Escala Partners pair jump ship to LGT Crestone

The co-founders of Melbourne-based advisory business, Escala Partners, have now confirmed reports that first surfaced in December last year of their move to LGT Crestone.

The private wealth and investment advice provider announced Steve Collins and Mason Allamby had joined as Partners and Investment Advisers, leading a team that provides advice to high-net-worth (HNW) families, family offices and not-for-profit organisations.

The team also includes Chris Quigley, Steve de Bolfo and Amelia Kelaher who also all joined LGT Crestone from Escala Partners.

“We are delighted to welcome Steve and Mason to our team. Their client-centric ethos and exceptional track record reflect LGT Crestone’s commitment to excellence in financial advisory, and align with our entrenched client-focused culture,” Michael Chisholm, LGT Crestone chief executive, said.

“With a deep understanding of the market and wealth of experience, Mason and Steve play a critical role in our work providing tailored financial advice and strategies to our valued clients.”

The firm said the appointments come as it continues to experience a phase of significant growth, having increased its assets under advice and total revenue by 17 per cent in the 2023-24 financial year. LGT Crestone also extended its credit product range with the introduction of mortgages.

Allamby and Collins bring over four decades of experience collectively to the new roles, having both founded Escala Partners and, before that, enjoyed positions at UBS Wealth Management as Investment Adviser and Executive Director, respectively. Between the two, their expertise lies in domestic and international equities, fixed-income securities, real estate investment trusts, alternative investments, and derivatives; as well as advisory services including investment management, asset allocation and tax optimisation.

“I am thrilled to join and lead the next phase of LGT Crestone’s growth, and to leverage my experience in providing personalised investment solutions that align with the goals of our esteemed clientele,” Allamby said.

“I am passionate about helping clients design and build portfolios that help achieve their long-term financial goals, and am excited to be working with the dedicated team at LGT Crestone to continue doing just that,” Collins said.