Dunedin-based sharebroker Forsyth Barr is opening a new branch in Queenstown, taking its total New Zealand branch network to 18.
Managing director Neil Paviour-Smith said the firm had increased its number of branches by seven in just over a year.
New branches had been opened in Cambridge, Ashburton, Timaru, New Plymouth, Whangarei and North Shore as a result of growth and acquisition.
"The opening of a branch in Queenstown is something we have aspired to do for some time.
"Queenstown is growing and affluent and we see an opportunity to provide a high quality service through a local presence."
Forsyth Barr's origins were in Otago and it was overdue that the firm established a presence in Central Otago, he said.
The new branch would initially employ three investment advisers.
Two of those came from private banking backgrounds in Queenstown and they would be joined by an existing senior adviser.
Forsyth Barr chairman Eion Edgar, who is based in Queenstown, said that at a time of ongoing ownership changes and other uncertainties in the industry, Forsyth Barr continued its commitment to providing clients with high-quality services.
