Bell Financial Group Limited (ASX:BFG) has announced the appointment of two private wealth advisers as state managers for the Bell Potter retail advice business.
James Trude joins as Bell Potter Securities NSW Manager, effective December 8, and Scott Healy joined in November as Queensland Manager.
The pair will be responsible for strengthening client relationships and overseeing growth in their respective markets. A primary focus will be implementing the stated transformation of Bell Potter’s retail business into a more holistic wealth management service.
Commenting on the appointments, Bell Potter Securities Managing Director, Retail Dean Surkitt said: “With more than 50 years of combined experience, James and Scott are excellent additions to our NSW and Queensland retail advice teams. Their depth of expertise in managing high-net-worth and family-office clients will be of considerable value to our adviser network and our clients. Their appointment further supports the expansion of our capabilities across a wider range of investment and advice services.”
Bell Financial Group has 300 private client advisers across 11 offices nationally and over 300,000 clients with $87.3 billion in client funds under advice as at 30 June 2025.
Earlier this year, the company announced a strategic partnership entered with Praemium to broaden advice capabilities beyond equities to a wider range of asset classes.
Prior to joining Bell Financial Group, Mr Trude was a Private Wealth Executive at Westpac Private Bank, managing ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) and family-office clients. He has held senior roles across equities and investment firms, and has led wealth teams within boutique and ASX-listed organisations. His work has centred on enhancing adviser capability, strengthening portfolio construction discipline and driving multi-asset advice adoption.
Mr Healy has held roles at various private wealth firms over his 30-year career, providing portfolio management, investment advice, intergenerational wealth transfer advice, and risk management to UHNW and family office clients. Throughout his career he has assisted firms with strategic growth, expanding asset class capability and mentoring the next generation of advisers.
Their appointment follows the addition of Will Riggall in November as Bell Financial Group’s inaugural Chief Investment Officer to lead investment strategy and philosophy across asset classes and continue to develop investment solutions for clients.