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FS Power50 2023

FS POWER50 2023 - WHAT IS THE POWER50?

Financial Standard has conducted the search for the FS Power50 once again in 2023, 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.

119 financial planners proceeded through the nominations phase and into the voting round. Voting concluded on 15 September 2023, with the FS Power50 named on 30 October 2023.

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 15 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, listed as active on the ASIC Financial Adviser Register with no disciplinary actions recorded against them, 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 30 October 2023.

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MEET THE FS POWER50 - CLASS OF 2023

2023 FS Power50		The financial advisers featured in this guide are a diverse group: some specialise in retirement advice, some provide financial advice to niche clientele, and many focus on addressing market gaps and ensuring advice is attainable by everyone. While there's plenty of stalwarts on this year's list, many are fresh faces, making their debut in 2023. And they all have one thing in common: they all wield power that can create the blueprint for the future of financial advice in Australia. Not all of them are familiar names but just because they are not making a lot of noise doesn't mean they are not influencing outcomes. Meet our Power50.


Note: All Power50 advisers were listed as current on the ASIC Financial Adviser Register as at 17 October 2023. Download the guide to read our Power50's complete profiles and more.

Nicola Beswick
FMD Financial
Nicola is no stranger to the Power50 as she marks her third appearance this year. Experiencing the effects of multiple sclerosis in her own family propels Nicola to inspiringly lead the Pro Bono Financial Advice Network as chair - to give to those grappling with progressive neurological diseases peace of mind about their financial future.

Leanne Bielik
2020 Wealth
Naming her business after the year in which it launched, 2020 Wealth's Leanne didn't let the pandemic bring her or her clients down. In fact, in 2021 Leanne was named AFP Planner of the Year by the then-Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), largely for her work with single mothers struggling amid COVID-19. Leanne is passionate about improving women's financial literacy.

Michelle Brisbane - Ethical Investment Services

Michelle Brisbane
Ethical Investment Services
A pioneer in Australia's ethical investing industry, Michelle knew from well over 30 years ago that someday, the importance of ESG in wealth management will not be sidelined, but will, one day, become mainstream. Being environmentally aware from a young age has carried through for Michelle as she now helps clients put their money to use for the greater good.

Jenny Brown
JBS Financial Strategists
Jenny has been a pillar in the Australian chapter or the Million Dollar Round Table, where she served as a mentor, coach, as well as chair for Oceania and Australia most recently. Jenny is a staple in the advice industry's conference circuit both here and overseas, generously sharing her knowledge and experience that's been fortified after more than 30 years as an adviser.

Sacha Burchgart
Burcheart
Sacha offers clients proactive financial advice and education, encouraging them to take charge of their financial futures. She's firm in her belief that financial advice shouldn't be limited to the privileged, so her business adopts a fee-for-service model for broader access. This year, she was also a contender for the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Adviser of the Year award.

John Cachia
AFA Group Wealth
Marking his third time on the Power50 list, John's passion for advice has scored him numerous accolades and helped moved the profession forward after serving as the national practitioner chair of the AFA. Using the power of social media to be the voice for a new generation of advisers, John is also setting his sights on young Aussies where he knows financial education will make a difference in their lives.

Andrew Debono
Peak Wealth Management
Being part of an award-winning firm in the early years of his career sparked the ambition to start his own business, Peak Wealth Management. Andrew also offers his time and expertise to write expert opinions on behalf of clients as a pro-bono exercise. He is also passionately involved in a charity called Response for Life, which focusses on the distribution of defibrillators and the promotion of CPR.

Finn Dorney
Shadforth Financial Group
Finn has rolled out successful financial literacy programs to school children that instil sound principles from an early age. A longtime supporter of non-profits EatWell Tasmania and The Nick Balcombe Foundation, Finn is also part of the Cancer Council Pro Bono Program. His involvement with the FAAA for over 14 years, reflects his genuine passion for the industry and commitment to advancing its standards.

Brett Evans
Atlas Wealth Management
Brett's knowledge and experience on all-things wealth management for Australian expatriates makes him the ultimate expert in this field. This niche led to a thriving business that services clients in over 30 countries. He is also heavily involved in public debate around reform to the treatment of expats' finances, including petitioning for expat property investor rights and tax residency rules.

Ellie Fordham
Verse Wealth
Dedicated to elevating females in the advice industry, Ellie uses this motivation and role as the Queensland chair of the FAAA Inspire Committee to spearhead initiatives that unite and empower women take control of their financial destinies. A seasoned professional, Ellie's steadfast commitment to delivering impactful advice has not only earned her numerous accolades but profoundly enriched the lives of her clients.

Nathan Fradley
Tribeca Financial
Nathan has carved an envious niche in the ESG sector and can boast about building an ethical advice business that not only delivers monetary returns but a positive impact for the world at large. As a founding member and chair of the XY Ethics Committee, Nathan also helped launch Ethos Australia, a transparent, personalised ESG data, and software used by advisers and asset managers.

Charles Fraser - Shadforth Financial Group

Charles Fraser
Shadforth Financial Group
Firmly of the belief that family is the most important possession you have, Charlie brings a deeply empathetic approach to financial advice. Shaped by witnessing firsthand the complexities of familial adversities, he ensures his work always looks beyond the numbers to the heart of what matters: the wellbeing of the family unit. Unsurprisingly, his focus isn't just on wealth accumulation; it's about helping clients live with purpose and contentment.

Gavin Glozier
Your Wealth Hub Advice
On top of running Your Wealth Hub Advice, Gavin recently launched a business consulting firm to help owners get the fundamentals of governance right to ensure greater chances of operational success. Outside of work, he offers pro-bono advice for Rare Cancers Australia's patient care program and hosts an annual fundraiser, and supports charities Step2 Foundation and A Sound Life.

Trish Gregory
Fox & Hare
Trish was inspired to join the advice industry after her partner was medically discharged from the Royal Australian Air Force. Her motivation to become an adviser stemmed from a deep desire to assist individuals in achieving financial stability, with a particular focus on ex-military personnel and their families. Trish also hosts a monthly financial forum for mothers.

Matt Hale - Rising Tide Financial Services

Matt Hale
Rising Tide Financial Services
This year marks Matt's fourth appearance on the Power50. Last year, Rising Tide won AMP's Cultural Champion award and participated in its study tour to Harvard Business School. A media commentator for the likes of Channel 9 and 3AW radio, and organiser of financial literacy workshops, Matt is at the forefront of reshaping the discourse on advice by helping everyday Aussies make sense of the financial world.

Glen Hare
Fox & Hare
Fox & Hare's offers online courses and workshops on financial literacy not only to members but also to the public, of which proceeds then go charity. Glen is a board member and treasurer at Wear It Purple, a non-profit for the young LGBTQI+ and gender diverse community, actively engages with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy and volunteers with the local fire brigade.

Morgan Hayward
yield advisory
Morgan's firm has experienced substantial organic growth over the past few years as yield's service offering targets business owners and professionals in a niche of the market. Community-driven, she is involved in four FAAA committees as well as being a registered pro-bono adviser and mentor. Morgan is an advocate for important social causes, improving financial literacy and raising the standards of advice.

Jayde Jenkins
Australian Unity
Jayde entered financial advice when she was just 20 years old. Primarily focused on assisting pre-retirees and retirees, she aspires to broaden her reach to a younger demographic. In her early years, she worked in regional Australia, often providing guidance to farmers and small business owners. Since becoming a mother, Jayde has felt drawn towards assisting women take control of their finances.

Sam Jewell - Rising Tide Financial Services

Sam Jewell
Rising Tide Financial Services
Making his second appearance on the Power50 list, Sam has also been a finalist for the highly coveted AFA Rising Star Award for two years running. Sam is never afraid to put in the work to help clients achieve their goals. Melbourne-based Sam currently shares his time serving as chair of the MCC Young Members Committee and the Old Brighton Grammar School Committee.

Aaron Kane
EK Financial Group
Aaron has helped successfully boost the profile of EK Financial when took over the reins from his father five years ago. He has scored several industry and dealer group awards, including AMP's Financial Adviser of the Year for Victoria. Aaron has held many senior positions at Million Dollar Round Table and has built a profile on social media dedicated to influencing the profession in a positive and proactive way.

Sarah King
Stockspot
Having worked in financial services for 13 years, Sarah manages over 13,000 clients and is proud of her work guiding thousands of Australians who may otherwise not have been able to access advice due to its high cost. Breaking down complex financial jargon into clear, meaningful information for everyday Aussies is Sarah's forte as you will find her on television, newspapers, and social media.

Jacqueline Kirkwood - Shadforth Financial Group

Jacqueline Kirkwood
Shadforth Financial Group
Jackie boasts over 24 years' experience in both the Australian and South African financial services industry. Today, the Tasmania-based adviser primarily works with busy professionals who are looking to outsource their financial affairs. Jackie has a special interest in SMSFs and assisting clients with complex SMSF strategies. Jackie has previously served as a tutor and lecturer in financial planning at the University of Tasmania.

Teneale Laister
Alman Partners
With 15 years of industry expertise, Teneale remains deeply committed to providing first-rate financial advice to her clients. While studying at Deakin University, she earned a lifetime membership to the Golden Key International Honour Society. Teneale is an active member of the FAAA and contributes to the financial community as a member of the Mackay Chapter. When she isn't working with her clients, she is co-hosting the Wealth Experience podcast.

James McFall
Yield Financial Planning
James specialises in catering to the unique requirements of high-net-worth individuals, business owners, medical practitioners, and senior executive professionals. James has earned notable professional accolades and awards, such as being recognised as one of the top three CFPs in Australia in both 2018 and 2020, which he considers a humbling achievement.

James McGregor
Apt Wealth Partners
Apt Wealth Partners managing director James has over 25 years in the financial planning industry. James has garnered acclaim by being named one of Barron's top 100 financial advisers in 2021. James serves as a board member for the Robb College Foundation at The University of New England, an institution that assists students and provides scholarships to attend the school.

Rob McGregor - GPS Wealth & McGregor Wealth Management

Rob McGregor
GPS Wealth & McGregor Wealth Management
When he's not busy leading the local surf club and nippers in Noosaville, Rob's focus has been elevating his advice businesses, which have racked up numerous business and licensee accolades, including Dealer Group of the Year, winning the Sunshine Coast Business of the Year Award on two occasions, and gaining a BRW badge as a Top 100 Company. As a mentor to other financial advisers wanting to build their practices, Rob built Pathway to Wealth, a business coaching firm.

Clint McNally
Viridian Advisory
Clint has taken many emerging advisers under his wing and presents to university students about the basics of financial management. As a wellbeing adviser at Viridian, Clint also devotes his time to the firm's foundation and other charitable efforts such as Movember and Walk4Rita Step Challenge, which raises funds for pancreatic cancer and research.

Michael Miller
Capital Advisory
Michael has earned several professional accolades and the respect of his peers, seen as the go-to-guy who can break down the most complex topics into digestible information. Whether it's whitepapers, books or presenting at conferences, Michael is generous with his time and knowledge. A panel member at AFCA and several FAAA initiatives, Michael is also a director and chair of the governance committee for non-profit Woden Community Service.

Ashley Montesin - Regional Financial Solutions

Ashley Montesin
Regional Financial Solutions
Ashley specialises in retirement planning with one key rule - retirement is for living and should be fun. He has been recognised by his peers, taking home awards from his licensee including National Adviser of the Year in 2022. As host of the recently launched Retirement Breeze podcast, Ashley is sharing his insights wider, exploring how health, family, and financial security impact overall wellbeing.

Ben Nash
Pivot Wealth
An adviser, practice owner, business co-founder, podcaster, author, and media commentator, it's no wonder that Ben has featured prominently on the Power50 list every year since 2017. In the last year, Ben published his second book Replace your salary by investing: Save more, invest smart and maximise your money, and has delivered financial literacy education to male and female NRL players.

Paul Nicol
GFM Wealth Advisory
Paul joined GFM Wealth Advisory fresh out of university in 1999 and is now managing partner of the multidisciplinary firm. Working primarily with female clients and advocating for their financial literacy, Paul has developed specialist expertise in the areas of SMSF retirement planning, investment markets, and portfolio construction. Paul is a member of the FAAA and an SMSF Association SMSF specialist adviser.

Billy Norman
Link Wealth Group
Billy is often recognised for his presence on TikTok, having amassed over 17,000 followers from sharing his tips and tricks with money. With more than 430 videos, they have garnered well over 85,000 likes. From updates about interest rates to detailed cashflow examples and superannuation tips, Billy has been instrumental in spreading financial information in an easy and accessible format for the Australian public.

Mark O'Flynn
Oxlade Financial
As managing director of Oxlade Financial, Mark is a provider of transparent and holistic advice, and has worked with many of his clients for most of his 20-year career. His expertise has been recognised in several awards programs over the years, including as a finalist for CFP of the Year in 2021. Mark serves on the FAAA's Professional Standards and Conduct Committee and as treasurer, and he provides pro-bono advice via the Cancer Council.

Kael Plummer
Shadforth Financial
In raising young people's financial literacy levels and steering them in the right direction, Kael is highly driven to help them make good financial decisions in the future. Kael is also active in his support of charitable causes and local organisations including Ardoch's Literacy Buddies, the Very Special Kids 24-hour Treadmill Challenge, and more recently, as a volunteer for the Cancer Council Pro Bono Program.

Anthony Poole
Poole Advisory
Having been bestowed the nod as one of Australia's most trusted advisers by the Beddoes Institute, Anthony is focused on helping clients in the Southern Highlands. Anthony sits on the committee of a local preschool. Despite having two left feet, he took part in the 2022 Cancer Council's Dance for Cancer. While he didn't take home any awards, he did, however, raise the highest amount of money.

Pedro Marin Ramirez
Marin Wealth
Pedro is a bilingual CFP and founder of Marin Wealth in Southeast Queensland. Pedro also serves as the chair of the FAAA Brisbane Chapter. Outside of these roles, he champions financial literacy, particularly in migrant women who typically don't have control of their finances. This year took part in its Dancing CEOs initiative, raising money for its Financial Abuse Prevention Unit.

Thabojan Rasiah - Rasiah Private Wealth Management

Thabojan Rasiah
Rasiah Private Wealth Management
For Thabojan, simplicity and accessibility is at the forefront of providing advice. This is because he believes, at its simplest, money is just a tool used to help clients achieve what is important to them. Thabojan hosts the Money with Purpose podcast and is co-founder and chief executive of Finito, an online app providing financial guidance to those who can't afford advice.

Robert Rich
Unite Wealth
Robert counts helping launch a charitable arm at Melbourne-based Unite Wealth as one of his proudest achievements as it combines work with purpose. Partnering with Brainwave Australia, which provides pro-bono financial guidance to families with children who have brain injuries, is one example of this. Robert has been shortlisted in several industry award categories in recent years, having won Client Servicing Individual of the Year in 2022.

James Ridley
Atlas Wealth Management
With clients in over 30 countries, James aims to provide clients the best of both worlds - individually tailored advice that considers not only their Australian citizenship but also their jurisdiction of residence. James advises clients in the areas of retirement planning, debt reduction, cash flow management and portfolio management. He is passionate about educating expats or wannabe expats through the Expat Chat podcast.

Travis Schindler - Hewison Private Wealth

Travis Schindler
Hewison Private Wealth
Travis believes that "future thinking is built by embracing every opportunity to learn", never shying from further education and ensuring every client interaction is a learning opportunity for both them and him. He has a passion for investments and financial markets, drawing on this both as a member of the Hewison Investment Committee and at conferences, seminars, and panel discussions.

Vince Scully
Life Sherpa
Vince may have cracked the code to make advice more accessible to the masses, joining forces with top finfluencers such as Queenie Tan, Phil Muscatello, and Glen James, to deliver extensive educational material. Now in its 10th year, Life Sherpa as more than 4000 members. A former investment banker who cut his teeth at Macquarie, Vince is also a published author, having written the The latte fallacy.

Chris Smith
VISIS Private Wealth
Starting from a home office 22 years ago, Chris has helped expand Brisbane-based VISIS into a national presence, earning him multiple accolades that include appearing on the Barron's List for five years in a row. Most recently, Chris established a foundation that has raised in excess of $1 million dollars, supporting disadvantaged families, victims of domestic abuse, and other underprivileged members of the community.

Shayne Sommer - Shadforth Financial Group

Shayne Sommer
Shadforth Financial Group
As the winner of the 2022 Women in Finance's Financial Adviser of the Year, Shayne has been featured in several major media and trade publications, university workshops, and professional education providers. In helping others become disciplined with their finances, Shayne channels this mastery in martial arts, reaching top ranks in karate - second dan black belt stature.

Mamdouh Tawadros - PLAN2day Financial Strategies

Mamdouh Tawadros
PLAN2day Financial Strategies
After more than 24 years in the industry, Mamdouh has not only built a thriving financial advice business, but a booming mortgage broking and credit advice offering in Sydney's Hills District. Always willing to go the extra mile and upholding himself and his team to the highest ethical and professional standards, Mamdouh's influence is also felt in his local community.

Troy Theobald
RFS Advice
Originally rooted in accounting, Troy's fervour redirected him toward portfolio construction, where he played a pivotal role in devising the AAN Asset Management investment model's approach. He's overseen the growth of his team from a trio to over 20 and is committed to mentoring the upcoming generation of advisers. Troy hosts a popular monthly Gold Coast radio show Retirement Living Your Way on 4CRB.

Dawn Thomas
The Wealth Designers
Dawn's work in upping financial literacy standards has garnered her fourth nod on the Power50 list, not to mention recognitions of excellence from the AFA in 2019 and 2021. This year, Dawn helped spearhead Start Well, TWD's financial education program for clients' children and grandchildren. Dawn's currently studying the superannuation stories of Generation Z and the link to financial literacy.

Tim Townsend - TownsendCobain Private Wealth Partners

Tim Townsend
TownsendCobain Private Wealth Partners
Tim saw an opportunity for high-net-worth advisers to connect with their peers and share their best investment ideas and practices in recently cofounding WealthLeaders eXchange. The forum also aims to facilitate high-value interactions by bringing together top-tier advisers with a curated group of fund managers to discuss best-in-class ideas for clients with $200 million investable assets.

Cara Williams
Sufficient Funds
Cara relishes in transforming the financial futures of her Millennial clients. Her trophy cabinet is full of honours not only for her, but for her philanthropic efforts. She's been on the Power50 list for four straight years; is a 2023 finalist in the FAAA Inspire Women Excellence In Advice Award, won 2022 IFA Young Adviser Of The Year; and won a Distinguished Service Award from the FPA.

James Wrigley
First Financial
To James, too many people are lost when it comes to their money, permeating many other areas of their lives. This is why he wants to make a difference through quality financial advice. After almost 15 years with the team at First Financial, James has recently become a part owner of the business. James is also helping shape the next generation of advisers through guest lectures at RMIT and Deakin University.

Chris Youssef
Wealth Investors
Chris became an adviser to help others achieve their personal financial goals and is passionate about educating his clients about more than simply investing. He recently completed a Master of Business Administration, in addition to his Master of Commerce and CFP, adamant the more he knows, the more he can help his clients. In his spare time, Chris is a big supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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