Newcastle advice firm joins Count Financial

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

29 October 2021

Count Financial Limited has announced Newcastle-based Serendipity Wealth Advisors as the latest firm to join its national advice universe.

Previously operating under the license of Infinity Management, Serendipity’s appointment continues Count Financial’s licensing growth strategy which is targeting high-quality advice businesses with client-centric values.

The all-female team of Serendipity was founded in February 2021 by Christine Lusher and Norma Samson, who had previously worked together in their respective careers and had remained close friends.

Samson, Director at Serendipity, said the decision to partner with Court Financial was made after a discussion with key people in the business following industry recommendations.

“In considering licensees, it made sense to ask our Professional Partners,” she said.

Count Financial were highly recommended and when we met with the management team we were impressed with their transparency. They were very clear on the focus and direction of their business, the support they offer and enhancements they are working on.

“It didn’t feel like a sales pitch, it was an open and honest conversation to assess whether our values aligned.”

Lusher, also a Director at Serendipity, said they had considered self-licensing but felt it would consume time and resources that would be better spent on clients.

“… But with the complexity of a constantly changing compliance landscape, we knew partnering with a reputable firm whose primary focus is to provide a licensee service, was the right decision for our clients,” she said.

“It’s comforting to know that Count Financial has a Professional Standards team that can give us guidance and tools that simplify the process, affording us more time with our clients.”

Chief Advice Officer at Count Financial, Andrew Kennedy, also said that Serendipity is a quality firm that will be a great fit for the culture of Court Financial’s network.

“During my initial meeting with Christine and Norma I was so impressed with their professionalism and how they deeply care about their clients,” he said.

That’s so important for us as a licensee because we are working hard to build a community that shares this passion. I’m delighted that they have chosen to partner with Count Financial and we are looking forward to working with their business to support the next chapter in their evolution.”

Since the start of 2021, Court Financial has welcomed 22 new firms into its advice community. Serendipity will commence with Court Financial on 1 November.