Count Financial buys stake in Skybridge

Count Financial has revealed its largest equity collaboration ever, securing management of more than $1.4 billion in client funds through the deal. Under the agreement, the company will take a 75% ownership stake in Skybridge Financial Group, a full-service provider specializing in financial planning, tax services, accounting, and self-managed super fund administration. The business currently serves clients in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

This alliance will inject an additional $1.4 billion in assets under advice into Count’s portfolio, alongside the addition of 13 financial advisers. Hugh Humphrey, Count’s chief executive, commented: “Skybridge stands out as one of Australia’s most structured and operationally rigorous converged firms, and we’re pleased to join forces with Jason Birch and his leadership team.”

Birch added: “Our priority has always been delivering exceptional results for clients while supporting growth for our team. Count’s collaborative approach, commitment to long-term success, and full service offerings made this partnership a logical next step. We’re eager to see how this collaboration will benefit our clients, staff, and Skybridge’s future trajectory.”

The transaction will be partly financed through a $25 million institutional placement, with finalization contingent on standard due diligence, including ACCC approval or a waiver of notification requirements.

Separately, Count finalized its purchase of Oracle Group earlier this year, rebranding it as Count Wealth. The acquisition, completed on July 20 after initial announcement in March, encompasses 100% of Oracle’s operations, including Oracle Advisory Group, Oracle Accounting Australia, and Oracle Investment Management, now operating under the Count umbrella.

Moving forward, Count Wealth will operate as an independent division, overseen by Andrew Kennedy, the group executive of wealth, alongside Duncan Brown, who previously led GPS Wealth, a Count subsidiary. Humphrey explained: “Count Wealth will offer a modern, high-end solution, capitalizing on our national network of 20 accountants, 18 financial planning firms, and 14 offices. This structure will strengthen our ability to attract and retain talent while driving organic client growth.”