JBWere
| Formerly | Goldman Sachs JBWere |
|---|---|
| Company type | Public |
| Template:ASX | |
| Industry | Investment management |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Founder | Jonathan Binns Were |
| Headquarters | |
Area served | Melbourne Sydney Canberra Brisbane Adelaide Perth Auckland Christchurch Wellington |
| Services | Wealth management Securities research Alternative investment Fixed income |
| AUM |  AUD$61.2 billion (2024) |
Number of employees | 500-1000 |
| Parent | National Australia Bank |
| Website | www.jbwere.com.au |
JBWere is a prominent investment management company based in Australia, originally established in 1840 in Melbourne by Jonathan Binns Were.
In 1914, Staniforth Ricketson, a descendant of the founder, joined as a partner and eventually became the sole owner. He significantly grew the company’s presence by underwriting major equity issues. The firm launched Were's Investment Trust Ltd in 1928, which evolved into the Australian Foundation Investment Company (AFIC). Additionally, JBWere played a key role in founding the National Reliance Investment Company (1929), Capel Court Investment Trust (1936), and Jason Investment Trust (1937), collectively referred to as the Capel Court group. Under Ricketson’s leadership, the business expanded beyond Victoria, including establishing a branch in London. By the time of his passing in 1967, JBWere employed more than 400 individuals.
In 2003, a 45% ownership stake in JBWere was acquired by Goldman Sachs. Subsequently, in 2009, the National Australia Bank (NAB) secured an 80% interest in JBWere’s private wealth division, eventually obtaining full control by 2016. During this transition, the company was divided; NAB took over the 'JBWere' brand and retail brokerage operations, while Goldman Sachs purchased the remaining joint venture interests in April 2011.