The three appointments follow the expiry of the term for Board member William John CFP®, as well as the resignation of Angela Martyn CFP® in September 2025.

FAAA Chair David Sharpe CFP® said: “The appointment of Glenn, Ben and Jade to the FAAA Board come at a crucial time in the evolution of the financial advice profession.

“Each board member brings important skills and experience which will add to the depth of knowledge on the FAAA Board, and will play an important role in guiding our strategic direction as we navigate a challenging regulatory landscape.”

“I would like to sincerely thank this year’s departing directors.

“Angela has worked tirelessly on the Board and as the Chair of the Policy and Regulations Committee to bring about the best outcomes for members. For her three-year term she has been absolutely dedicated to the cause, and even before she was a Director was a great contributor.  Her work has ensured the highest quality of governance to the Board and the organisation.

“During Will’s six years on the Board he has been a passionate advocate for members with an unwavering commitment to ensuring the FAAA is always doing the right thing. Will has supported many committees for education, policy and standards during his term, and has volunteered extra time to special projects.

“On a personal note, it has been a delight to have worked with Angela and Will on the Board and their insight will be missed. Thank you for the amazing effort for the FAAA.”

More on the Board members elected:

Glenn Calder CFP® has been the Joint CEO and Executive Director at Viridian for the past 10 years, a public company that grew under his leadership from 15 staff to more than 400 across three countries, serving 8,000 clients. He has been a practising financial adviser for more than 15 years, supported by postgraduate study including an MBA, CFP and AICD Graduate, as well as specialist designations such as SMSF accreditation and ASX Derivatives Level 1 and 2. Glenn is currently completing further postgraduate study at the University of Melbourne. Most recently he has supported the profession through education and advocacy. Glenn is passionate about the importance of financial planning and its role in improving client outcomes.

Jade Khao (Tan) CFP® has been a member of the FAAA since 2002 and in 2007 became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Finance and Information Technology) and is also a Life Risk Specialist®, SMSF Specialist Adviser® and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). Prior to joining the FAAA Board in November 2022, Jade spent 6 years on the FAAA Sydney Chapter including 4 years of being Chapter Chair. She is also an FAAA Women in Wealth Champion, a panellist at the last FAAA Professionals Congress, an Ambassador for Zen Tea Lounge Foundation supporting domestic violence victims and regularly attends local universities and TAFEs on behalf of the FAAA. Jade was also the NSW Gen Next Chair for the AFA and is a member of the ASIC Regional Liaison Committee advocating for the financial advice profession. Jade chairs the Major Events Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Board Finance, Risk and Audit Committee and the Board Conduct and Integrity Committee.

Ben Marshan CFP® is the Managing Director of Marshan Consulting and a director of the Future2 Foundation. Prior to this Ben led FAAA and CALI advocacy and standards teams resulting in tangible regulatory improvements, easing compliance and elevating professional standards. He pioneered member-focused guidance on retirement income, advice innovation, and digital SOAs—tools members use daily. Ben is also the Chair of the FPSB Regulatory Engagement Group helping shape global standards influencing local practice. His ongoing consulting work provides real-time insights into member needs, ensuring they inform board decisions. Ben serves on numerous advisory boards for social and fintech ventures. Ben is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Life Risk Specialist®, with a Master of Commerce (Financial Planning) and MBA.

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Raamy Shahien

Viridian Financial Group (“Viridian” or “the Firm”), one of Australia’s leading diversified financial services businesses, has announced that TA Associates (“TA”), a leading global private equity firm, has signed an agreement to make a strategic investment in the Firm. The investment has been approved by Viridian’s founders, Board of Directors, and senior management team, who, upon completion of the transaction, will partner closely with TA to accelerate the Firm’s next phase of growth.

“By combining the strengths of both companies, the Viridian Board anticipates significant synergies, strengthening our position in the market as well as expanding our capabilities. We believe this transaction will create significant value for our shareholders in driving future profitability. Along with my fellow Directors, I have no hesitation in supporting this strategic partnership,” said James Joughin, Chair at Viridian.

“Since Viridian’s founding nearly a decade ago, we have remained steadfast in our client-centric philosophy, focused on empowering Australians through holistic financial advice, innovative solutions and exceptional service,” said Raamy Shahien, Joint CEO and Executive Director at Viridian. “Having built a strong relationship with TA, and after collaborating closely with them to structure our partnership, we are confident that TA is the ideal partner to support Viridian’s growth and vision moving forward. Our partnership with TA marks a significant milestone in our journey, serving as both a recognition of our strong track record thus far and a catalyst for future growth as we continue to expand in an ever-evolving market.”

Since its founding in 2015, Viridian has become one of Australia’s largest practices. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, the Firm manages ~$16bn of funds across three specialised business divisions, Viridian Advisory, Infinity Capital Solutions and Smartmove Lending, providing wealth advice, investment solutions and mortgage broking services to over 15,000 clients. By partnering with TA, Viridian will leverage TA’s global resources and extensive experience in the financial services industry to expand its capabilities, enhance its integrated service offerings and fuel client success.

“TA has made over 30 investments in wealth management and asset management companies globally, establishing itself as a leading global investor in financial services. Their understanding and proven experience in scaling businesses and deep industry expertise will be invaluable in driving forward our vision of transforming wealth management in Australia,” said Glenn Calder, Joint CEO and Executive Director at Viridian. “TA’s support and partnership strengthens our ability to remain agile and forward-thinking, ensuring we incorporate international best practices into our business and deliver ongoing value to our clients and stakeholders.”

“Throughout our multi-year, deep dive into Australia’s wealth management sector, Viridian consistently emerged as a leading innovator in its market segment, driven by its compelling asset platform, diversified product offering and strong culture of client and advisor alignment,” said Edward Sippel, head of TA Associates Asia Pacific Ltd. and a Managing Director at TA, who will join the Viridian Board of Directors. “Across our global wealth management investments, our focus is first and foremost on client outcomes and alignment with advisors. We are pleased that the Viridian team shares this commitment. We have high conviction in the long-term potential of Australia’s large and growing wealth management market, and believe there is a significant opportunity to scale Viridian’s platform both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

“Viridian’s strong position is underpinned by Australia’s mandated savings environment and growing demand for advice,” said Lily Xu, Senior Vice President at TA, who will also join the Viridian Board of Directors. “With multiple levers for organic growth and a proven ability to execute growth through M&A, we’re excited to support Viridian’s continued growth trajectory.”

The agreement remains subject to customary conditions. Settlement is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2025.

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Dual structure: Viridian Advisory and Infinity Capital Solutions

Emerging in 2015 from a pioneering team in the Australian financial advice sector, VFGL has consistently held a reputation as a trusted and innovative advisory firm within Australia. The recent transformation into a dual-structured entity, complete with distinct Australian Financial Services Licenses (AFSLs) for Viridian Advisory and Infinity Capital Solutions, represents a significant milestone for VFGL.

The introduction of ICS firmly establishes VFGL as a rapidly growing and innovative presence within the Australian financial industry. Joint CEO of Viridian Financial Group, Glenn Calder, reflects, “This marks a significant stride forward for the firm. Infinity Capital Solutions aligns seamlessly with our mission to offer a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the evolving needs of advisers, clients, and the financial sector as a whole.”​

ICS’s deep-rooted expertise and Four Solution Offerings​

A key advantage of ICS lies in its solid foundation and deep understanding of the Australian financial advice sector, coupled with its insight into the distinct requirements of financial advice firms. ICS is set to serve a diverse clientele, spanning financial advisers, advisory firms, high-net-worth families, wholesale clients, and nonprofit organisations.

Infinity Capital Solutions presents itself through four distinctive solution offerings:

1. Infinity Asset Management (IAM): Delivering institutional-grade investment solutions encompassing diverse asset classes, including Australian equities and multi-sector portfolios. These portfolios are overseen by an experienced team with over a decade’s expertise in running managed accounts.
2. Infinity Portfolio Management (IPM): Tailoring to wholesale clients through personalised Individually Managed Accounts (IMAs), featuring custom investment strategies backed by ICS’s robust resources.
3. Infinity Digital (ID): Fusing digital tools with human interaction, ID equips advisory firms with engagement tools that elevate operational efficiency, security, and client relationships through innovative UX, UI, and data security solutions.
4. Infinity Capital Finance (ICF): Extending a range of fixed-income solutions to wholesale investors within the Infinity Capital Solutions framework, spanning the short to medium term.

Con Koromilas appointed as Head of Distribution for Infinity Capital Solutions

To build the capability of this new entity, VFGL also welcomes Con Koromilas as the Head of Distribution for Infinity Capital Solutions. Koromilas, a seasoned investment management professional, will play a pivotal role in shaping the distribution strategy for the broader advice market. Koromilas takes on this role following a successful fifteen-year tenure at abrdn, where he most recently served as Head of Wholesale – Australia.

Empowering through technology and ISO Accreditation

At the heart of VFGL’s dual-structured approach lies a substantial investment in technology, fortified by VFGL’s ISO 27001 accreditation—an exceptional achievement within the financial advisory sphere. ISO 27001 is a globally recognised certification for Information Security Management.​

This accomplishment underscores VFGL’s enduring commitment to implementing industry best practices and consistently enhancing its information security management system. The accreditation emphasises VFGL’s resolve to manage cyber risks in a landscape fraught with escalating threats, setting a high standard for fellow advisory firms to aspire to.

Glenn Calder remarks, “Since our inception in 2015, VFGL has played an active role in shaping the Australian advisory landscape. The introduction of Infinity Capital Solutions underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions, expert guidance, and a substantial investment in technology. This strategic emphasis on technology enables VFGL to enhance operational efficiency and offer clients more sophisticated and accessible solutions.”

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Glenn Calder and Darren Little

Viridian Financial Group Limited (VFGL), a leading Australian diversified financial services business, celebrates a significant milestone in its expansion journey with the strategic integration of Smartmove Professional Mortgage Advisors (Smartmove), a well- established provider of mortgage and lending services with over 20 years of experience.

VFGL has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, expanding its team from fewer than 20 to 400 staff members. The company now has over 100 financial advisors and has a unique model whereby all staff are actively promoted into participating in the long-term vision through direct ownership in Viridian.

The integration of Smartmove with VFGL marks a transformational move for both firms, positioning them as a powerhouse in the financial services industry. The Group doubles its client base to 16,000 and reinforces its position among the top non-aligned advice and mortgage broking firms.

Smartmove brings two decades of home and commercial lending capabilities, further diversifying VFGL’s financial services offering. While Smartmove will retain its own brand and team, the alignment with VFGL’s deeply customer-focused culture is strong and shared.

Viridian Financial Group’s latest integration aligns with the Group’s broader strategy, making it easier for clients to access a comprehensive range of financial services, which now includes holistic financial advice provided by a range of subject matter experts, as well as asset management specialists and a mortgage broking capability. This strategic move allows VFGL to reach thousands more Australians, reinforcing its position in the top 10 of non-aligned advice firms.

Commenting on the integration, VFGL’s Joint Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Calder, stated, “In today’s economic environment, Australians more than ever need comprehensive guidance for all their financial aspirations – from fostering wealth to renegotiating mortgages in a rising interest rate environment.

“Our partnership with Smartmove is a testament to our commitment to delivering remarkable client outcomes through a stellar team of professionals deeply devoted to helping people live the life they desire.”

Smartmove Professional Mortgage Advisors, led by Chief Executive Officer Darren Little, brings a wealth of expertise and a team of 80, including 30 experienced mortgage brokers, and international back-office operations. Given Smartmove’s experience and expertise as a leading brokerage in Australia, VFGL will merge its existing broking operations into those of Smartmove. The combined companies will provide an extensive offering of mortgages, loans, and refinancing solutions covering residential and commercial property, vehicles, and equipment.

“We are thrilled to be joining the Viridian Financial Group, a firm renowned for its exceptional trust and strong customer relationships in the advice domain,” stated Mr Little. “Through this collaboration, Smartmove will continue to operate autonomously under its own brand, leveraging the expertise of our existing team and maintaining our client-centric culture that has been the cornerstone of our success.

“Our shared vision with Viridian Financial Group empowers us to unlock new possibilities for our clients. By combining our advanced technology and processing capabilities, we can seamlessly eliminate any friction our clients may face, offering them an enriched range of services and access to specialised financial experts who can cater to their individual needs effectively.”

VFGL has grown organically and also has a strategy of building capability through finding like-minded firms, placing significant emphasis on identifying those with a strong cultural fit and similar values. Today’s announcement comes after VFGL’s recent acquisition of Enlightened Financial Solutions (EFS) in April 2023, a prominent Queensland-based financial planning firm pioneering video advice provision to clients.

Viridian Financial Group’s growth is also driven by its innovation and client-centric solutions. The firm has invested significantly in technology to boost digital advice capabilities and develop future advice solutions. This forward-thinking approach addresses challenges like disintermediation, bridging the industry’s void of a strong sense of community created by dealer groups. Viridian sees technology as a pivotal part of the industry’s future and plans to continue its strategic investment in this area.

Glenn Calder concluded, “Together with Smartmove, we are determined to pave the way for a brighter and financially secure future for Australians. Our commitment to closing the advice gap remains a top priority, ensuring expert financial guidance is readily available and transformative for every Australian. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and remain committed to being at the forefront of progress in the industry.”

The Heads of Agreement between the two firms was officially signed on 20 July 2023, and the completion is on track to be finalised this calendar year.

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Charlie Viola

The newly formed Principals’ Community, headed up by Kon Costas, has received strong support from the self-licensed community with more than 92% of previous businesses signing new agreements this year.

The independent community parted ways with BT Financial Group after more than 7 years, with the sole purpose of providing support and guidance to AFSL holders without encountering conflicts from institutional ownership, rules surrounding being a product manufacturer or platform provider and having existing AFSL obligations.

Costas says: “The feedback and support we have received from the 122 community members has been exceptional, truly highlighting a significant desire for support as they grow in the everchanging post-Covid and post-Royal Commission environment.”

Current members such as Charlie Viola, Partner at Pitcher Partners Sydney Wealth Management, adds his support for an independent community, saying: “Never underestimate having a truly independent voice providing comments and views on what they see when they look under the hood of your business. When we were at a crossroads, Kon and the team provided timely counsel on the path we needed to take – or risk blowing ourselves up.”

Costas says: “In addition, we are seeing many businesses taking a deep breath for the first time in a few years, and begin looking for more opportunities to grow organically, succession planning, mergers, acquisitions, scale, and, most importantly, how to successfully support their staff through the highs and lows.”

Other key members voicing their support of how important it is to have access to the wealth of knowledge and experience on offer from The Principals’ Community include Glenn Calder, CEO, Viridian Advisory. “We see people working together, sharing, and collaborating as the pinnacle of how we can improve.”

Anthony Kapetanovic, Managing Director, Akambo Financial Group, adds that in a post-Royal Commission world, AFSL holders will require more guidance.

As the need for quality financial advice continues to increase, especially following a volatile 18 months with regulatory oversight remaining a topical issue, The Principals’ Community is focussing on bringing back in-person gatherings around the country and prioritising several offerings advisers want. These include:

• an industry benchmarking report now in its 3^rd year, provides sought-after data sets enabling principals to readily compare their key ratios to likeminded and similar size self-licensed businesses
• the running of several educational and professional development masterclasses, and
• providing governance support and ensuring licensees understand all regulatory and legislative requirements, delivered through a mixture of quarterly meetings and ongoing engagement with Responsible Managers.

Costas says: “For us, 2022 is a year to achieve two things: resuscitate a core value of the community that is peer-to-peer learning and conversation via face-to-face forums. The 122 businesses all have a wide array of experience and expertise covering everything from technology, research, business management, structures and M&A or product/platform related questions that can be shared with their peers.

“Secondly, opening the door for prospective self-licenced businesses to join the community and connect with like-minded businesses and individuals independently of any concerns surrounding conflicts of interest.”

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Jane Watts

Viridian Financial Group Ltd (Viridian), a self-licensed, national advice business offering wealth and retirement planning, investment management and other solutions, has entered into an agreement to acquire part of Westpac’s BT Financial Advice business.

As part of the transaction, Viridian will also offer BT Group Licensees practices, currently operating under the Securitor and Magnitude brands, the opportunity to join a Viridian owned licensee advice model operating under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) being established. Viridian also intends to acquire the Securitor and Magnitude brands under its new model, subject to finalising terms with Westpac.

The purchase agreement results in the transfer to Viridian of part of the BT Financial Advice business and some of BT Financial Group’s financial advisers and support staff. The transaction enables Viridian to expand its existing national strategy. Viridian will have national adviser presence through both an employee adviser channel and a licensing model for separately run advisory firms.

The BT Financial Advice advisers, support staff and clients who agree to the transition are expected to transfer to Viridian on the anticipated completion date 30 June 2019. BTGL practices that accept the Viridian licensing model will also be able to commence transferring to the newly established AFSL at a later date.

Viridian Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Glenn Calder, said, “This is an exciting acquisition for Viridian staff, clients and shareholders, setting the firm up for strong growth where industry focus is on fee for service, professionalism and quality advice.”

Since its foundation, Viridian has prided itself on being at the forefront of financial services in Australia. The organisation invests heavily in technology and IT relating to its investment, research and compliance capabilities.

Viridian is a public unlisted company and wholly owned by staff and clients.

Calder said, “This acquisition gives us the opportunity to be a dynamic part of the industry, continuing to invest heavily in IT infrastructure in the long term.”

Under the agreement, after the anticipated completion date of 30 June 2019, Viridian will be a referral partner for new Westpac clients seeking financial advice services.

“I look forward to a strong and co-operative relationship with Viridian Advisory,” said Jane Watts, General Manager, BT Advice.

Calder said that Viridian is fully aware of the magnitude of the task of transitioning staff and clients from Westpac to Viridian. “Every effort will be made to ensure the integration is as seamless as possible. We understand people will be apprehensive, and we are committed to undertaking this process with care and understanding.”

Viridian Chairman Neil McMullin said, “The acquisition has the potential to add value for our shareholders. Having only staff and clients as shareholders means they share our vision for the financial services industry, and especially how that relates to serving our clients.

“We firmly believe the culture we have nurtured at Viridian, with its focus on cutting-edge technology, being client centric and having a strong ethical foundation, will underpin the transition.”

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