AMP to take NZ wealth management business public

AUCKLAND: AMP plans to spin out its New Zealand wealth management and advice division in an initial public offering next year.

The Australian financial services firm has been reshaping under new leadership as it tries to rebuild a reputation tarnished by unethical practices uncovered by Australia’s Royal Commission into the banking sector’s conduct. That has included a review of the portfolio spanning banking, insurance, wealth management, financial advice and funds management.

AMP will exit its New Zealand wealth management and advice businesses through a public offer next year, provided the market conditions are right.

A decision has yet to be made on whether to list on the NZX alone or to pursue a duallisting that includes the ASX. The parent’s head shares are duallisted.

The Kiwi businesses contribute operating earnings of about $A40 million on a standalone basis. The spinout will not include the local AMP Capital funds management unit.

‘‘The IPO would release capital to AMP and create a standalone New Zealand wealth management and advice business,’’ AMP said in a statement. If it goes ahead, the offer will be made under New Zealand law.

AMP has also agreed to sell AMP Life to Resolution Life for $A3.3 billion in cash, preference shares and future earnouts. The firm has also signed an agreement with Swiss Re to reinsure the Kiwi retail wealth protection business before the planned sale, freeing up $A150 million of capital.

‘‘The completion of our portfolio review marks a major step forward in reshaping AMP as a simpler, more focused group, that is wellpositioned to compete in our core markets,’’ acting chief executive Mike Wilkins said.

Incoming CEO Francesco De Ferrari has been tasked with transforming AMP, which Wilkins said will be easier with the extra flexibility created by the exits.

Separately, AMP reported a net cash outflow of $A1.5 billion in the three months ended September 30, and weaker inflows since the firm’s appearances at the Royal Commission earlier this year. Those hearings uncovered the firm misled the Australian Securities & Investments Commission over charging fees to customers who were provided no services in return.

The New Zealand business largely avoided the scandal, operating under a different regulatory framework. Managing director Blair Vernon said the proposed changes would not affect existing insurance policies or investment schemes.

‘‘AMP New Zealand is a highly efficient, wellrun business which has been a consistent contributor to AMP,’’ he said in a statement.

‘‘A strong team with a history of consistent delivery for all stakeholders has prepared AMP New Zealand for this significant change.’’

The New Zealand financial services unit’s net cash inflow improved to $A81 million in the September quarter, due to increased inflows and smaller outflows from its insurance and nonKiwiSaver investment products. KiwiSaver funds under management swelled to $A4.98 billion, rising at a slower pace than the previous quarter due to increased competition and a higher number of retirement withdrawals.

AMP’s duallisted shares fell 1.7% to $3.50 on the NZX. — BusinessDesk