Borne out of a concept to create a dedicated capital markets platform focused on investment banking, institutional trading and research, Forsyth Barr has now officially split into two businesses – Forsyth Barr Capital Markets and Forsyth Barr Limited (Wealth Management).
Both business units sit within the Forsyth Barr Group, led by Managing Director Neil Paviour-Smith and chaired by David Kirk. The parent company is majority owned by Forsyth Barr staff, with Mercury Capital holding a minority stake.
Earlier this year Carl Blanchard joined the Group from PwC and was tasked with establishing the new Capital Markets business with a focus on investment banking, institutional broking, equity and debt raising and equities research. Carl heads Capital Markets as Managing Director and Ian Hankins is Managing Director, Wealth Management.
Carl Blanchard says there are many opportunities for growing New Zealand’s capital markets as there is no shortage of capital available for attractive investments.
“Capital markets have a proven ability to allow companies to secure the equity and debt capital they need to be successful. There is more that the Government and industry can do to increase the attractiveness of New Zealand's capital market. As a country we have a lot going for us as an attractive investment destination, we just need to simplify our local regime for listed debt and equities issuers, along with attracting the participation from a broader set of market participants,” he says.
While the Wealth Management business will continue to successfully develop its products and advisory business through Forsyth Barr’s 26 offices nationwide, the immediate focus for Forsyth Barr Capital Markets is on the client side and building strong relationships with corporate and institutional investors.
“The new structure allows Forsyth Barr to separate wealth management and institutional/capital markets activities into distinct businesses while retaining common ownership,” Carl says.
