Our History
We've been around for a long time, and our story has two beginnings.
Today
Today, Jarden Wealth and JBWere consolidate their businesses under one brand, JBWere NZ. FirstCape is the parent company of JBWere NZ, and it is no longer a member of the NAB group of companies.
JBWere NZ is proud of its history and continues to work to give clients the confidence to do what matters.
2023
JBWere’s shareholder, NAB, and Jarden combined their New Zealand wealth management and asset management businesses into a new entity, FirstCape, in which NAB, Jarden and Pacific Equity Partners are major shareholders.
2019
In 2019, FNZC rebrands as Jarden, and the year following expands its offering into Australia with new offices in Sydney and Melbourne.
At the same the strategic alliance between Jarden and Credit Suisse concludes.
2003
In 2003, the continued success of JBWere led to a combination of JBWere with the Australasian operations of Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment bank, establishing Goldman Sachs JBWere.
Then in 2009, National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) acquired an 80% shareholding in the private wealth division of GS JBWere. This grew to be 100% in 2016 resulting in JBWere’s broking business being wholly owned by NAB.
1990
In 1990, Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) acquires a stake in Jarden Morgan, and the firm is renamed to First New Zealand Capital (FNZC).
12 years later, Management acquires the business from CSFB (then known as Credit Suisse), creating an independent firm while maintaining a strategic alliance.
1989
In 1989, JBWere purchased 50% of Jordan Sandman Smythe and then acquired the remaining 50% in 1994, establishing JBWere New Zealand.
Since then, JBWere New Zealand has grown to be a leading wealth manager dedicated to supporting the country’s most successful families, companies and for-purpose organisations for generations.
1961
In 1961, Ron Jarden founded RA Jarden & Co, establishing its roots as a stock broking business.
1988, RA Jarden & Co would go on to merge with Deak Morgan to create Jarden Morgan, expanding into fixed income sales and trading, corporate finance and research activities.
1839
In 1839 Founder Jonathan Binns (JB) Were arrives in Port Phillip (now Melbourne) from England.
1840 JBWere forms Were Brothers & Company (later named JBWere & Co) - the preeminent stock broking business in Australia for the next 120 years