Channel Capital, Fidante merge under newly created parent

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist

18 June 2026

Challenger-owned fund manager, Fidante, and Australian investment services firm, Channel Capital, have announced their intentions to merge, forming Channel Group as a new entity that will acquire both businesses and service more than $150 billion in combined assets.

A statement from Channel Capital on Thursday confirmed the merger will solidify the combined strengths of Channel’s operating platform, distribution expertise and responsible entity capabilities and Fidante’s multi-affiliate investment model and active management approach.

As part of the transaction, the $86 billion investment manager, with funds held in strategies across equities, fixed income and alternative assets in Australia and select locations overseas, will be able to leverage Channel Capital’s bespoke capabilities to tap into more international markets, a diversified range of clients and broader investment exposure across equities, fixed income, real assets and private markets.

“The combination of Fidante and Channel Capital creates something truly distinctive – a high-quality platform that supports boutique Australian managers along with the resources to grow, while providing global investment managers with a proven, trusted gateway into the Australian market,” Channel Capital Managing Director, Glen Holding, said.

“Bringing together the strength and expertise of Channel Capital and Fidante will result in a highly diversified and resilient platform with the ability to invest through market cycles.

“This transaction establishes a platform with the scale and structure to support long-term growth. We have combined complementary capabilities while maintaining the brands and relationships that sit at the centre of client engagement.”

In its own statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Challenger Limited noted that Fidante will continue to operate as a standalone brand – alongside Channel Capital and Continental Funds Group – under Channel Group, with current Channel Capital chief executive Glen Holding stepping in to spearhead the newly formed parent entity.

Challenger also confirmed that it will retain 45 per cent of equity in Channel Group, with the remaining ownership split among existing Channel Capital shareholders and Channel Group management.

Rounding out Channel Group’s executive governance team will be a jointly-appointed independent Chair, four directors appointed by Channel Capital and two directors appointed by Challenger.

“Our announcement today takes Fidante into its next stage of growth as part of a larger and more diversified active funds management platform,” Challenger Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hamilton, said.

“This merger ensures we can remain strategic holders of Fidante while benefiting from a more diversified multi-affiliate platform.

“We have been deliberate in our decision to pursue a merger with a strategically and culturally aligned business that will deliver strong outcomes for shareholders, affiliates and our employees. The merger delivers scale and opportunities for Fidante, which will benefit our affiliates and clients.

“We’re excited by the creation of Channel Group, the broader geographic reach and wider investor base it will provide to affiliates, the opportunities for our people, and the benefits for Challenger as a strategic holder and partner in a business we’re building together.”

The merger is expected to finalise in the first half of the 2026-27 financial year once it receives all required regulatory approvals.