, providing opportunities for advisers to diversify portfolios.