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Are we overdoing automation in advice?
If there’s a key word for 2025, it has to be “automation”. It’s everywhere. Nearly every week, a new tool promises to streamline everything from file notes to SOA templates. When things are running smoothly, automation can really speed up and tidy our processes. But I can't help wondering: are we automating too much, and…
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We don’t have a tech problem. We have a change problem.
I was working with a large, fairly progressive advice practice recently. The kind that most would look at and think, “they’ve nailed it.” They’ve invested heavily in technology. They even have a full-time developer whose sole role is to build tools the leadership team wants and roll them out across the business. On paper,…
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The biggest succession mistakes
In our work with acquisitions over the years we have identified a few consistent reasons why purchases or mergers fail: Incompatible client base Frequently, buyers and sellers talk conceptually about synergy, but do not adequately contemplate what makes them stronger as a combined entity. For example, if one practice…
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When good people make bad decisions
Recent misconduct cases, including Shield and First Guardian, have once again brought attention to challenges within the financial advice profession. Whether it's inappropriate sales tactics, inadequate due diligence, misrepresentations to clients or more serious breaches of trust, these cases taint the reputation of so…
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Five signs a practice merger is going off the rails
Every week we speak with practice owners who thought their merger would be straightforward – and six months later, they’re dealing with staff walkouts, duplicated systems or silent boardroom battles. The numbers stacked up. But the human and operational fit didn’t, and the deal is now worth less, not more. The following…
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Planning the transition
Whether you’re considering selling or acquiring, it’s important that you plan carefully – consider your options, determine the challenges, obstacles and potential roadblocks and build your strategy. All of this should all come together in your transition plan. From the buyer’s perspective, the impact of a new…
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Uncovering a blind spot with just three questions
I like to think of myself as "considered" rather than stubborn (although my husband might tell you it’s the same thing). Give me a new idea, and I’ll mull it over before I’m ready to change my mind. Two years ago, our business coach asked me a question that made me squirm: “What does it cost the business – in time, money,…
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The real reason advice mergers fail
Mergers and acquisitions in the financial advice sector are on the rise – and for good reason. Scale brings efficiency, broader capability, and resilience in a changing regulatory and economic landscape. But while the strategic logic of merging is often sound, the execution is where many practices stumble. The reality is…
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How PE consolidation really impacts advice tech
Given the unprecedented pace of M&A activity in advice, it's worth balancing expectations with reality – especially where tech integrations are concerned. So, what does a tech change actually look like when an advice business is acquired? Find out in this video:
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Growing pains
Having worked with hundreds of financial planning practices across Australia, I’ve been lucky enough to have a kind of backstage view of the industry. From solo advisers to huge practices, it’s clear that the desire to grow is strong. The Advisely Growth Survey revealed that over 80% of advisers are looking to bring in new…