Coastal Advisory Australia has acquired two Brisbane-based advice firms, Capital Focused and True Journey Financial Planning, solidifying its foothold in Queensland.
Founded in 2001 and based in Brisbane’s CBD, Capital is a family wealth specialist firm with three financial planners and three client service officers, with co-founders Michael and Claire Kennedy leading the firm as managing partner and chief financial officer, respectively.
As part of the deal, which is scheduled to settle on 28 April, all team members have secured a role at Coastal following the transaction which the group is reflects its “commitment to people through every stage of growth”.
On joining Coastal, Michael Kennedy said this will give Capital the ability to strengthen their business operations and focus on client-facing responsibilities.
“We didn’t want to simply replicate what had already been built – we wanted to improve outcomes for our clients by putting their portfolios to work using professionally managed accounts.
“Joining Coastal gives us the ability to scale our client offer, automate our operations, and be part of something genuinely national. It also gives me the opportunity to focus on what I do best – advising clients and growing the business – rather than running the day-to-day of a small practice. The partnership with Merchant only strengthens that proposition further.”
Coastal entered a long-term strategic partnership with the New York-based capital partner Merchant Wealth Partners in January 2025. The group has since utilised the backing to support their national expansion through M&A partnerships across the country.
The team at Capital will expand Coastal’s existing Brisbane presence following the acquisition of True Journey Financial Planning in late March.
Adding True Journey’s resources to the group enhanced its advice delivery, according to the group, by strengthening its online and digital offering capabilities.
“The move supports Coastal’s ambition to increase accessibility to quality financial advice for more Australians, regardless of location,” it said.
Director and financial adviser at True Journey Tamara Gillman said joining Coastal provides an opportunity for the business to do more for its clients.
“The ability to scale our digital offering, access a broader national network, and continue delivering truly personalised advice was what made this the right move. Coastal’s values aligned with ours from day one, and that made all the difference,” Gillman said.
The advice group has been on a mission to complete 15 M&A deals in the 2025/26 financial year. With the addition of Capital Focused, the group is another step closer to achieving this.
Money Management understands Coastal is set to sign their 15th deal in the near future, ahead of the 30 June deadline.
Reflecting on their progress so far, Coastal chief executive Daniel Brown said, “This is just the beginning of what is shaping up to be a milestone year for Coastal”.
“We have a clear strategy, a growing national footprint, and most importantly, the right people driving it forward.”