• JV to invest in Australian financial advice practices
• Aims to provide strategic growth capital and expertise to high-potential practices
• Focuses on practices within WTL's existing networks as well as external acquisitions

WT Financial Group Limited (ASX: WTL) has announced a 50/50 joint venture with Merchant Wealth Partners Pty Ltd, the Australian subsidiary of the New York-based financial advice investor Merchant Wealth Partners, LLC. The new entity, WTL & MWP Investco Pty Ltd ('Investco'), will invest in and support the growth of Australian financial advice practices. Investco will focus on advice businesses within WTL's existing Wealth Today, Sentry Advice, Synchron Advice, and Millennium3 networks, as well as potentially external acquisitions. The key objectives are to back financial advice entrepreneurs, maintain non-controlling positions to preserve autonomy, and minimize commercial interference to encourage innovation. Investco will invest in 'hub' entities representing either single practices or complementary practice groups, providing capital and resources to facilitate growth, both organically and through targeted acquisitions. WTL founder and CEO Keith Cullen will serve as Investco's Managing Director, while Merchant partner David Haintz will be the Executive Director. The partnership combines WTL's extensive local network and knowledge with Merchant's global expertise and 'patient capital' approach, positioning the venture to empower practices to innovate and scale.

The joint venture aims to support the corporatisation and growth of the Australian financial advice profession, helping practices achieve scalability, efficiency, and a competitive edge.