Mick O’Brien, Managing Director, has authorised that this document be given to the ASX.

Download the full ASX Announcement

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

General Manager – Marketing & Communications      

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                       +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

EQT Holdings Ltd [ASX: EQT] provides the following update on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business and earnings.

EQT has long term revenue streams and a strong balance sheet with low debt and high levels of liquidity. EQT is operating as usual with employees working both on-site and increasingly from home.

EQT has previously indicated that FY20 second half earnings growth was expected to improve as revenue from new business grew. It also acknowledged that market volatility would continue to influence outcomes.

As the majority of EQT revenues are linked to the level of funds under management, administration and supervision, the market downturn is having an adverse impact on earnings and therefore, the previous guidance is no longer appropriate. At this stage, it is not possible to precisely quantify the impact on earnings as markets remain highly volatile.

As previously communicated, the two primary drivers of market leverage on revenues are:

• for the Trustee and Wealth Services (TWS) business - approximately 50-60% leverage to the (daily) ASX200; and
• for the Corporate Trustee Services (CTS) business - approximately 50% leverage to the (daily) global MSCI.

Revenue is also leveraged to other asset classes.

The Group is positioned with low gearing, approximately $30 million of cash surplus to regulatory requirements, and $20 million of undrawn committed bank facilities. The Group’s debt facility was renewed in December 2019 and matures in December 2022.

EQT Managing Director, Mick O’Brien said, “The safety and wellbeing of our employees are a priority and we are taking action across the business to protect them. We are also taking steps to ensure we continue to support our clients, beneficiaries, investors, members and other stakeholders during this challenging time.”

EQT will continue to provide updates as appropriate.

Download the full ASX Announcement

Mick O’Brien, Managing Director has authorised that this document be given to the ASX.

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

General Manager – Marketing & Communications      

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                            Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                       +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT) today announced the appointment of Carol Schwartz AO as a non-executive director to its Board.

“Ms Schwartz has outstanding leadership credentials and is well known and highly regarded in business and the not-for-profit sector. She has an excellent reputation as an advocate for good governance in every organisation with which she is associated,” said Chairman the Hon. Jeff Kennett AC.

“She is recognised as an advocate for women in leadership and frequently called on for her insights into social enterprise, business, finance, gender equality and governance,” he said.

Ms Schwartz is a non-executive director of the Boards of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Qualitas Property Partners and the Trawalla Group. In 2004, she founded the Trawalla Foundation with her family so they could target their philanthropy on funding exceptional individuals and organisations focused on strengthening gender equality, creativity, sustainability and social justice.  Ms Schwartz is also the founding Chair of the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and also of Our Community – she remains chair of both Boards.

“I believe in companies that have a purpose beyond commercial success,” said Ms Schwartz. “Equity Trustees is a company that has always existed to put the interests of others first – whether they are the beneficiaries of estates and foundations, members of superannuation funds or investors in managed investment schemes.

“While it has a strong balance sheet, at its heart, it is a company which helps people take care of the future and provides comfort it will deliver what it promises, whilst balancing the needs of shareholders. I am looking forward to working with this unique organisation,” she said.

Among the many awards and accolades in her career, in 2019 Ms Schwartz was awarded Queen’s Birthday Honours for her service to the community as a supporter of women in leadership, social justice advocacy and to business. She has an Honorary Doctorate from Monash University, has been inducted into the Australian Property Hall of Fame, made an Honorary Life Member of the Property Council of Australia, was recognised by Ernst & Young as the 2018 Champion of Entrepreneurship, Southern Region and inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll.

“Equity Trustees welcomes the considerable energy and unique experience Ms Schwartz will bring to this 131-year-old company. I welcome her on behalf of the Board of Australia’s leading trustee company and look forward to working with her,” Mr Kennett concluded.

Download the full ASX Announcement

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

General Manager – Marketing & Communications      

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                       +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

Deliberate strategy to invest for growth

• Funds under management, administration and supervision up 44% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) to $111.1 billion
• Revenue up 5.6% on pcp to $48.9 million
• Net profit up 2.3% on pcp to $11.5 million
• Interim dividend increased 3 cents on pcp to 47 cents per share
• Investing in people and technology to manage growth
• Successfully taking opportunities as industry restructures

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT), the holding company for Equity Trustees, today announced a 44% increase in funds under management, administration and supervision (FUMAS) to $111.1 billion during the six months ended 31 December 2019.

Net profit for the period was up 2.3% to $11.5 million, on revenue of $48.9 million, up 5.6%. The Board declared an interim dividend of 47 cents per share, up 3 cents on the 2019 interim dividend.

Chairman Jeff Kennett AC said Equity Trustees’ strategy of investing for growth was delivering.

“Equity Trustees has been investing substantially in resources to enable it to capitalise on the change taking place in the financial services industry, where our capability is in demand.

“We are well positioned to make the most of opportunities as they arise, and the growth in FUMAS is reflecting the investment made.

“While this has involved higher costs in the short-term as we build our capacity, the long term benefits for Equity Trustees should be significant.”

Managing Director Mick O’Brien said the market was increasingly recognising Equity Trustees’ strengths as a respected and highly capable trustee.

“The growth we are reporting reflects endorsement of our capability not only by our customers, but also business and the industry at large,” he said.

“Higher expenses, up 6.9% to $29.6 million, reflect the investment the company is making, predominantly in people and technology, to underpin future growth.

 “It is pleasing to report that net profit and dividends continued to rise during the half, despite the significant investment we are making.

“FUMAS was up significantly in both Trustee & Wealth Services and Corporate Trustee Services.

“Momentum is strong in our core businesses, boosted by appointments with blue chip companies, and we are continuing to capitalise on organic and inorganic opportunities as they arise.

“Our European expansion is also beginning to deliver, winning large US and UK clients and significantly boosting funds under supervision.

“While there are very good growth opportunities for Equity Trustees, we are managing the growth and investing prudently to ensure that our values and respected approach are reinforced.”

Mr Kennett said that changes in financial services markets had seen the values underpinning Equity Trustees, such as independence and trust, become even more important.

“During the half we established two perpetual charitable trusts with the Business Council of Australia to help communities around the country recover from disaster and emergency events,” he said.

 “Our Annual Giving Program recently reached a new record of $124.3 million of donations across a range of philanthropic causes.

“We also welcomed a new Director Catherine Robson, who brings her impressive mix of business experience, legal and financial qualifications and a demonstrated commitment to governance in innovative commercial and not-for-profit organisations to the Equity Trustees Board.

“Our core purpose is about caring for others, and as we continue to follow this, all our stakeholders will prosper.”

Mr O’Brien said the outlook for the full year was for continued growth, reflecting the favourable industry fundamentals and a promising pipeline of opportunities.

View Half Year Results Presentation

Download the full ASX Announcement

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications         

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                        +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 to provide independent and impartial trustee and executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, Equity Trustees offers a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and responsible entity services for external fund managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies. EQT Holdings Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) and has offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT) today announced the appointment of Catherine Robson as a non-executive director to its Board.

“Ms Robson has an impressive mix of business experience, high level legal and financial qualifications and a demonstrated commitment to governance in innovative commercial and not-for-profit organisations,” said Chairman the Hon. Jeff Kennett AC.

Ms Robson’s appointment is effective from 15 February 2020.

“We are very fortunate that Ms Robson’s experience is combined with an excellent understanding of the Equity Trustees business and our development over the past five years through her work with a number of our Boards and committees,” said Mr Kennett.

Ms Robson was previously a member of the Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited Board (since 2014) and is a member of both the EQT Board Risk Committee and the Board Remuneration, Human Resources and Nominations Committee.

After beginning her career with Macquarie Bank, Ms Robson moved to NAB Private Wealth where she spent 11 years as a senior advisor before founding the successful financial service business Affinity Private. She has earned industry awards for her commitment to excellence in the provision of advice, she writes regularly in media outlets, including The Age / Sydney Morning Herald and Money Management, and hosts the women’s leadership podcast ‘Success Stories’.

Ms Robson’s other Board appointments include SCALE Investors, which invests seed capital in exceptional gender diverse start-ups, and she is chair of portfolio company TalkiPlay. She is a member of the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Advocacy & Support Committee, Cancer Council Victoria’s Investment Committee and is a member of the Korowa Anglican Girls’ School Council.

“On behalf of the Board, I congratulate Ms Robson on her appointment. We all look forward to continuing working with her,” Mr Kennett concluded.

Download the full ASX Announcement

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications         

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                        +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 to provide independent and impartial trustee and executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, Equity Trustees offers a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and responsible entity services for external fund managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies. EQT Holdings Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) and has offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT) will conduct a webinar presentation by Mick O’Brien, Managing Director and Philip Gentry, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer for investors following the release of EQT’s Half Year Results.

Results release:            Wednesday 26 February 2020

Webinar:                       9.30am – 10.30am, Wednesday 26 February 2020

Those intending to join the webinar must register here. Those who prefer to listen to the presentation by phone can dial 1800 558 698 (+61 2 9007 3187) then enter the conference ID 10003526.

International participant numbers for dialling from outside of Australia, please use one of the below then enter the conference ID 10003526:
Canada/United States	1855 881 1339
New Zealand	0800 453 055
Singapore	800 1012 785
United Kingdom	0800 051 8245
Ireland	1800 948 625

Access to a recording of the webcast and the slides from the presentation will be available the next business day at https://eqt.com.au/investor-centre

Company Overview: Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As one of Australia’s largest and oldest listed independent trustees, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including estate planning, estate management, trust and philanthropic services, asset management, financial advice and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external fund managers.

Download the full ASX Announcement

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 to provide independent and impartial trustee and executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, Equity Trustees offers a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and responsible entity services for external fund managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies. EQT Holdings Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) and has offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications         

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                        +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Below is an extract of the slide presentation to be presented to shareholders at the EQT Holdings Limited 2019 Annual General meeting today.

An audio recording of the address by the Chairman and the Managing Director will be available online in the Investor Centre on the Equity Trustees website this afternoon.

Download ASX Announcement and AGM Presentation

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

General Manager, Marketing and Communications

+61 403 172 024

AKokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                         Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                  +61 3 8623 5133

mobrien@eqt.com.au                           pgentry@eqt.com.au

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT) confirms, pursuant to Listing Rule 3.16.1, the resignation of Ms Carmen Lunderstedt as Company Secretary effective 8 October 2019.  Ms Lunderstedt will be succeeded by Ms Susan Taylor.

On behalf of the Board and the leadership team, Equity Trustees’ Board Chairman, Jeffrey Kennett, thanked Ms Lunderstedt for her contribution in helping to elevate the Group’s corporate governance practices to reflect high stakeholder expectations and leading market practice, and wished her well with her future endeavours.

Company Overview: Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As one of Australia’s largest and oldest listed independent trustees, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including estate planning, estate management, trust and philanthropic services, asset management, financial advice and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external fund managers.

Download the full ASX Announcement

EQT Holdings (ASX: EQT) today announced new agreements with The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd (CMLA), in which

• EQT subsidiary Equity Trustees Limited will take on the Trustee role for $10.5 billion of assets of CMLA
• Another subsidiary, Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited (ETSL), will become the Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) Licensee for $4.5 billion of superannuation funds. CMLA has entered an agreement with ETSL to continue to operate as administrator and life insurer of these funds.

The combined agreements will increase Equity Trustees’ total funds under supervision to more than $100 billion.

EQT Holdings Managing Director Mick O’Brien said, “This is a significant announcement for Equity Trustees, cementing its position as the leading trustee in Australia.

“Equity Trustees is the company of choice because we have the resources and the capability to take these roles on.

“Each appointment is independent, and the funds will be overseen by separate specialist subsidiary trustee companies. 

“In our superannuation and responsible entity businesses, our focus is on looking after the rights of members and unitholders within the funds, independent of all other parties.

“Our recent investment in resources, including senior personnel and technology, strengthens our ability to support opportunities such as this. We look forward to partnering with CMLA.”

Mr O’Brien said the agreements were part of the previously flagged pipeline of opportunities and confirmed that there had been significant investment to support the pipeline, and that earnings growth is expected to be weighted to the second half FY20.

The appointments took effect from 1 October 2019.

Download the full ASX Announcement

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

General Manager – Marketing & Communications

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                        +61 3 8623 5133

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

About CMLA

The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited (CMLA) ABN 12 004 021 809 AFSL 235035). CMLA is a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945.

• Net profit up 12.7% to $22.2 million
• Basic earnings per share up 11.7% to 108.6 cents
• Final dividend of 46c per share; total dividend for the year 9.8% higher at 90c per share
• Funds under management, administration and supervision of $84.9 billion, marginally lower
• Strong, stable performance in a changing industry environment
• Investing for new growth phase driven organically and through potential new partnerships and appointments

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT), the holding company for Equity Trustees, today announced a 12.7% increase in net profit to $22.2 million and growth in basic earnings per share of 11.7% for the year ended 30 June 2019.

Revenue increased 4.6% to $92.5 million, while expenses grew by only 2.4%.

Funds under management, administration and supervision (FUMAS) were down slightly to $84.9 billion, however, there was good growth in FUMAS in the second half.

Chairman Jeff Kennett AC said: “Equity Trustees has produced another strong performance and is continuing to deliver for all stakeholders in a changing and sometimes difficult environment for financial services.

EQT’s model of offering independent, trusted services is driving the group’s success and we are well positioned to capitalise on future growth opportunities.”

Managing director Mick O’Brien said the business had reported consistent underlying organic growth over the year.

“All areas of the business performed strongly, particularly those arising from recent acquisitions and partnerships.

Solid revenue growth, healthy cash flows and a strong balance sheet underpinned this performance.”

Mr O’Brien said Equity Trustees was targeting opportunities in Australia and overseas to grow and leverage its independent model.

“We are investing heavily in resources, including senior personnel and technology, to enable us to support growth opportunities as they arise.”

Mr O’Brien said the company’s European expansion was on track, winning large US and UK clients and is well placed for any Brexit outcome.

He said that while market volatility would continue to influence the Group’s financial performance, the outlook for FY20 and beyond was positive, with attractive industry fundamentals and a solid pipeline of opportunities.

“The investment we have made to support the potential growth opportunities means that we expect earnings growth to be weighted towards the second half of the 2020 financial year.

Our independent model is increasingly sought in an industry undergoing substantial realignment and positions us well for future growth.”

Download the Full ASX Announcement

Download 2019 Full Year Results Presentation

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

General Manager – Marketing & Communications

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                        +61 3 8623 5133

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT) will conduct a webinar presentation by Mick O’Brien, Managing Director and Philip Gentry, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer for investors following the release of  EQT’s Full Year Results.

Results release:              Wednesday 21 August 2019

Webinar:                       9.30am – 10.30am, Wednesday 21 August 2019

Those intending to join the webinar must register here. Those who prefer to listen to the presentation by phone can dial 1800 558 698 (+61 2 9007 3187) then enter the conference ID 10000826. If you are calling from the UK, please dial 0808 168 3761 then enter the conference ID 10000826.

Access to a recording of the webcast and the slides from the presentation will be available the next business day at www.eqt.com.au/shareholders

Company Overview: Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As one of Australia’s largest and oldest listed independent trustees, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including estate planning, estate management, trust and philanthropic services, asset management, financial advice and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external fund managers.

Download the full ASX Announcement

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 to provide independent and impartial trustee and executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, Equity Trustees offers a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and responsible entity services for external fund managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies. EQT Holdings Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) and has offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, London and Dublin.

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

General Manager – Marketing & Communications      

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                                 Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                       Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                            +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                                   pgentry@eqt.com.au

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT), the holding company for Equity Trustees, announced on 25 February 2019 that it had signed an agreement with Zurich Australia to purchase its superannuation trustee, Zurich Australian Superannuation Pty Ltd (ZAS).  Equity Trustees is pleased to announce that the transaction completed today. 

ZAS is the superannuation trustee for the Zurich Master Superannuation Fund, which has approximately $1bn in funds under trusteeship and 18,000 members across traditional, accumulation and pension products.

 Download the ASX Announcement

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications         

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                              Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                    Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                         +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT), the holding company for Equity Trustees, today announced it has appointed non executive director James (Jim) Minto as Deputy Chair of the Board.

“Jim brought outstanding credentials to Equity Trustees when he was appointed to the Board in March 2017,” said Jeff Kennett AC, Chairman.

“He has had an impressive career in financial services with many decades of experience in senior leadership roles and company directorships. As Deputy Chair, Jim will support me, ensuring that the Board continues to aspire to excellence in governance standards, the welfare of all our staff, and act in the best interests of all our customers and stakeholders, and stand in for me as required.

“Jim has brought his particular expertise in trusteeship and understands from experience how to grow shareholder value while also maintaining a healthy corporate culture and excellent client service,” said Mr Kennett.

Jim is currently Chair of the EQT Board Risk Committee and a member of the Board Audit Committee.

Prior to joining Equity Trustees, his career included more than 30 years in senior roles with the TOWER group, one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading life insurance groups; he was appointed as Managing Director of the group and to Board of Dai-ichi Life Asia Pacific (Singapore) after they acquired TOWER Australia (now TAL) in 2011. Jim was formerly Chair of the Australian Superannuation Funds of Australia and The Trustee Corporations Association of New Zealand and currently serves on the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency.

“On behalf of the Board, I congratulate Jim on his appointment and thank him for taking on this role,” Mr Kennett concluded.

Download the full ASX Announcement here

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications         

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                                         Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                              Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                                 +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT), the holding company for Equity Trustees, today announced it had signed an agreement with Zurich Australia to purchase its superannuation trustee, Zurich Australian Superannuation Pty Limited (ZAS).

ZAS is the superannuation trustee for the Zurich Master Superannuation Fund, which has approximately $1bn in funds under trusteeship and 18,000 members across traditional, accumulation and pension products.

The acquisition will expand Equity Trustees’ superannuation business, and cement its position as the leading provider of specialist independent superannuation trustee services in Australia.

ZAS will be acquired for $6.2 million, funded from existing liquidity and debt facilities. The purchase price approximates net assets, which is essentially cash, meaning the net funding impact will be immaterial once the cash is used to repay the short term funding requirement.

“With 130 years’ experience as a specialist trustee, Equity Trustees will ensure the trustee responsibilities safeguarding the interests of Fund members are maintained at the highest standards, which includes looking for ways to improve member outcomes,” said Mick O’Brien, Managing Director.

“We appreciate that 18,000 members have their current and future retirement hopes invested in this Fund and we look forward to being the trustee of the Fund.

 “The acquisition strengthens our existing relationship with Zurich, and is an example of the growing demand in the superannuation sector to establish structural independence and reduce the possibility of conflicts of interest via use of an independent external trustee,” Mr O’Brien said.

The acquisition is subject to certain conditions precedent. Completion is expected next month (March 2019), and subsequently it is intended that the trustee role for the Fund will be transferred from ZAS to Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited, our existing Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) licensee holder and specialist superannuation trustee provider.

Download the full ASX Announcement here

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications         

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                                         Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                              Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                                 +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

PROFIT and DIVIDENDs LIFT IN DECEMBER HALF As NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES EMERGE

• Net profit after tax attributable to shareholders up 17.3% to $11.2 million
• Basic earnings per share up 16.1% to 55.13 cents
• Dividend per share up 4 cents (10%) to 44 cents per share
• Pre-tax operating cash flow up 28.6%
• Balance sheet remains strong, with debt reduced by 20%
• Equity Trustees’ specialist trustee model aligns to the broad themes and findings of the Royal Commission, and provides further opportunities

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT), the holding company for Equity Trustees, today announced another strong result with net profit after tax attributable to shareholders up 17.3% to $11.2 million for the half year to 31 December 2018.

Revenue increased 7.2% to $46.3 million while expenses were contained to a 3.0% increase. Funds under management, administration and supervision were down slightly to $77 billion, principally reflecting the market downturn.

Chairman Jeff Kennett said it was a strong result that demonstrated the success of EQT’s business model.

“The longstanding focus of Equity Trustees on trust and governance is standing us in good stead in the current financial services environment,” he said.

“The industry upheaval is favouring our business model, and the Royal Commission findings are aligned with our strategy.

“This is an excellent result for shareholders, but also delivers for all our stakeholders.”

Managing Director Mick O’Brien said the combination of organic growth and expansion through acquisitions and partnerships was underpinning the group’s consistent performance.

“Our Australian businesses performed well, and our Ireland expansion program is on track, winning some significant clients and showing improving growth in the UK and Ireland,” he said.

“Our strategy to focus on being Australia’s leading specialist trustee company is delivering and we are making good progress on all of our T4 targets, which track our performance in terms of clients, employees, shareholders and the community.

“The outlook is encouraging for the remainder of FY19 and beyond, with attractive industry fundamentals and a substantial and growing pipeline of opportunities, noting that volatility in investment markets will to continue to have an effect on earnings.

“The challenge now is to ensure we have the resources and capability to manage that growth, so we are selectively increasing our investment in people and technology to achieve this.

“Our specialisation in fiduciary services, combined with targeted investment for the future, ensure that EQT remains well positioned for continued growth.”

Download the full ASX Announcement here

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 to provide independent and impartial trustee and executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, Equity Trustees offers a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and responsible entity services for external fund managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies. EQT Holdings Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) and has offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications         

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                        +61 3 8623 5133

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT) will conduct a webinar presentation by Mick O’Brien, Managing Director and Philip Gentry, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer for investors following the release of  EQT’s Half Year Results.

Results release:              Monday 25 February 2019

Webinar:                       10am – 11am, Monday 25 February 2019

Those intending to join the webinar must register here. Those who prefer to listen to the presentation by phone can dial 1800 123 296 (+61 2 8038 5221) then enter the conference ID 4064256. If you are calling from the UK, please dial 0808 234 0757 then enter the conference ID 4064256.

To ask a question, participants will need to dial *1 (star 1) on their telephone keypad.

Access to a recording of the webcast and the slides from the presentation will be available the next business day at www.eqt.com.au/investor-centre.

Company Overview: Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As one of Australia’s largest and oldest listed independent trustees, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including estate planning, estate management, trust and philanthropic services, asset management, financial advice and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external fund managers.

Market Capitalisation: ~A505.9m

Current Share Price: AUD$24.75 (as at 20 February 2019)

Download the Full ASX Announcement here

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 to provide independent and impartial trustee and executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, Equity Trustees offers a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and responsible entity services for external fund managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies. EQT Holdings Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) and has offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager – Marketing & Communications         

03 8623 5396 / 0403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                             Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                   Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                        +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                               pgentry@eqt.com.au

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new non-executive director Tim Hammon, effective 1 December 2018.

EQT Chairman Jeff Kennett said: “Tim comes to Equity Trustees with an excellent mix of experience aligned with the responsibilities that come with being on the Board of a 130 year old Australian company which was built on a foundation of trust.”

Mr Hammon was the CEO of Mutual Trust Pty Ltd, from 2007 to 2017, building the business to become a leading Australian multi-family office servicing high net worth clients, and prior to that, in leadership positions with Coles Myer Ltd for 11 years. He began his career in law with Mallesons Stephen Jaques and was a partner at the firm for 12 years (1984 – 1996) after graduating in law and commerce at the University of Melbourne.

He has held Board positions with not for profit organisations, the Abbotsford Convent Foundation and St Catherine’s School and is an Ambassador for the fund raising campaign for the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery. Mr Hammon is currently on the Board of shopping centre development company Vicinity Centres, a listed REIT.

“The mix of commercial, not for profit, and legal expertise will strengthen and diversify the experience around the Board table of Equity Trustees and support the development of Australia’s leading specialist trustee company.”

Mr Kennett said Mr Hammon’s appointment to the EQT Board is part of the Company’s structured approach to Board succession and planning, and integral to EQT’s strategy as Australia’s leading specialist trustee company.

Download the Full ASX Announcement 

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers. Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager Marketing and Communications

+61 403 172 024

AKokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                         Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                 Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                   +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                             pgentry@eqt.com.au

Strong improvement in shareholder returns, with all stakeholders benefiting

• Net profit up significantly, rising 28% to $19.7 million
• Earnings per share (EPS) up 26%, to 97.3 cents per share
• Funds under management, advice, administration and supervision increase 21% to record $86 billion
• Final dividend up 2 cents on interim dividend to 42 cents; for a full year dividend of 82 cents,
  up 11 cents on last year
• All areas of business experiencing strong growth driven by acquisitions, partnerships and organic growth
• Industry governance trends creating opportunities for Equity Trustees’ specialist model

EQT Holdings Limited (ASX: EQT), the holding company for Equity Trustees, today announced a substantial increase in net profit to $19.7 million for the year to 30 June 2018, and an increase in EPS to 97.3 cents per share.

Revenue increased 11% to $88.5 million, and funds under management, administration and supervision grew by 21% to reach a record $86 billion.

“This is an excellent result for our clients, stakeholders and shareholders,” said Chairman Jeff Kennett. “The result was driven by three factors, the company’s investment over the last two years in new technology and systems, organic growth, and strong contributions from new acquisitions and partnerships.

“Equity Trustees is proud of its independence and continues to work to ensure the highest level of governance,” he added.

Managing Director Mick O’Brien said the business was experiencing strong momentum, with all divisions performing well. Revenue from Trustee and Wealth Services was up 11%, and Corporate Trustee and Fund Services was up 10%, supported by a material reduction in non-operating expenses.

“We have generated significant growth in returns for shareholders, improved our client satisfaction results, increased our employee engagement, and provided a substantial contribution to the community through our philanthropic granting and trusted services.

“This result confirms our strategy of focussing on what we do best – providing specialist fiduciary services,” Mr O’Brien said.

A successful program of acquisitions and partnerships underpinned the result:

• The acquisition of the OneVue Responsible Entity business with $2.7 billion of assets consolidated Equity Trustees’ position as the Australia’s leading provider of RE services
• The appointment as the superannuation trustee to the $3.2 billion Aon Master Trust effectively doubled the size of our superannuation business to $6.7 billion Funds Under Management
• Equity Trustees made a strategic move offshore with the acquisition of the majority stake of a UK-based funds governance business
• The Sandhurst Trustees Estates and Trusts business was fully integrated and performing in line with expectations

Mr O’Brien said Equity Trustees was well positioned for continuing growth.

“All areas of the business are delivering on expectations and performing well.

“The industry trend clearly favours Equity Trustees’ specialist model and the heightened focus on governance in financial services, both in Australia and overseas, is likely to benefit us.

“Corporations and governments are demanding higher levels of governance. This is seeing demand for specialist governance and fiduciary services grow, and specialist trustee services increasingly outsourced.”

Mr Kennett said, “Equity Trustees was founded on trust 130 years ago, and this single characteristic remains at the heart of our purpose.

“Our strategy is built around benefiting all our stakeholders and we have delivered this financial year.

 “We enter the new financial year with a positive outlook for the period ahead, and the future of this 130-year-old Australian company which has stood the test of time.”

Download the full ASX Announcement here

View the 2018 Full Year Investor Presentation

View the 2018 Appendix 4E & Annual Financial Report

Visit the Investor Centre

Equity Trustees was established in 1888 for the purpose of providing independent and impartial Trustee and Executor services to help families throughout Australia protect their wealth. As Australia’s leading specialist trustee company, we offer a diverse range of services to individuals, families and corporate clients including asset management, estate planning, philanthropic services and Responsible Entity (RE) services for external Fund Managers.

Equity Trustees is the brand name of EQT Holdings Limited (ABN 22 607 797 615) and its subsidiary companies, publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: EQT) with offices in Melbourne, Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and London.

Further information

Media

Alicia Kokocinski

Senior Manager Marketing and Communications

+61 403 172 024

akokocinski@eqt.com.au

Investors

Mick O’Brien                                                      Philip Gentry

Managing Director                                           Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

+61 3 8623 5202                                               +61 3 8623 5372

mobrien@eqt.com.au                                   pgentry@eqt.com.au

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX announcement here

View the presentation here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full Media Release here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here 

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read th full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement and Investor Presentation here

Read the full ASX Announcement and Investor Presentation here

View the 2016 Annual Financial Report and Appendix 4E here

Widely regarded as a creative and pragmatic company director and advisor, Mr Sedgwick has more than 30 years’ experience in advising boardrooms of listed and unlisted Australian, Chinese and other Asian enterprises across financial services, and information technology.  

Read the full ASX Announcement here

EQT Holdings Limited today announced the appointment of Mr Michael J O'Brien as the company's Managing Director, with immediate effect.
Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Mr Ryan has indicated that he intends to retire following the completion of the annual reporting processes in order to give the company sufficient time to initiate the process for appointing a replacement.

During his employment with EQT, Mr Ryan has also acted as the Company Secretary and the Board is grateful for his valued contribution in this role in addition to his responsibilities as CFO.

Further information will be provided closer to the date of Mr Ryan’s retirement and at that stage the Board will formally note its appreciation for his significant role in the company’s success, growth and development since 2003.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full Notice here.

EQT considers a range of potential acquisitions from time to time. As part of these considerations, EQT enters into preliminary discussions with various entities and often determines an indicative value based on publicly available information.

In the context of the above, today’s market release by Diversa Limited (ASX: DVA) refers to a confidential, incomplete, non-binding, indicative proposal provided by EQT, which is subject to a number of conditions including due diligence.

There have been no significant developments since providing the proposal and no contractual arrangements have been entered into. Accordingly EQT cautions shareholders to refrain from making any decision based on an assumption that any transaction with Diversa will proceed.

In accordance with continuous disclosure obligations, EQT will keep the market updated as necessary.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Mr Gentry has more than 25 years’ experience in leadership positions within financial services, property, agribusiness, international trade, commodities and logistics.  He will commence in the CFO role at Equity Trustees early in the new year when he completes his existing employment obligations.

The appointment of a new CFO follows the permanent appointment of Geoff Walsh as Chief Risk Officer (CRO) in August, following a period as Interim CRO, and his appointment today as Joint Company Secretary, replacing Terry Ryan in that role. 

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

View the Shareholder presentation here.

Read the full Notice here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full Notice here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.

Read the full ASX Announcement here.