Previously operating under GWM Adviser Services Limited, AWS announced on Monday that it will move forward under the AFSL of Melbourne-headquartered boutique licensee, ASVW Financial Services Pty Ltd (ASVWFS), effective this month. AWS principal and founder Sam Zervides said the move is the first step in a long-term strategy for the advice practise to adapt to changing client expectations. “It’s for this reason that I’m focusing my energies on the future and being ahead of the curve in responding to the needs of an increasingly sophisticated and mature client – many of whom reside interstate and overseas but still demand the highest standards of personal and accessible advisory services,” Mr Zervides said. “The AWS team are very excited about the move to ASVWFS and the prospects for the future. “In particular the benefits that will be derived through the application of new technologies designed to significantly improve the client experience and connectivity; enhance/streamline administrative processes; and accelerate the delivery of additional lifestyle and financial service offerings”. ASVWFS chief executive and director Stuart Abley also welcomed AWS’ move to the national licensee on Monday. “Sam and the AWS team embody the very important fundamentals we are seeking in the practices that join our national network i.e. committed to building exemplary advice businesses that deliver the highest standards of compliant professional financial advice and client service,” Mr Abley said.

AWS said the move which was in line with its long-term strategy to address the needs of more sophisticated clients. Commenting on the move, Stuart Abley, chief executive officer and director at ASVWFS, said that AWS represented all the important fundamentals sought in the practices joining its national network. “It’s for this reason that I’m focussing my energies on the future and being ahead of the curve in responding to the needs of an increasingly sophisticated and mature client – many of whom reside interstate and overseas but still demand the highest standards of personal and accessible advisory services,” Zervides said and added that changes in client expectations were irreversible and they were shaping the structure of advice businesses. Zervides also said his first two critical priorities after joining ASVWFS would be to further improve the client experience through the utilisation of advanced technology, latest processes and innovation to improve engagement, outcomes and service. Following this, new complementary financial and lifestyle services as well as value-add offerings were being developed to include a private wealth and finance offering, which would be provided in-house or in partnership with appropriate alliance partners. “The AWS team are very excited about the move to ASVWFS and the prospects for the future. In particular the benefits that will be derived through the application of new technologies designed to significantly improve the client experience and connectivity; enhance/streamline administrative processes; and accelerate the delivery of additional lifestyle and financial service offerings,” Zervides said.

Australian Wealth Solutions (AWS) principal, Sam Zervides, has been elected president of the Victorian branch of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), where he would provide input to the national organisation on initiatives, programs and policies for the benefit of the association’s members.