Esencia seals third merger

Esencia Wealth has continued its national expansion strategy, merging with New South Wales-based Cove Financial Group in a deal that brings around 650 clients and four financial advisers into the business.

The Shellharbour-based advice firm is Esencia Wealth's third merger this year as it continues its ambition of advising 10,000 clients nationally.

Under the transaction, Cove Financial principals and owners Michael Edwards and Debbie Warriner will join Esencia Wealth, with Edwards taking on the role of partner and senior financial adviser and Warriner continuing in client operation. The broader merger also adds a team of 10 employees to the advice firm.

Esencia Wealth chief executive Matthew Fenning said the merger strengthens its growing national footprint while reinforcing its adviser led culture.

"Michael, Debbie and the Cove team have built a highly regarded business with a loyal client base and great people at its core. We're excited to have them join us," Fenning said.

"This is about bringing talented people together. Our focus is on creating an environment where advisers can do their most impactful work and where the team continues to deliver consistently great outcomes for clients. We are combining our strengths to build a genuinely world-class advice business," he said.

Edwards said the merger aligned with Cove Financials' long-standing client first philosophy.

"Joining Esencia Wealth is an exciting next step for myself and for the team at Cove Financial," Edwards said.

"We have always put our clients first, and I was looking for a firm that shares that commitment. Esencia Wealth's culture, strong leadership and clear vision for growth makes it the right home for us."

The transaction follows Esencia Wealth's Queensland expansion in March, when it merged with Financial 3 Wealth and Marsden Wealth Advisers, and its acquisition of FMA Wealth Management in December 2025.

Fenning said the firm continues to attract interest from like-minded advice business as consolidation across the financial advice sector gathers pace.

"Esencia Wealth is building something genuinely special - a national advice business centred on great people, delivering consistently great outcomes for clients, and focused on innovation. It is an approach that is increasingly resonating with high-quality advice businesses, and we welcome conversations with advisers and owners considering the next chapter for them and their business," Fenning said.