Escala Partners completes ‘strategic evolution’ to Focus Partners Australia

The Australian wealth and investment advisory group, Escala Partners, has officially become part of Focus Financial Partners, joining Focus Partners Australia, which the firm said marked a “major milestone” as it enters a new phase of growth.

Even so, Escala said this change will not significantly impact advisory and investment teams, the firm will simply have access to greater support from Focus.

Looking at the personnel changes, Ben James, a founder partner of Escala and the previous head of advisory, has been appointed as chief executive and Torty Howard has been appointed as chief operating officer after two years with the firm.

Meanwhile, Simon Dawkins will continue as head of capital markets and fixed income for Escala, working with the firm’s chief investment officer Tracey McNaughton to deliver key investment insights.

In addition to this, the firm said Travis Danysh, the chief corporate development officer at Focus Financial Partners, is expected to be appointed as executive chairman of Focus’ Australian business, “further strengthening the alignment between the two organisations”.

According to James, the move officially marks the end of the firm’s journey as they are brought fully “into the fold” of Focus.

“This is more than a structural change, it’s a strategic evolution,” James said.

“Joining forces with Focus Partners Australia allows us to set the foundation for our continued growth and evolution, through which we will deliver expansive solutions and a differentiated client experience through a unified and integrated global organisation.”

Adding to this, Howard said Escala’s investment philosophy “remains unchanged”, with the new resources available through the transition only intended to enhance the firm’s access to information and solutions.

“Escala will continue to deliver tailored investment offerings through a collaborative, team-based approach that is now further empowered by the expertise and capabilities of Focus. We are more aligned than ever to showcase our deep commitment to long-term client success,” Howard said.

Looking from the Focus perspective, Danysh said this evolution strengthens the firm’s commitment to an Australian presence, highlighting the new opportunities available to build and engage with this market.

“The addition of Escala to Focus Partners Australia is an important step towards solidifying our position within the Australian market through a leading operating and growth platform, capable of delivering holistic solutions to our clients and their advisers,” he said.