Findex overhauls leadership

Findex Group has revamped its executive team ahead of a major push into the wealth sector.

The financial services firm has appointed operations chief Tony Roussos and finance director Matthew Games as co-chief executives.

The promotions will see the current chief executive Spiro Paule stepping into the newly created role of managing director.

Over the next five years, the financial services company aims to triple the size of its wealth practice to around $50 billion.

Findex co-founder Spiro Paule said bolstering the leadership team and is the realisation of a succession plan that will allow him to focus on the group's aggressive expansion plans.

He said the Hayne royal commission has had a seismic impact on Australia's wealth sector, and with with more than 3000 advisers departing, the opportunity is ripe for Findex.

"With the growth momentum we have behind us, our investment in leadership capability at this time will help the business capitalise on the strategic growth opportunities available whilst allowing me to step back from day-to-day operation," he explained.

Findex said Roussos and Games have been pivotal to its transformational M&A strategy, overseeing 63 acquisitions.

"As one of Findex's first employees, it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to be custodian for the business as we look to activate our next stage of growth," said Roussos.

"Findex was started by two visionary founders, who saw an opportunity to bring together wealth and accounting services to deliver greater value for clients.

"Now, as Australia's largest diversified financial services business, we're continuing to tread our own path, building a model built around the needs of our clients."

Games added that when he left Macquarie Bank to join Findex as its finance chief 15 years ago, he was was attracted to its entrepreneurial vision combined with the strong family values instilled by founders Spiro and Terry Paule.

"As an executive team, we've always worked together under the strategic guidance of Spiro to leverage our complementary skills, and I'm looking forward to continuing my strong partnership with Tony to drive the business on its next stage of growth," he stated.

Findex said its longstanding fee-for-service model and salaried adviser status give it a significant competitive advantage and uniquely positions it to deliver a wealth accounting model to its SME client base.