CountPlus to acquire TAL advice firm

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

10 March 2023

Australian life insurer, TAL, has entered into an agreement to divest its financial advice licensee, Affinia Financial Advisers, to CountPlus.

TAL stated in an announcement that it considered the “best interests of Affinia practices, advisers and their clients” as well as the need for better access to affordable financial advice in its decision to sell the business to CountPlus.

“We are pleased to have found in CountPlus a business which shares Affinia’s commitment to financial advisers and passion for delivering high quality financial advice to its clients,” Brett Clark, TAL chief executive, said.

“Financial advisers have a vital role in the community through helping Australians make financial decisions and plan with confidence for the future.

“We remain committed to supporting and building lasting relationships with advisers and will continue to advocate for the value financial advisers deliver to their clients and community.

“We wish Affinia together with CountPlus a successful future and we look forward to an ongoing partnership with CountPlus and their advisers.”

Hugh Humphrey, CountPlus chief executive, said the acquisition will position the firm as a “major player in the future of wealth management in Australia”.

“The acquisition is terrific news for CountPlus investors and continues to evidence the disciplined execution of our growth strategy. It brings the scale that we have been pursuing in Wealth, and builds on our already stable base,” he said.

“Affinia advisers have a reputation for delivering quality financial advice which makes them a natural fit for our community. They have particular strength in delivering risk advice to clients, an area of growth opportunity for CountPlus.”