Adviser numbers return above 15,000

Mike Taylor

Managing Editor and Publisher

10 July 2026

A solid week of 20 new entrants has seen financial adviser numbers recover to over 15,000, according to the latest analysis from Padua’s WealthData.

After dropping to 14,984 last week, the new entrants combined with advisers shifting licensees had seen the Financial Adviser Register (FAR) number rise to 15,203. The outcome has restored the thinking that 15,000 advisers represent the unofficial “floor”.

The new entrants reflected the results of the latest financial adviser exam.

WealthData principal, Colin Wlliams said the solid weekly gain of 39 advisers saw the new financial year numbers sitting at a positive 130.

Key Adviser Movements for the Week

• 15,023 current advisers
• Net change of advisers: +39
• New Entrants: 20
• 46 licensee owners had net gains
• 21 licensee owners had net losses
• 5 New licensees (note, three recommencing)
• 1 licensee reduced to zero advisers
• Net Change Calendar 2026 YTD: (-32)
• Net Change Financial Year 2026/27 YTD: +130 and building
• Net change last 12 months: (-271)

Growth – Licensee Owners

• Rhombus Enterprises up by five, recovering some of the ground lost in last week’s year-end movement. All five advisers coming from different licensees
• Mathew Gale (G J Private Group) up by three all leaving Akumin Financial Planning
• A broad spread of licensee owners up by two, driven in part by new entrants, including Picture Wealth Group (continuing its organic growth to 371), Count Limited, ART Group Services, FSSSP Financial Services, Infocus Group, Oreana Financial Services, Centrepoint Group and Sofia Korac (Springboard Wealth), now at 10.
• 33 Licensee owners up by net one including WT Financial Group, Templestone and all five new licensees.

Losses – Licensee Owners

• ASVW Gordon down by four and reduced to zero advisers.
• Sequoia Group down by two, now at 123, continuing its steady year-long decline, with SGN Financial also down two.
• Otherwise losses were light and scattered — a tail of 18 licensee owners down by one each