Advisers being drawn back to profession

Mike Taylor

Managing Editor and Publisher

27 March 2026

At least some financial advisers are being drawn back into the profession as licensees compete for experience, according to the latest data from Padua’s WealthData.

The latest WealthData analysis shows that net adviser numbers rose by 10 this week, meaning that the Financial Adviser Register (FAR) has grown by 25 over the past two weeks.

Importantly, WealthData principal, Colin Williams said the numbers had been boosted by 10 advisers who had ceased in December, last year, returning to the same licensees.

As well, there were five new entrants on the register and three new licensees, one of which is restarting.

Williams said a total of 87 advisers had changed their status on the FAR, including 25 advisers appointed by Canaccord Genuity Financial whilst remaining on the Wilsons license, reflecting the fact that Canaccord purchased Wilsons in October, last year.

Key Adviser Movements for the week

• 15,152 current advisers
• Net change of advisers +10
• 29 licensee owners had net gains of 34 advisers
• 22 licensee owners had net losses of (-24) advisers
• 3 new licensees (one recommencing) and 3 ceased
• 5 new entrants
• 87 advisers affected by appointments / resignations.

Other key dates affected by this week’s data

• Net Change Calendar 2026 YTD +94
• Net Change Financial YTD (2025/26) (-18)
• Net change last 12 months (-426).

Growth – Licensee Owners

• KYCY Financial Planning – Up by three, all being new entrants
• Three licensee owners up by two:
  • Merchant Wealth Partners
  • Fiducian Financial Group
  • Entireti & Akumin Group
• A tail of 25 licensee owners up by net one each including Spark Financial Group, Picture Wealth and Lifespan.

Losses – Licensee Owners

• Centrepoint Group down by two
• The G & A Hunter Family Trust (Politis) also down by two
• 20 licensee owners down by net one each including Industry Super Holdings, Sequoia and Invest Blue.