Consilium Joins FirstCape: What It Means for Lifetime Clients

You may have read recently that FirstCape, a major player in the New Zealand financial services sector, has agreed to acquire Consilium, the independent advisory services and platform provider that Lifetime partners with to manage client portfolios.

While headlines may signal a big change, for you as a Lifetime client, it’s important to know that when it comes to your investment portfolio, it’s business as usual.

A Change in Ownership, Not in Philosophy

FirstCape’s acquisition of Consilium is a strategic move aimed at expanding scale and access to resources. However, Consilium will remain an independent, standalone business within the FirstCape group. The Consilium team, investment infrastructure, and the platform you already use will stay in place, including the transparent, evidence-based investment approach that sets them apart.

Importantly, Consilium’s independence of thought and investment discipline will continue unchanged. Their assistance in our discretionary investment management service (DIMS), is grounded in global best practices and academic research. That commitment isn’t going anywhere.

Why Lifetime Continues to Recommend Consilium

At Lifetime, we value transparency, evidence, and alignment with client goals. That’s why we continue to recommend Consilium’s investment solutions, and we see no reason to change. The systems, strategies, and oversight you’ve come to rely on remain in place. The acquisition simply means Consilium now benefits from greater scale, increased shareholder backing, and broader access to investment expertise through the wider FirstCape group, which includes Harbour Asset Management and BNZ KiwiSaver.

What’s Staying the Same

• Your portfolios remain managed using the same disciplined, research-driven process
• Consilium remains platform-independent and adviser-led, supporting choice and transparency
• There is no change to how your portfolio is administered or monitored
• Your financial adviser at Lifetime continues to work directly with the Consilium team as usual

What’s Changing

• Ownership will shift to FirstCape (subject to conditions), giving Consilium stronger financial and operational backing
• Leadership changes include Louisa Yandle stepping in as CEO, while founding CEO Scott Alman continues as Executive Director

Looking Ahead

This acquisition is part of a broader industry trend toward consolidation, and FirstCape’s move is a sign of strength, not disruption. The combination offers long-term benefits for infrastructure and innovation, while preserving Consilium’s identity and the core investment philosophy we trust.

If you have any questions about your portfolio, the Consilium partnership, or the recent changes, your Lifetime adviser is here to talk. In the meantime, rest assured that the high standard of care and professional management you've come to expect remains fully intact.

Article by Sam Walter

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Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular person's objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held by the author as at the report date and are subject to change without notice.