Hobson Wealth
Hobson Wealth was a New Zealand-based, staff-owned wealth management firm that provided investment planning, share broking, and managed portfolio services to individual investors and wealth clients, before being acquired by Forsyth Barr in December 2023.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersAuckland, New Zealand
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Hobson Wealth does
Hobson Wealth was a New Zealand-based, staff-owned wealth management company headquartered in Auckland that provided investment planning, share broking, and managed portfolio services to individual investors and wealth clients across the country. Its offering centered on personalized financial advisory, fully managed portfolios, tailored investment strategies, and comprehensive financial planning, distributed through a network of financial advisers delivering face-to-face service rather than through digital channels. The firm's revenue model was fee-based, charging advisory and portfolio management fees tied to client assets, consistent with standard wealth management economics.
The company was founded in 2016 and operated with 51-100 employees, positioning it as a mid-sized independent player in the New Zealand market. Its competitive positioning rested on the quality of its adviser relationships and personalized service rather than on proprietary technology, scale advantages, or differentiated investment products. The firm operated exclusively within New Zealand, did not maintain disclosed AI or digital platform capabilities, and did not publish pricing or financial details publicly.
In December 2023, after a roughly two-year strategic review of growth alternatives, Hobson Wealth was acquired by Forsyth Barr, one of New Zealand's largest wealth management firms. The transaction received unanimous shareholder approval and took effect on 11 December 2023. As a result, Hobson Wealth ceased to operate as an independent entity, with its clients and advisers absorbed into Forsyth Barr's network of over 220 financial advisers across 25 offices. The combined firm now offers an expanded suite of services including digital advice through the recently launched Tempo app, though the source material does not specify which capabilities apply to the legacy Hobson Wealth book versus Forsyth Barr's pre-existing operations.
Hobson Wealth firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hobson Wealth
- Legal name
- Hobson Wealth
- Website
- https://hobsonwealth.co.nz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Hobson Wealth was a New Zealand-based, staff-owned wealth management firm that provided investment planning, share broking, and managed portfolio services to individual investors and wealth clients, before being acquired by Forsyth Barr in December 2023.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hobson Wealth industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wealth Management
- NAICS
- Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (52394), Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (523940)
- SIC
- Investment Advice (6282), Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies (6211)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Retirement Plan Participant Advice & Managed Accounts (FSAEABAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Managed Accounts & Unified Managed Accounts (UMAs) — Multi-Asset (FSAAAJAE), Alternative Investments for Private Wealth (Hedge Funds, PE/VC Access, Private Credit) (FSAAABAI)
Keywords
Where Hobson Wealth is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Auckland
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Markets served
Hobson Wealth business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Wealth Management Advisory Services: Hobson Wealth generated revenue through wealth management advisory services, providing fully managed portfolios, tailored investment advice, and financial planning services to high-net-worth and retail clients. Following the acquisition by Forsyth Barr, the combined entity offers a comprehensive suite of wealth management services.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Hobson Wealth product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hobson Wealth was a New Zealand wealth management company that provided investment planning, share broking, and managing portfolio services to individual investors. The firm delivered fully managed portfolios, tailored investment advice, and financial planning through a network of financial advisers. Following its acquisition by Forsyth Barr in December 2023, the offering was folded into Forsyth Barr's broader wealth management suite.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Wealth Management Advisory Services Personalised wealth management and financial advisory services delivered by financial advisers to individual investors and wealth clients across New Zealand, including investment advice, wealth planning, and ongoing portfolio oversight.
- Fully Managed Portfolios Discretionary and tailored investment portfolio management services for individual investors and wealth clients, providing professional investment construction and ongoing oversight.
- Share Broking Services Execution of equity transactions for clients, enabling purchase and sale of shares as part of the firm's broader investment services offering.
- Financial Planning Services Comprehensive financial planning services for individual investors covering wealth accumulation, preservation, and goal-based planning, integrated with the firm's broader advisory and investment management offerings.
Companies that use Hobson Wealth
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Hobson Wealth technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Hobson Wealth partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Forsyth BarrcoreForsyth Barr, a New Zealand-based wealth management firm, acquired Hobson Wealth in December 2023. The acquisition followed a thorough due diligence process and received unanimous shareholder approval from Hobson Wealth's board. The transaction combined two businesses sharing a clear view on delivering great results for clients through first-class advice and quality research. The combined entity now operates with over 220 financial advisers across 25 offices in New Zealand.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights2 records
Hobson Wealth competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Kernel Wealth: NZ digital investment platform offering low-cost managed funds and KiwiSaver. Emerging player in NZ wealth — overlapping with Hobson Wealth in serving NZ retail investors but differentiated by a fully digital, low-fee model that pressures traditional advisory fees.
Direct peers
- Milford Asset Management: One of New Zealand's largest independent fund managers offering active managed portfolios and KiwiSaver products. Direct peer to Hobson Wealth in managed portfolio offerings and HNW/retail wealth management, though more product-led versus Hobson's pure advisory model.
- Fisher Funds: NZ investment manager managing retail, KiwiSaver, and institutional portfolios. Comparable to Hobson Wealth in serving NZ investors with managed investment solutions, though Fisher Funds is more product/fund-led while Hobson was relationship-advisory-led.
- Craigs Investment Partners: NZ-headquartered full-service wealth manager and investment bank offering advisory, portfolio management, and broking to retail and institutional clients. Directly comparable to Hobson Wealth in product mix (advice + execution), client base (HNW and retail), and NZ-only distribution.
- Generate Investment Management: NZ-focused KiwiSaver and managed funds provider with growing wealth advisory offering. Comparable to Hobson Wealth as a NZ retail wealth manager serving similar customer segments, though differentiated by a technology-led distribution approach.
- Booster Investment Management: NZ wealth and KiwiSaver manager offering managed funds and financial advice to retail and workplace clients. Comparable to Hobson Wealth in the NZ retail wealth segment and managed portfolio offerings, with overlap in target customer profile.
- Forsyth Barr: New Zealand-based wealth management, investment research, and capital markets firm with 220+ advisers across 25 offices. Direct peer — acquired Hobson Wealth in December 2023 and now houses the Hobson client base within the combined entity, sharing the same advice-led, NZ-only model.
- Jarden (formerly First NZ Capital): NZ investment and advisory firm providing wealth management, research, and capital markets services. Comparable to Hobson Wealth as a mid-large NZ wealth manager with overlapping advisory, broking, and research capabilities for retail and institutional clients.
Broad incumbents
- Macquarie Group (New Zealand wealth): Global financial services group with NZ wealth management operations through Macquarie Asset Management. Broader incumbent — overlaps with Hobson Wealth in managed portfolios and HNW advisory but operates as part of a global platform with institutional scale advantages.
- ANZ Wealth (ANZ Bank New Zealand): NZ wealth arm of ANZ Banking Group offering KiwiSaver, investment, and insurance products through bank branches and advisers. Broader incumbent — overlaps with Hobson Wealth's managed portfolio and advisory services but operates within a much larger banking group with mass-market reach.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Hobson Wealth social profiles
Digital presenceHobson Wealth financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hobson Wealth leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Hobson Wealth funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hobson Wealth M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hobson Wealth
What does Hobson Wealth do?
Hobson Wealth was a New Zealand wealth management company that provided investment planning, share broking, and managing portfolio services to individual investors. The firm delivered fully managed portfolios, tailored investment advice, and financial planning through a network of financial advisers. Following its acquisition by Forsyth Barr in December 2023, the offering was folded into Forsyth Barr's broader wealth management suite.
Is Hobson Wealth a public or private company?
Hobson Wealth is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.
When was Hobson Wealth founded?
Hobson Wealth was founded in 2016. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Hobson Wealth based?
Hobson Wealth is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Hobson Wealth make money?
One revenue line is on record: wealth Management Advisory Services.
Who are Hobson Wealth's main competitors?
Kernel Wealth is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Milford Asset Management, Fisher Funds, Craigs Investment Partners, Generate Investment Management, Booster Investment Management, Forsyth Barr and Jarden (formerly First NZ Capital). Broad incumbents are Macquarie Group (New Zealand wealth) and ANZ Wealth (ANZ Bank New Zealand).
Does Hobson Wealth have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hobson Wealth.
What industry is Hobson Wealth in?
Hobson Wealth's product category is Wealth Management. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAEABAF, Retirement Plan Participant Advice & Managed Accounts, with a secondary code of FSAAAJAE, Managed Accounts & Unified Managed Accounts (UMAs) — Multi-Asset. Its NAICS code is 52394 and its SIC code is 6282.