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FS Power50
2021 FS Power50 - voting is now closed
Financial Standard is conducting the search for the FS Power50 once again in 2021, revealing the 50 most influential financial advisers in Australia.
This list is made up of the 50 most influential financial advisers in the country according to the readers of Financial Standard and FS Advice - The Australian Journal of Financial Planning.
In the making of this list, we defined 'influential' as individuals who have been, or continue to be, instrumental in shaping the future of the financial advice industry.
The selection process
Financial Standard's Power50 list is made up of the 50 most influential financial advisers in the country according to the readers of Financial Standard and FS Advice - The Australian Journal of Financial Planning.
In the making of this list, we define 'influential' as individuals who have been or continue to be instrumental in shaping the future of the financial advice industry.
These are financial advisers who have actively participated in industry-based activities, community-based projects and/or other initiatives designed to promote the important role that financial advisers play in the country's socio-economic future.
They could be active participants of relevant industry associations, financial advisers with strong social media following, or those known among their peers and the industry as role models in the way they conduct their professional practice.
They are also successful business owners, award-winners, policy influencers, mentors and educators.
As part of the selection process, we will invite relevant industry associations to nominate outstanding members of their associations and combine that list with the list of nominations from the Financial Standard editorial and research teams. Financial Standard will nominate outstanding advisers based on feature and profile stories we have done on FS Advice - The Australian Journal of Financial Planning in the past 13 years.
Then we open up the nomination process to our readers, ensuring we cast the net to the widest set of nominees.
Following this, a shortlist of financial advisers who get the highest number of nominations proceed to the voting process, which is once again open to our online readers. They can choose to vote for one or as many advisers featured in the shortlist.
All shortlisted candidates will be screened to ensure they are fully-licensed advisers, have met minimum professional educational standards and are members of at least one industry association.
The 50 individuals who attract the highest votes and pass the final editorial vetting screen will be featured in our FS Power50 Most Influential Advisers Guide, out 1 November 2021.
2021 FS Power50 - voting is now closed
Congratulations to the financial advisers who have proceeded through the nominations phase and into the final voting phase.
The FS Power50 will be announced in the 1 November issue of Financial Standard.
Gold Partner
Silver Partners
The 2020
FS Power50
The financial advisers in this guide are a diverse group: some specialise in responsible investment advice, some provide financial advice to specific professions, and some focus on addressing market gaps, be it financial advice for women or the LGBTQI community.
But they all have one thing in common, they wield influence that can create the blueprint for financial advice in the future.
Not all of them are familiar names but just because they are not making a lot of noise doesn't mean they are not making waves. Meet our 2020 FS Power50.
ESTHER ALTHAUS
Perspective Financial Services
The first ever winner of the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) Rising Star Award in 2005, Esther has since built a career befitting the accolade. She specialises in insurance, retirement, investment and superannuation among more. She has served two terms on the AFA's board and chaired its foundation. Despite the success, she's never stopped upskilling, and tallied up a spot on the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Women Entrepreneurs Scholarship Program in 2020.
DAVID ANDREW
Capital Partners
David is founder and chief executive of Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers, one of the largest privatelyowned advisory firm in Perth, Western Australia. Capital Partners recently celebrated 21 years of business and has nearly $1 billion in assets under advice. He won the FPA Professional Practice of the Year twice, in 2017 and 2019, and is a respected leader within his local community.
CAROLINE BELL
Summerhill Financial Services
Caroline started her own firm with her own AFSL in 2006, building a client base from scratch. Her aim was to provide affordable and accessible financial advice, as well as educational material, to more Australians to help them improve their financial literacy and confidence with money. She says her greatest joy comes from seeing clients achieve a sense of confidence and control, to be able to take their financial destiny into their own hands.
MARSHALL BRENTNALL
Evalesco Financial Services
No matter what the endeavour, Marshall has always been focused on looking after the community. He served in the Army Reserves for five years and spent 10 years as a life saver at Sydney's Tamarama Beach but it is his 19-year tenure as an adviser that he is most passionate about. As a CFP and director of Evalesco, Marshall works to ensure all his clients are healthy, wealthy and happy.
JENNY BROWN
JBS Financial Strategists
With over 28 years' experience in financial advice, Jenny is driven to help women in business. She is the chief executive and founder of JBS Financial Strategists, focused on building relationships with her clients to help them achieve their dreams. She is currently the Oceania chair of the Million Dollar Round Table, and was formerly a national vice president and conference co-chair of the AFA.
CHRIS CARLIN
Master Your Money Now
Chris is the founder of Master Your Money Now and was the 2019 AFA Rising Star of the Year. He is passionate about helping everyday millennials, namely nurses and teachers, achieve their financial goals and live out their dream lifestyle. Chris is also an advocate for mental health, regularly lending an ear to those in need and sharing his own experiences with the advice community to break down stigmas that remain around mental health.
MATHEW CASSIDY
Partners Wealth Group
Mathew is a founder of Partners Wealth Group and, as managing director, draws on his 25 years' experience in the financial services industry to help ensure the whole company is meeting clients' needs. Mathew has a genuine passion and commitment to providing financial advice to a number of high net worlth clients and family groups. Having spent a number of years working in financial services abroad in London and New York, he is able to bring a wealth of knowledge to those he works with.
SABIL CHOWDHURY
Koda Capital
The youngest partner to ever join Koda Capital, Sabil has been working in financial services since the turn of the millennium. Sabil helps entrepreneurs, executives and family offices to preserve and grow their wealth. He specialises in providing advice on customised investment mandates, and regularly writes white papers and research pieces to educate fellow advisers.
SUE DAHN
Pitcher Partners
Sue is one of Australia's most respected and influential advisers, having topped Barron's list of Australia's Top 50 Financial Advisers and was one of the visionary forces responsible for taking Pitcher Partners from a mid-tier accounting firm to a $5 billion wealth management giant. In addition to her various advice clients, Sue also sits on the investment committees and boards of several major institutional investors.
VICTORIA DEVINE
Zella Wealth
Victoria puts her all into changing the financial futures of Australian women, all while running one of the top personal finance podcasts in the nation. Victoria is passionate about empowering women to make smart money decisions. In addition to being a dedicated financial adviser, she was a finalist for the 2020 Telstra Women in Business Awards and is the treasurer of TLC for Kids.
ANDREW DUNBAR
Apt Wealth Partners
Andrew won the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) Certified Financial Planner of the Year in 2019 because of his passion for helping clients with complex family needs who might be going through some challenging times. Andrew was also commended for giving back to different charities. He regularly contributes to thought leadership programs by writing financial education guides, presenting at educational events, and mentoring the next generation of advisers.
BRETT EVANS
Atlas Wealth Management
An expert in advising expats, Brett is seen as a thought leader and frequently quoted in the media. Thanks to his niche, business is thriving and Brett has recently established a Dubai office to meet growing demand. Brett's passionate advocacy for his overseas clients has seen him active in public debate around reform, including most recently petitioning for expat property investor rights.
SCOTT FARMER
Bravium
Scott believes financial advice is important for helping clients overcome complexities in their lives and changing behaviours to achieve greater financial success. He founded Bravium in 2007 and counts pivoting the business to a value based, annual fee engagement model long before it was necessary as one of his biggest achievements. Scott believes in the value of technology-led advice, both for the consumer and the adviser. He also recently founded a cashflow app, Savvy, to simplify the client experience.
TREVOR GEFFIN
Core Private Wealth
As the director and private client adviser at Core Private Wealth based in Sydney, Trevor has helped the practice reach $170 million in funds under advice and is proud of the fact that it runs successfully on a flat fee, commission-free business model. Something else he can boast about is the claims and advocacy services Core Private Wealth offers.
SIMON GROWDEN
Shadforth Financial Group
Based in Perth, Simon has over 24 years' experience and has featured in Barron's list of Australia's Top 50 Financial Advisers. He regularly rides in the annual Hawaiian Ride for Youth, a 700km bike ride from Albany to Perth raising money to support young people and their mental health. As a father of three boys he understands the challenges that youths face in today's society. Since the Ride for Youth's inception in 2003 it has raised over $10 million.
MATT HALE
Rising Tide Financial Services
A past winner of the AFA Rising Star award, Matt is passionate about helping his clients find the freedom to say 'yes'. A straight shooter, Matt says great advice can help Australians be less apathetic to their money. He also believes financial advice helps people to improve their mental health and achieve amazing things. He has over 12 years' experience in the industry and is never afraid to get into the nitty gritty with his clients.
WILL HAMILTON
Hamilton Wealth Management
As a member of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics (FASEA) board, Will is influencing the future of financial advice in Australia. And he's been doing so for quite some time, having also sat on the Professional Standards Council. Will is considered an expert and thought leader in his field, regularly contributing to various publications. He is also a member of the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA) and senior fellow of FINSIA.
GLEN HARE
Fox & Hare Financial Advice
The Fox & Hare co-founder saw a gap in the market, catering to a much younger demographic than those that typically seek advice. Glen rose through the ranks of Macquarie and was one of the youngest directors in the company. In his spare time, Glen works closely within the LGBTIQ community to create a safe space for financial conversations.
NICOLE HEALES
Nicole Heales Financial
Nicole is passionate about helping women, particularly when it comes to taking care of their financial health. As a financial adviser and mortgage broker, Nicole has been running her practice for almost 15 years. Nicole uses different mediums to educate clients and consumers, such as podcasts, e-books and videos to help get her message across. This marks Nicole's fourth appearance in the FS Power50.
JOSEPH HOE
Wealthwise
What client can resist an adviser who is also an expert in tax and accounting? Joseph rounds off technical skills with a desire to give back to the advice community through the Future2 Foundation. He speaks two other languages (Cantonese and Mandarin), has won awards from both the FPA and AFA, and works with a wide set of clients. The Perth-based adviser runs the gamut from Centrelink to high net worth tax planning.
FRAN HUGHES
Intuitive Money
Fran's clients tell her having financial guidance every step of the way allows them time to invest more into their relationships and personal life, empowering them to grow their wealth and improve their lives. Fran is a public speaker and a loud voice on social media, as well as a regular voice in media, offering her expertise to a number of publications. Fran is particularly passionate about helping women achieve financial independence.
SHANE LIGHT
The Hopkins Group
Shane has been working in the financial services industry since 2002. He helped establish a National Rare Cancer charity and volunteers his time for the Create Foundation, assisting children and young people with an out-of-home care experience. Shane was also a volunteer firefighter for 10 years, until hanging up his hat to spend more time with his young family and commit more time to his work.
TROY MACMILLAN
The Wealth Designers
Troy is an award winning financial adviser who created boutique firm The Wealth Designers which took out the AFA's Practice of the Year Award in 2018. He is also a former AFA Adviser of the Year. Troy wants all his clients to feel seen, heard and valued. In his spare time, Troy is a karate enthusiast and has volunteered with several disability services organisations.
OLIVIA MARAGNA
Aspire Retire Financial Services
An FS Power50 regular, Olivia is a familiar face, contributing to a range of publications on a regular basis and is frequently called upon to provide expertise on any number of financial planning topics. When she's not working with clients, Olivia can be found at Future2 board meetings or influencing the next generation of financial services as a mentor for younger members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
KATE MCCALLUM
Multiforte Financial Services
As the director of award-winning advice firm Multiforte Financial Services, Kate turned the financial advice industry on its head with her "no commissions, no compromise" model. Kate is a regular speaker, media commentator and now author of The Joy of Money: The Australian woman's guide to financial independence. She is the national chair of the AFA's Inspire community, a senior fellow at FINSIA and the chair of its NSW Council.
KAREN MCLEOD
Ethical Investment Advisers
Karen is one of few ethical financial advisers certified by the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia, having opted to specialise after a career with major institutional licensees that, while successful, ultimately left her feeling conflicted. A member of the Ethical Advisers Co-op and RIAA board member, she dedicates her time to helping her clients use their money for good. This is Karen's second time in the FS Power50.
BEN NASH
Pivot Wealth
Community is at the heart of everything Ben does, which is why he makes sure that when he's kicking clients' goals he is also giving back to those in need. So far Ben and his team at Pivot have provided over 17,000 days' worth of life-saving clean water in Africa and Asia and close to 15,000 days of e-learning to underprivileged people in India, just to name a couple. Ben is also helping shape the future of financial advice in Australia as a co-founder of growing community group XY Adviser.
BEN NEILSON
Neilson & Co Wealth Management
The "Rural Money Bloke" as he likes to call himself, Ben is focussed on Australians in regional and rural areas. Based in Bundaberg, Ben is a no-nonsense voice on a variety of financial planning subjects with an open and honest social media style. He's proud to say that his business, Neilson & Co Wealth, receives most of its business through referrals from happy customers.
PAUL NICOL
GFM Wealth Advisory
Paul is managing partner and senior financial planner at GFM Wealth Advisory, a privately owned financial advice firm with a 45-year history and specialises in SMSFs. He cites mentoring other people in the financial advice industry and seeing them go on to achieve great things as a huge source of pride. Paul believes financial advice is a critical part of wealth accumulation, providing an intrinsic link between purpose, action and outcome.
DONNA LEE POWELL
DLP Life Design
Donna specialises in advising those who have suffered the loss of a partner, drawing on her own experience with tragedy and providing the support she wishes she'd had at the same point in her life. She has travelled around the country presenting to her peers about the value and importance of advice when clients are experiencing death, disablement, and other life-changing events such as divorce or aged care transition.
REBECCA PRITCHARD
Rising Tide Financial Services
Rebecca has come a long way from poring over the Dollarmite Club guidebook, and establishing a car-purchase fund for herself when she was eight. These days she is one of the most recognisable advisers honing in on millennials' planning needs. She returns to the FS Power50 under a new firm, after moving from Wealth Enhancers earlier this year. Rebecca is passionate about financial freedom.
DAVID RAE
Federation Financial Services
Dave has become one of the most trusted voices in the industry on ethical investing. He strives to build a portfolio of purpose for clients who are ethically motivated, whether that's through exclusions to do no harm or by actively contributing to positive solutions. He also regularly writes opinion pieces on ESG issues, appears on panels and at conferences, and has developed a strong media presence.
DAVID REED
The Retirement Advice Centre
A former police officer, David founded The Retirement Advice Centre and has spent years illustrating the importance of planning for retirement. David is passionate about applying science in retirement planning and is the author of 50 Tips for Over 50s and the co-author of So You Think You Are Ready To Retire. David is a regular in the media on 2GB and the Today Show.
HUGH ROBERTSON
Centaur Financial Services
Gold Coast-based senior financial adviser Hugh is focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and on maintaining his business, Centaur Financial Services, to stand the test of time. Hugh regularly speaks to the media and has become a trusted commentator on a variety of financial topics thanks to his down-toearth and reliable expertise. He's also a co-founder and director of the Australian Advice Network.
DIANA SAAD
Silway Financial Services
Not only has Diana got 11 years' experience in financial services, but she is also a CFP and holds degrees in both law and commerce. She is committed to helping her clients find new and inventive ways to reach their financial goals. She is an active member of the Women in Business Forum and is increasingly called upon by the media to share her insights.
JULIA SCHORTINGHUIS
Lighthouse Capital
All advisers had a busy 2020 as the markets whipsawed, but Julia's diary has perhaps been a little fuller than others. In April, she launched The Good Money Habits podcast and had tallied up 11 episodes by September end. Before becoming an adviser in 2006, she held roles in commercial lending at NAB, stockbroking and then funds management at Merrill Lynch, and finally advice in 2006.
LIAM SHORTE
Verante Financial Planning
Verante Financial Planning's funds under advice has grown to $250 million thanks to the niche Liam has carved out in the SMSF sector. Liam has taken home awards from industry associations and publications, such as Barron's and the FS Power50. He is a trusted voice in the SMSF landscape as he has been a director of the SMSFA for the last two years and many will know him as his alter ego: The SMSF Coach.
CAMPBELL SORELL
Shadforth Financial Group
Campbell has over 25 years of experience in financial services and has received several industry honours in the past. He has lectured in financial planning at Melbourne University, is a prolific public speaker and has been a regular media contributor and author of whitepapers. He also mentors young advisers and is passionate about delivering pro bono advice.
CHRISTINE SWANSON
Prominent Financial Services
Christine is the director of Adelaidebased Prominent Financial Services and has frequented the FS Power50. In addition to her business, Christine is proud of what Prominent Bono Service has accomplished, a pro bono program she offers to her community for people who are affected by serious illness or disability, providing financial advice and assistance, investment and superannuation guidance; and debt and cash flow management.
MICHELLE TATE-LOVERY
Unified Financial Services
Michelle is an influential leader in advice, regularly speaks at conferences, mentors financial planners and women's groups, presents to masters students at Deakin University and often appears on radio and television. With over 30 years in financial services, Michelle started Unified Financial Services in 1994 with her own dealer's licence, and pioneered the fair fee structures that have become common today.
TROY THEOBALD
Robina Financial Solutions
Troy started working in accounting while completing a business degree at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. He then worked his way up from a paraplanning role to become a Certified Financial Planner. In 2003, Troy joined forces with a large accounting firm and this was where Robina as it is known today was formed. Along the way Troy has picked up a number of industry accolades, including the Barron's list two years running.
DAWN THOMAS
Wealthwise
Dawn has built a career and a standout social media following thanks to her philosophy of advice with heart. In 2019, she won the Association of Financial Advisers' Female Excellence in Advice Award. Dawn is passionate about financial literacy and uses social media to break down complex financial concepts, including a new YouTube project that combines cooking tutorials with financial education.
TIM TOWNSEND
TownsendCobain
Tim is one of two founding partners of TownsendCobain, overseeing funds under advice of about $120 million. A well-respected voice with some 30 years in the advice industry, you can find Tim generously sharing his knowledge at industry events when he is not busy managing the day-to-day activities of his firm.
BEN TRAVERS
Infinity Financial Advisors
A member of a number of industry committees dedicated to the future of the advice industry, this year marks the fourth in a row that Ben has made the FS Power50. A passionate advocate for further education, Ben openly encourages his fellow advisers to embrace study, believing the future is bright for advice.
STEVIE-JADE TURNER
Tribeca Financial
One of Stevie-Jade's biggest achievements was having the opportunity to mentor young people interested in finance, business and financial planning. She has helped hundreds of young people work out what future career will suit them best based on their skills and interests. Stevie also takes a huge amount of pride in working with Big Brothers and Big Sisters Australia in their Young Achiever Program. She believes the only difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.
CHARLIE VIOLA
Pitcher Partners
Charlie is one of the most respected financial advisers in Australia and a wealth of knowledge on many topics that impact the industry. He advises on approximately $1.8 billion, providing clarity and assurance to high net worth individuals, families, charities and universities. Charlie is regularly featured across all forms of media, whether it be for his investing expertise or his second love, race car driving.
CARA WILLIAMS
Perrier Ryan
An emerging leader in the financial advice industry through her involvement in the AFA Genxt Committee and as Queensland chair of AFA Inspire, Cara is actively involved in the industry's philanthropic programs, and has received a distinguished service award from the FPA for her involvement with Future2. Cara is passionate about inspiring young women to consider financial advice as a career.
JAMES WORTLEY
Enlightened Financial Solutions
Honesty and reliability are top priorities for James. He started his own business in 2007 after working for Westpac for nine years. The business has won many awards over the past five years with the highlight being one of the three finalists in the FPA Professional Practice of the Year awards. James runs his business like he runs marathons; with hard work and determination.
JAMES WRIGLEY
First Financial
James is part of a new breed of financial advisers, turning to social media to educate a younger demographic and help those in the wealth building phase of their financial journey. He regularly volunteers at RMIT and Deakin University to help students looking to enter the financial services industry. James feels strongly about helping those in the wealth building phase reach their full potential, but says it's not all about the money; it's about helping people lead more fulfilling lives.
CHRIS YOUSSEF
Shadforth Financial Group
Citing financial advice as his dream career, Chris has been working in advice since 2007, saying his clients are like an extension of his family. When not working, Chris dedicates much of his time to further study and regularly volunteers in charity events through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This is his first time in the FS Power50.
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