Forsyth Barr

Forsyth Barr was established in Dunedin in 1936 by Robert (Peter) Forsyth Barr. At the end of World War II, he was joined by Murray Sidey and Keith Skinner and together the three partners built the business based on a shared commitment to delivering quality advice with the highest levels of service. In the 1970s the entrepreneurial team broadened the business from its core stockbroking operation. In the 1970s Forsyth Barr was first into the New Zealand market with a broad range of investment solutions, including a fixed interest monitoring service. This innovation continued with the introduction of cash management and nominee services in the 1980s, along with portfolio management services and the first low cost retirement fund in the 1990s. The company grew rapidly through that period, opening offices in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Invercargill, Lower Hutt, Palmerston North and Napier. This growth has continued, with Forsyth Barr now operating 25 offices across the country providing investment advisory and portfolio management services covering over $20 billion of clients' investments.