Aperio joins Akumin

Melbourne-based advisory firm Aperio Financial Services has switched licensees and joined Akumin as demand grows among advice practices for support to scale operations and improve efficiency.

Aperio, which has advised families, business owners and young professionals for almost 40 years, has joined Akumin with plans to expand its three-person financial planning division and enhance its client proposition.

It was most recently licensed by ASVW Financial Services.

Aperio was previously licensed under various arrangements, including being self-licensed for about 20 years.

The move follows an extensive review of licensing options undertaken by Aperio earlier this year, with the firm considering five licensees before selecting Akumin.

Akumin chief executive Matt Lawler said Aperio represented the type of advice business the group wanted to partner with, citing its client-first approach, focus on business improvement and leadership from senior financial planner Serhan Asin and proactive manager Jim Gulabovski.

"Jim and Serhan are passionate about guiding their clients through all of their life stages. They are looking to enhance their value proposition to clients and employees, and continue providing great advice to more people," Lawler said.

"We are excited to partner with them to deliver strong client outcomes, drive efficiencies, and grow their business."

Aperio also includes accounting firm Tax Matters and mortgage broking business 123 Loans.

Asin said access to broader business support would allow the practice to focus more heavily on client growth.

"Having a strong partner that can provide business solutions and help drive efficiencies is crucial for freeing us up to spend more time seeing and winning clients," Asin said.

"Akumin understands what we are trying to achieve and the challenges in our business, and they are supporting us to implement our strategy."

Gulabovski said the practice spent much of its history either self-licensed or operating under smaller groups, often managing support functions internally.

"With Akumin, we're supported in every area, including recruitment, paraplanning, technology and marketing, and we couldn't be happier," he said.

Akumin is a subsidiary of Entireti, which also includes Fortnum Private Wealth, Personal Financial Services and Entireti Alliances.