Research house van Eyk has acquired financial services consulting firm the Encore Group, which provides consulting services, programs and systems to financial planning practices, for an undisclosed sum.
Encore has been operating since 2003 and offers services including business development, sales, marketing, human resources, back office and succession planning, according to van Eyk.
van Eyk said its clients will have direct access to Encore’s intellectual capital, practice management products and consulting services.
van Eyk chief executive Mark Thomas said the acquisition was an indication that the firm was developing a more holistic relationship with its clients.
"This acquisition deeply enriches our understanding of our key clients’ needs and challenges at an important crossroads in the industry’s development," he said.
According to van Eyk, professional practice management is one of the most important developments in the financial planning industry as it moves to adopt Future of Financial Advice reforms, and financial planners look to streamline their practices and move to a fee-for-service model.
