HNW advice practice the latest to join Focus Partners Australia

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

2 July 2025

Private wealth and investment advisory practice, Escala Partners, has become the latest firm to join the ranks of global organisation, Focus Financial Partners, via its Australian arm.

The move extends Escala’s existing relationship with Focus Financial Partners, having been a ‘Focus network firm’ since 2019.

While Escala’s advisory and investment team structures will largely remain the same, the partnership has seen the appointment of a new leadership team to commit to the firm’s next phase of growth with the strengthened support of Focus Partners Australia.

Ben James has been appointed chief executive, previously serving as Head of Advisory; Torty Howard has been appointed COO; and Simon Dawkins will continue as Head of Capital Markets and Fixed Income.

Focus Financial Partners’ Chief Corporate Development Officer, Travis Danysh, will also be appointed Executive Chairman of Focus’ Australian businesses, including Escala Partners.

“This integration completes the journey by formally bringing us into the fold of Focus Partners Australia. This is more than a structural change, it’s a strategic evolution,” James said.

“Joining forces with Focus Partners Australia allows us to set the foundation for our continued growth and evolution, through which we will deliver expansive solutions and a differentiated client experience through a unified and integrated global organisation.”

Chief Investment Officer, Tracey McNaughton, will also continue to spearhead Escala’s investment team.

“As part of the evolution of—and commitment to—Focus’ presence in the Australian market, we are excited by the opportunity to collaborate with our other businesses in Australia to build a scaled, premier wealth management organisation capable of delivering comprehensive services, deep expertise, and a personalised experience,” Danysh said.

“The addition of Escala to Focus Partners Australia is an important step towards solidifying our position within the Australian market through a leading operating and growth platform, capable of delivering holistic solutions to our clients and their advisors.”

A statement released by Escala Partners said the firm was looking forward to “embracing the advantages of global integration, improved technology and reporting, and expanded operational scale”.

“Our investment philosophy remains unchanged, but it will be significantly enhanced by access to global resources and international investment solutions,” Howard said.

“Escala will continue to deliver tailored investment offerings through a collaborative, team-based approach that is now further empowered by the expertise and capabilities of Focus. We are more aligned than ever to showcase our deep commitment to long-term client success.”