Advice firms join forces to create “truly national” business

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

8 July 2025

Not long after partnering with the local offshoot of US private equity giant, Merchant Investment Management, Coastal Advice Group (CAG) has announced its merger with fellow advice firm, Calder Wealth Management (CWM).

The merged firm will see an increased “national footprint” established with over 100 team members based in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

“This is more than just scale for scale’s sake, it’s about expanding what’s possible,” Daniel Brown, CEO of Coastal Advice Group, said.

“The Calder wealth team bring depth, talent, and a fierce commitment to quality advice. Together, we’re building something better, stronger, and ready to meet the evolving needs of Australians, wherever they reside.

“This is the start of a new chapter — for our clients, our people, and the profession. We’re not just building a bigger business. We’re building a better one.”

The merger sees Merchant-backed CAG complete yet another strategic acquisition within the national advice industry, now with the leverage of Calder’s 50 years of experience and relationship-building expertise.

The unified firm will also benefit from an expanded executive leadership team and board, with Michael Peters joining as Chief Financial Officer, Nicole Munday as Chief Operating Officer, and Ben Calder as Chief Advice Officer. Calder also joins Brown and Merchant Wealth Partners’ David Hainz as a member of the board.

“We’ve always believed in growing from within,” Calder said.

“This merger gives our people greater opportunities to thrive — to step into leadership roles, access national resources, and be part of something bigger, without losing the culture and values that make Calder Wealth special.

“We bring five decades of experience, a strong reputation, and a team of passionate professionals — and now, with the scale and support of a national business, we’re in an even stronger position to deliver for our clients and shape the future of advice.”

The now $2.5 billion in funds under management (FUM) firm said it will continue in its mission to provide “holistic financial advice… with a focus on an evidence-based investment philosophy” for thousands of clients around Australia. It will also relaunch its advice talent training and retention initiative, the Adviser Development Program, to “ensure the long-term sustainability of quality advice”.