Focus Partners Australia appoints head of wealth advisory

Focus Partners Australia has appointed a head of wealth advisory, hiring from Ord Minnett.

David Lane will take on the role with Focus Partners saying the appointment comes as demand continues to grow for advice that brings together wealth management, tax, accounting and lending expertise through a single, coordinated experience.

Lane will lead Focus Partners' wealth advisory business, overseeing advisers, paraplanners, client service and operations teams. He will also focus on expanding the wealth advisory capability by strengthening referral networks, enhancing adviser performance and supporting continued growth across the business.

He joins the from Ord Minnett where he was state manager for Queensland and senior private wealth adviser.

"David's appointment reflects our long-term commitment to investing in our wealth business and building greater capability to support clients' evolving needs," Focus Partners president Kristen Bell said.

"The advice landscape is changing rapidly. Clients increasingly want advisers who can help them navigate every aspect of their financial lives through connected, specialist advice rather than fragmented services."

Lane will also play a key role working alongside Bell to identify strategic opportunities and evolving the firm's advice platform to meet changing client needs.

"I'm excited to be joining Focus Partners Australia at such a pivotal time for the industry," Lane said.

"I look forward to partnering with FPA's expanded capability in technology and operations to continue growing the business, enhancing the client experience and building on the strong foundations already in place to help more Australians achieve their financial goals."

Bell added: "David brings the leadership, experience and deep understanding of advice businesses that will help us continue to strengthen our wealth offering, support our advisers and deliver the best outcomes for clients."

"His appointment is another important step as we continue building one of Australia's leading integrated advice businesses bringing boutique individualised services to clients at scale," she said.

Focus Partners collectively has more than $500 billion in advised assets.