Masterton-based RIVAL Wealth has announced a growing relationship with Wellington-based Stratus Financial, providing ongoing insurance and risk advice services to Stratus’ existing risk clients, with each firm playing to its respective strengths.
RIVAL Wealth says the arrangement sees it working alongside Stratus Financial “…to ensure clients continue to receive personalised support, advice, and claims assistance, while allowing Stratus to maintain its focus on its core investment and wealth management offering.”
RIVAL Wealth Managing Director Tim Fairbrother says the arrangement reflects a shared commitment to putting clients first.
…Partnering with Stratus brings together two businesses with complementary strengths…
“Partnering with Stratus brings together two businesses with complementary strengths. Stratus has built strong and trusted relationships with its clients over many years, and we are proud to support those clients with specialist risk advice and service while maintaining the high standards they have come to expect.”
The company says the transition has been well received, with both organisations working closely to deliver a seamless experience for clients.
“As RIVAL Wealth continues to grow throughout the Wellington region and beyond, partnering with Stratus demonstrates the firm’s commitment to providing high-quality, client-focused advice while collaborating with like-minded financial services businesses,” it says.
RIVAL Wealth adds it has purchased the clients and while the transaction involved the transfer of approximately 1,200 risk insurance clients, with a further 600 health insurance clients expected to transfer in 2027, the arrangement goes beyond a traditional acquisition.
“Developed as part of Stratus Financials’ long-term succession planning, the agreement reflects the strong professional relationship between the two businesses and a shared commitment to positive client outcomes. Unlike many acquisitions where the relationship between businesses effectively ends at settlement, RIVAL Wealth and Stratus have agreed to maintain an ongoing referral relationship.”
It says Stratus Financial will continue to service its investment clients, while RIVAL Wealth will provide ongoing advice and support to the transferred risk insurance clients. It is a model designed to support long-term client outcomes while allowing both firms to remain connected beyond the transaction itself.
Fairbrother says there is a high level of trust between the two businesses.
“This wasn’t simply a transaction. It was about finding the right long-term home for these clients and creating an arrangement that benefits everyone involved, particularly the clients.
“The ongoing relationship between our firms reflects a mutual respect for what each business has built and a shared focus on ensuring clients continue to receive quality advice and support into the future,” he says.