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Selling a financial service business

Access strategic insight across the Australian market from Nash Advisory

Australia’s financial services sector faces increasing regulatory scrutiny and margin pressure. Buyers focus on recurring revenue, client retention and leadership depth. Nash Advisory works with business owners to prepare for sale, position their firms effectively and attract the right buyers.

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Trends shaping deal activity in the financial services industry

The financial industry accounts for 7.4% of Australia’s economic output and remains one of the country’s most influential sectors. Retail banking, superannuation, wealth management and fintech are driving transaction activity. Consolidation and digital change continue to reshape valuation expectations across the sector.

  • Consolidation is accelerating across banking and wealth, with institutions pursuing scale and broader product capability.
  • Superannuation assets exceed $4.5tn and are forecast to approach $12 trillion by 2050.
  • Fintech has grown from $250m in 2015 to more than $45bn, transforming customer access and distribution models.
  • Median sector multiples are around 1.8x revenue and 7.5x EBITDA, with wide variation across sub-sectors.

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“There has been a high level of consolidation within the Financial Services industry in recent years. Specifically wealth management, insurance, and alternative finance are all sectors of the industry which have strong interest.”
Eric Sengstock
Eric Sengstock
Director

STRATEGIC GUIDANCE FROM VALUATION TO EXIT

From growth strategy to successful sale

Selling a financial services business requires careful preparation and positioning. Nash Advisory helps owners assess value drivers, identify risks and create competitive tension among qualified buyers to achieve premium outcomes.

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total enterprise value transacted
$
1.9
bn+
Total enterprise value transacted
Enterprise value in FY22
$
400
m+
Enterprise value in FY25
successful deals completed
63
Successful deals completed
Private equity bolt-on deals
25
Private equity bolt-on deals
Valued team members
22
Team members
Completed transactions per year
15
+
Completed transactions per year

Key factors affecting valuation

  • Recurring fee income: Predictable revenue streams and diversified client bases strengthen earnings visibility and buyer confidence.
  • Governance and compliance: Clear documentation, strong governance and a clean audit history reduce regulatory risk for buyers.
  • Profitability and scalability: Normalised EBITDA, sustainable margins and scalable operating models support stronger valuation multiples.
  • Growth and differentiation: Clear expansion strategies, cross-sell capability and sector specialisation increase buyer competition.

Proven results across financial services

Our experience includes advising on strategic acquisitions within Australia's wealth management sector. We provide strategic insight, valuation detail and hands-on support to achieve strong transaction outcomes.

What our clients say about Nash Advisory

Working with Nash was an absolute pleasure. They were at all times completely responsible and accountable to everything that we needed. Their strong financial acumen was incredibly important throughout the whole process. It was really important that they were able to truly articulate the value of the business in its current state and also look and really delve into the potential future alternate uses for the business…We were really happy with the interest that Nash generated. So we had multiple seriously interested parties, which created that competitive tension that you really need in a deal and was able to achieve the outcome that we wanted and that we expected.

Fiona Selby
Managing Director of Boneo Park

Working with Nash was an absolute pleasure. They were at all times completely responsible and accountable to everything that we needed. Their strong financial acumen was incredibly important throughout the whole process. It was really important that they were able to truly articulate the value of the business in its current state and also look and really delve into the potential future alternate uses for the business…We were really happy with the interest that Nash generated. So we had multiple seriously interested parties, which created that competitive tension that you really need in a deal and was able to achieve the outcome that we wanted and that we expected.

Fiona Selby
Managing Director of Boneo Park
Map of global buyers

Global Capabilities

Unlock a world of possibilities with Nash Advisory's global capabilities. Through our partnership with REACH, we provide unparalleled access to industry experts and local market connoisseurs across 30 countries.

Whether you're selling your business, merging, or seeking investment, our team of seasoned professionals crafts bespoke strategies tailored to your unique needs. Trust us to navigate the complexities of the global market, ensuring you achieve exceptional outcomes that reflect the true value of your hard work and dedication.

Global capabilities

The Nash Advisory advantage

Work with our directors

As one of our clients, you will have direct access to the knowledge and experience of our directors. We will work through the whole process with you, from start to finish.

Real business experience

We know what makes a business appealing to buyers, because we've owned and run businesses ourselves. Our own experience informs every step of our process.

Network of buyers

Maximising the sale price of your business requires finding the right buyer. We have a broad network of contacts which includes Australian and international businesses.

Outcomes focused

We only succeed if you do. We focus all our efforts on getting you the best result. That's why most of our fees are on the back end.

Work with our directors

As one of our clients, you will have direct access to the knowledge and experience of our directors. We will work through the whole process with you, from start to finish.

Real business experience

We know what makes a business appealing to buyers, because we've owned and run businesses ourselves. Our own experience informs every step of our process.

Network of buyers

Maximising the sale price of your business requires finding the right buyer. We have a broad network of contacts which includes Australian and international businesses.

Outcomes focused

We only succeed if you do. We focus all our efforts on getting you the best result. That's why most of our fees are on the back end.

Our financial services expertise

View all services

Our financial services team supports Australian financial services businesses across valuation, sale, mergers, and acquisitions. Remove the Capital Raising link - we rarely do this and not in this space.

Selling a business

We provide expert guidance to help you prepare, market, and negotiate the best outcome for your business sale.

See how we do it

Business valuations

Our team delivers accurate, data-driven valuations to help you understand and enhance your business’s worth.

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Business mergers & acquisitions

Our proprietary approach to business sales ensure you get the highest possible sale multiple for your business.

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Sample toolkit

See the process behind successful business sales

Executing a successful financial services transaction requires structure, documentation and disciplined execution. Download our proven roadmap and see the end-to-end process we use to maximise value and control risk.

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Completed financial service transactions across Australia

Nash Advisory has advised on transactions within the financial services industry, including wealth management and financial technology. Our financial services team provides disciplined execution and tailored solutions to deliver strong commercial outcomes.

Logo of LGT Crestone
Completed deal:

LGT Crestone

Date:
November 11, 2024
Industry:
Financial
Sub sector:
Wealth management

LGT Crestone is part of the LGT Group, one of the largest family-owned wealth management firms in the world backed by The Princely Family of Liechtenstein. The group provides wealth advice and portfolio management services to high-net-worth clients and family offices, not for profit organisations and financial institutions. LGT has 100 year global heritage. In Australia LGT Crestone now has A$32 billion assets under management. LGT globally has more than A$500bn of client assets.

LGT Crestone has entered into an agreement to acquire CBA’s personal advice business, Commonwealth Private Advice.  LGT Crestone will acquire CBA’s highly regarded personal advice business for ultra-high net worth and high net worth clients currently comprising approximately 500 clients and more than A$5 billion in client assets. As a part of the transaction LGT Crestone will integrate approximately 40 experienced advisers, associates and support employees into its business.

Nash Advisory was appointed by LGT Crestone in July 2024 to assist with structuring, managing and executing this strategic transaction. Allens acted as legal adviser on the transaction, with PwC providing accounting and tax advice.

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Ready to sell your financial services business?

Nash Advisory helps financial services business owners prepare for sale, position their firms for buyers and run structured sale processes that maximise value. Speak with our directors today.

Meet our financial services team

Our financial services team combines corporate advisory expertise with real-world commercial experience. We provide professional insight, structured processes and disciplined transaction support.

Advising financial business owners across Australia

Our advisors work with financial services business owners across Australia and internationally, travelling to support transactions on the ground wherever needed.

Our advisors travel across Australia to work with business owners on-site and manage transactions on the ground. We connect vendors with qualified domestic and international buyers, wherever they operate.

Latest industry insight and reports

Access the latest insights shaping the industry. We provide clear information to help business owners respond to change and capitalise on market opportunities.

Follow Nash Advisory on LinkedIn for fresh market insights

Stay updated with transaction trends and industry insights. We share practical perspectives to help business owners and investors navigate change with clarity.

Frequently asked questions

How to sell my financial services business?

Selling a financial services business requires preparation well before going to market. You need clean financial information, documented compliance processes and clarity around revenue quality. Buyers will assess licence obligations, client concentration and regulatory risk.

A structured sale process typically takes 9 to 12 months and includes buyer targeting, due diligence, and negotiation. Working with experienced advisors helps you create competitive tension and protect value throughout the transaction.

How is a financial services business valued?

Assessing the value depends on earnings quality, recurring revenue, growth profile and regulatory exposure. Multiples vary across banking, funds management and advisory models. Buyers examine normalised EBITDA, client retention, compliance history and reliance on key people.

Comparable transactions in the finance sector also influence pricing benchmarks. A detailed valuation provides clarity on where your company sits in the market and what steps can improve value before sale.

How long does it take to sell a financial business?

A professional sale process usually takes 9 to 12 months from preparation to completion. Early stages focus on valuation, positioning and documentation. Once in market, buyer engagement, management meetings and due diligence follow.

Financial services transactions can take longer if legislation, licence approvals or scheme transfers are required. Planning early gives directors greater control over timing and outcome.

What legislation affects financial services transactions?

Financial services businesses operate within a strict regulatory framework. Licence conditions, client money rules, privacy obligations and tax compliance must be reviewed during due diligence.

Buyers will examine whether the company meets professional standards and reporting requirements. Addressing legislative matters early reduces execution risk and prevents valuation discounting.

Who buys financial services businesses?

Buyers include private equity firms, trade acquirers, listed groups and family offices. Some seek scale in wealth or funds management, while others pursue technology capability or client books. International investors also show interest in Australian financial services assets. Understanding buyer motivation helps position your business strategically and maximise competitive tension.

What is a management buy-out in financial services?

A management buyout occurs when existing senior management acquires the company from current shareholders. In financial services, this structure requires careful consideration of regulatory approvals, licence transfer, funding sources and client continuity. It can be an effective succession strategy where management has deep client relationships and operational knowledge. We advise on structuring, valuation and negotiation to ensure both parties achieve a fair outcome.

Do I need a specialist advisor for financial services M&A?

Yes. Financial services transactions involve sector-specific regulation, valuation benchmarks and due diligence requirements. A specialist advisor understands buyer expectations and can manage sensitive information carefully. This support reduces disruption to staff and clients while maintaining market interest and confidentiality.

When is the right time to sell a financial services company?

The right time depends on performance, market conditions and personal objectives. Strong earnings, stable compliance history and positive sector sentiment increase buyer interest. Regulatory changes or consolidation trends may also create opportunities. A confidential strategy discussion can help determine whether current conditions align with your goals.

Speak with our financial services advisory team

Start a confidential discussion with our directors to understand your firm’s value, potential buyers and the right strategy for a successful sale.

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