Melbourne Capital Group (MCG) is excited to announce the appointment of Rob Atherton as the new Head of International Wealth, marking a pivotal step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its advisory capabilities and expand its presence across the Asian market. Atherton’s appointment is set to drive significant growth and enhance MCG’s ability to provide world-class financial planning services to both local and international clients.
This appointment is aligned with MCG’s vision to become a leader in the international financial advisory space, offering clients a holistic approach to wealth management. With a wealth of experience and a reputation for success, Rob Atherton’s addition to the team further solidifies MCG’s commitment to excellence in the wealth management sector.
Strategic Growth and Expansion in ASEAN
In addition to Atherton’s appointment, Mark Owens has been named the Head of Strategic Growth. In this crucial role, Owens will be responsible for leading MCG’s expansion efforts throughout the ASEAN region, focusing on talent acquisition, mergers and acquisitions, and overall business development. Owens’ leadership will be instrumental in positioning MCG as a trusted financial advisory partner in Southeast Asia, where demand for comprehensive financial services is on the rise.
Owens will also work to forge strategic partnerships and collaborations that will expand the firm’s reach and service offerings in the region. His role is critical in ensuring that MCG continues to meet the diverse needs of its clients, both expatriates and locals, by offering bespoke financial solutions that cater to varying market demands.
Launch of the Advisor Academy
As part of its ongoing expansion, MCG is proud to introduce its new Advisor Academy, an initiative designed to address the growing advice gap within the financial planning industry. The academy will focus on developing a new generation of financial advisors by equipping them with UK Level 6 qualifications or their equivalent, ensuring that they meet international standards of professionalism and expertise.
The academy will offer a structured training program that includes mentorship from seasoned professionals, practical experience, and access to cutting-edge financial tools. By investing in the future of financial advisory services, MCG aims to create a pipeline of highly qualified advisors who can provide clients with comprehensive, tailored financial advice that meets their unique needs.
Rob Atherton commented on his new role, stating, “I’m thrilled to join Melbourne Capital Group, where the team’s dedication to holistic, client-centric financial planning truly stands out. With the launch of the Melbourne Capital Group Financial Planning Academy, we are poised to develop world-class advisors, helping to bridge the advisor gap and shape a bright future for both our clients and the profession.”
Securing Malaysian Licensing for Comprehensive Services
As part of its regional expansion, Melbourne Capital Group has become one of the first international advisory firms to secure licensing with the Securities Commission of Malaysia. This achievement enables MCG to offer a full range of advisory services to clients across Malaysia, including expatriates who previously had limited access to comprehensive financial planning services.
This milestone allows MCG to offer expatriates and local clients access to an integrated range of financial services, including wealth management, retirement planning, tax advisory, and estate planning. With a presence in Malaysia, MCG can now offer its renowned services to a broader audience while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and professionalism.
Rob Atherton’s Expertise and Background
Rob Atherton brings an impressive track record of success to MCG. After earning his degree in Japanese Studies and Politics from the University of Sheffield and studying law at Kanazawa University, Rob began his career in Japan. He successfully founded and exited a trade and consultancy business, gaining valuable insights into international business and finance.
Upon returning to the UK, Rob founded Atherton and Associates Wealth Management, which became one of the first firms in the UK to receive the corporate Chartered designation from the Chartered Insurance Institute. In 2020, he launched RWA Financial Planning, a firm dedicated to holistic financial planning. Rob exited the business through a management buyout in 2022, further demonstrating his entrepreneurial expertise.
