Chesne Stafford

Advice platform, AZ NGA has acquired national advisory firm, Intend Financial, adding ten financial advisers and four locations to the AZ NGA community and delivering capital, expertise and scale to fuel Intend Financial’s continued expansion.

Established in 2021 by the amalgamation of three mature financial planning firms, Intend Financial has offices in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania and is led by five principal advisers: John Moran, Zach McArthur, Jesse Nihill, Yihsing Koo and Ben Buchanan.

Over the past five years, the business has grown rapidly through M&A and organic activity.

Chesne Stafford, Chief Growth Officer at AZ NGA, said the formation and growth of Intend Financial demonstrated the power of a clear vision, unity and collaboration to build something extremely unique and valuable in a relatively short period of time.

“Advice businesses that want to grow need to scale in order to serve more clients and provide opportunities for employees, and the team at Intend Financial have done a brilliant job of expanding geographically and integrating businesses while continuing to deliver excellent service and advice to clients,” she said.

“This is a high-quality business with a loyal, growing clientbase that is supported by a group of experienced advisers and a knowledgeable team of support staff, making it an ideal business to join AZ NGA and support our rapid expansion strategy.”

Director and Principal, John Moran said: “Intend Financial’s strategic partnership with AZ NGA was the perfect next step for the business”.

“AZ NGA brings resources, expertise and fresh ideas to keep us growing and scaling.”

“Culturally, we are committed to looking after our clients and delivering excellent personal advice and service. AZ NGA shares our advice philosophy and commitment, which is why this is a strong fit.”

“This transaction will also deliver opportunities for our valued team members. We are all looking forward to the future.”

Intend Financial has 20 employees of which the majority are based in Victoria. The group provides advice on superannuation, retirement, investments, insurance and estate planning. In addition to individuals, families and business owners, the firm also works with philanthropic organisations and family offices.

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John Moran

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) yesterday announced John Moran of Apt Wealth Partners as the winner of the third Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award.

Mr Moran received the award for being the highest achiever in last semester’s CFP® certification program. He donated his $1,000 prize money to the FPA’s charitable foundation, Future2.

“I want to thank the FPA for this award and pay tribute to the first lady of financial planning. Gwen Fletcher remains an inspirational role model, committed to campaigning for a better financial future for all Australians,” said Mr Moran.

“This award brings to mind the high professional standards that the CFP® program fosters, ensuring that we gain a deep understanding of financial planning principles and practice. It is invaluable for developing the skills required for professional excellence and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
“The CFP® program is also a major differentiator that clearly signals to consumers that they can have trust and confidence in us. Apt Wealth Partners believes strongly in the CFP® designation and the valuable work the FPA does.”
Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA, congratulated Mr Moran on his achievement.

“On behalf of the FPA, I would like to formally congratulate John and, in particular, recognise his exceptional contribution to both his clients and the wider community. John is continuing Gwen’s legacy of helping people first and foremost, reflected in her constant efforts to improve the financial planning profession.

“I hope John’s commitment to the CFP® program inspires other aspirational and driven financial planners to aim for the high standards that Gwen set and to make a meaningful contribution to our profession,” said Mr Rantall.

The CFP® designation is the only financial planning designation that is recognised worldwide, requiring financial planners to adhere to world class professional and ethical standards. There are already around 5,500 CFP® professionals in Australia.

Enrolments for Semester 2 of the CFP® certification program close this Thursday, 9 July. Visit www.fpa.asn.au for more information.

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