Count Financial has announced the appointment of Stephen Carton as their new Queensland-based Practice Development & Growth Manager.

The announcement continues the CountPlus-owned licensee’s strategic focus on attracting quality financial advisers to its revamped national network.

Carton has around 30 years’ experience in financial services roles across Australia and most recently was a Business Growth Manager at NAB/MLC, focussing on growing the number of advisers and practices within NAB’s self-employed licensees. Prior to that, he worked at AMP as Head of Financial Planning, having responsibility for the performance of around 180 practices across Victoria and Tasmania.

Andrew Kennedy, Chief Advice Officer at Count Financial, said that Carton’s appointment was a boost for the business given his strong track record of recruiting advisers.

“Stephen’s industry knowledge and ability to articulate our offer will be key as we target quality advice firms to join the Count Financial network. With experience working closely with small businesses, Stephen will help our Member firms consider new ways to grow revenue and navigate the unique challenges being felt across the advice landscape at present.”

Carton said he was excited to join Count Financial given the growth mindset of the business.

“It has been interesting to follow Count Financial over the past year or so under CountPlus ownership. They are delivering a compelling value proposition to self-employed advisers centred around building a clean, sustainable licensee model for the future and they are investing in the resources needed to bring that vision to life.”