AMP squibbed the opportunity to turn itself into a powerhouse in Australian equities investment and – in the wake of its never-ending operational struggles – has missed the chance to hawk its operations for a decent return, according to East 72 Investments executive director Andrew Brown.

Mr Brown, who worked at what was then known as AMP Investments between 1994 and 1997, said the iconic wealth management firm was continuing its track record of poorly timed or ill-thought strategic decisions with new chairman Debra Hazelton's portfolio review, which has opened up the company's books to prospective suitors.