The latest issue of Financial Standard now available as an e-newspaper

READ NOW

FS Power50

Download Guide

About

The Power50

FS POWER50 - DOWNLOAD THE 2024 GUIDE

Download the 2024 FS Power50 guide:

View full profiles of the members of the 2024 FS Power50
Power50 advisers share their thoughts on the power and future of advice
Detailed explanation of the selection criteria and how to be an FS Power50 member

Business email address *

First name *

Last name *

Company name *

Job title *

Company postcode *

Subscribe to Financial Standard's daily newsletter for the definitive source of news, information and insight focused on Australia's evolving wealth management industry.

ABOUT THE FS POWER50

This year celebrates the 11th year of the FS Power50, which has 267 financial advisers as part of the alumni.

Each year the list is made up of the 50 most influential Australian financial advisers, backed by readers of Financial Standard and FS Advice - The Australian Journal of Financial Planning.

The FS Power50 are financial advisers deemed to be best promoting the value of the financial advice profession, while providing outstanding service to their clients and the wider community.

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

Criteria

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.

We search for advisers who 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 could also be successful business owners, award-winners, policy influencers, mentors and educators.

Nominations

As part of the selection process, we are inviting 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 also nominate outstanding advisers based on feature and profile stories we have published in FS Advice - The Australian Journal of Financial Planning.

Then we open up the nomination process to our readers, ensuring we cast the net to the widest set of nominees.

The nominations process is focused on quality, not the quantity of nominations. We want to see tangible, evidence backed information that says why a financial adviser should be considered. This might include client case studies, business and client growth stats, social media information, submissions to government, media engagements, etc.

Voting

Following the nominations phase, a shortlist of financial advisers are selecting by Financial Standard to 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.

Announcement

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, available November 2024.

THANK YOU TO THE FS POWER50 PARTNERS

FS POWER50 - MEET THE CLASS OF 2024

The financial advisers featured in this guide are here because their industry peers believe they should be. Be it for their passion for advancing the nation's collective financial literacy, their advocacy for the advice industry, or the differences they've made in their clients' lives, they've earned their place in the Power50 of 2024.

They all have one thing in common: they all wield power that can create the blueprint for the future of financial advice in Australia. Meet our Power50.

The information below and in the guide is accurate as at 1 October 2024. Download the guide to read their complete profiles and more.


Michael Bova Family Wealth Advisory

Advising more than 200 families, Michael is a qualified accountant and boasts legal qualifications, allowing him to take a more holistic approach to his clients' needs. With close to 30 years' experience in the finance industry, Michael is regularly called on to share his insights at industry events and via the media.


Cara Brett Bounce Financial

Ten years since Cara co-founded her practice, she continues to make an impact on working families' lives, seeing them evolve and navigate life milestones from their early 30s through to their 50s. Cara finds ways to up Australians' financial literacy by co-hosting two podcasts, one of which is Bounce's Money Chat.


Melinda Brown UniSuper Advice

Melinda is a familiar face to many UniSuper members, having presented to thousands on the fund's retirement roadshows and at other events. In particular, Melinda believes strongly in empowering women to take control of their finances, educating them on strategies to close the gender super gap.


Ben Budge My Wealth Solutions

Ben opted for a career in financial advice after seeing the toll the death of his father at an early age took on his family's finances. His passion shone when he won AFA's Rising Star of the Year three years after co-founding the practice and he has since mentored several emerging advisers as part of its growth.


Sacha Burchgart Burcheart

Sacha's commitment to helping others achieve a brighter future was recognised in her winning the 2023 FAAA Adviser of the Year award. A fierce advocate for women in the industry, Sacha's work doesn't go unnoticed; she was a three-time finalist in the Women in Finance Awards.


Andrew Debono Peak Wealth Management

Growing up on a farm outside Sydney, Andrew applies the values of hard work, integrity, and forging strong relationships he learned to how he approaches advice and runs the practice he founded six years ago. Being an inspiration to family, friends, colleagues, and clients drives him to up the ante.


Finn Dorney Shadforth Financial Group

Empowering others by providing literacy workshops to school children and sharing insights on social media, Finn wants to help others take control of their financial futures but also elevate the role of advisers as trusted educators. Finn supports non-profits EatWell Tasmania, The Nick Balcombe Foundation, and the Cancer Council Pro Bono Program.


Brett Evans Atlas Wealth Management

Brett has carved out a solid niche in all-things expat finance for Australians. So much so that he is regularly canvassed by the media to provide his expertise in this field. Brett's specialisation led to a thriving business that services clients located all over the world, overseeing a whopping 100 households.


Ellie Fordham Verse Wealth

Ellie is driven to unite and empower women to take control of their wealth and achieve long-term prosperity. She does this via her active engagement with FAAA Inspire Committee as the Queensland chair and delivering financial literacy programs to young women and high school students.


Nathan Fradley Fradley Advice

Branching out on his own this year, Nathan chooses to focus on advice that is technical and emotionally complex in nature, such as divorce and aged care. Nathan has also 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.


Guy Freeman My Wealth Solutions

The sudden passing of his father when he was a teenager pushed Guy towards a career in advice, with the value of life insurance and a good plan front of mind. Since becoming an adviser, Guy has focused on working with widows and divorced individuals, finding major life changes like these are where he can have the most impact.

Patricia Garcia, Your Vision Financial Solutions


Patricia Garcia Your Vision Financial Solutions
Patricia truly believes that advice serves as a guiding force that helps clients navigate the complexities of their financial lives. It's also about empowering them to achieve their life goals, secure their futures, and gain peace of mind. A multiple award winner, her trophies include the highly coveted 2017 FPA Financial Planner of the Year Award.


Gavin Glozier Your Wealth Hub Advice

Gavin's influence shines when he guides and inspires positive change in clients' lives. This comes down to earning their trust through honest and transparent advice tailored to their unique circumstances. Rare Cancers Australia is a worthy cause close to his heart, helping patients get their financial affairs in order as they navigate life with rare forms of cancer.

Jennifer Goldsworthy, Goldsworthy Private Wealth


Jennifer Goldsworthy Goldsworthy Private Wealth
Jen's passion for encouraging women enter the industry is underscored by pocketing a finalist spot in this year's Women in Wealth Awards. Her dedication also shines in working closely with Women Chiefs for Enterprises International, a network that mentors and inspires female business owners and leaders.


Cara Graham The Wealth Designers

An active member of the advice community, Cara is the WA state chair of FAAA Inspire, empowering women with their finances and encourages more female participants in the industry. She brings people together and put women's causes at the forefront by regularly organising events like this year's International Women's Day, to raise $5470.


Glen Hare Fox & Hare Financial Advice

Glen's firm belief is that every Australian should get a shot at financial freedom. He works tirelessly to make the future of finance inclusive, equitable, and meaningful. Walking the talk, Fox & Hare boasts a zero gender pay gap, and equal male and female representation at both the ownership and senior management level.


Kathy Havers Viridian Advisory

Kathy's philanthropic and community work have been recognised by the accolades and awards she's amassed over the years. She is the founding director of Kindred Spirits Enterprises, an organisation that partners with charities to help create social change for those in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland, and First Nations people in the Northern Territory.


Morgan Hayward Lume Wealth

Morgan knows the importance of advisers supporting one another to thrive and succeed. She wants to leverage her influence to foster a more robust and united profession, one where collaboration and shared values drive progress and innovation. You'll find her championing the advice profession at various networking functions and initiatives she partakes.


Deline Jacovides Mazi Wealth

Passionate about closing the super gender gap and providing access to affordable early childhood education and care, Deline's advocacy has led to engaging with political leaders, including a roundtable with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Additionally, she volunteers at The Parenthood and as Treasurer of QLD Women in Super.


Aaron Kane EK Financial Group

Aaron continues to lead by example and empower clients to make informed decisions that align with their personal goals and values. He is committed to inspiring the next generation, mentoring five financial advisers via the Million Dollar Round Table, meeting monthly to guide them through challenges and motivate them to serve their clients better.


Michael Kerr Bountiful Wealth

Michael believes now, more than ever, people need advice as the largest cohort of individuals enter retirement and at the same time, a significant transfer of wealth is inevitable. A regular on the media circuit, penning finance articles in newspapers, Michael has also earnt numerous accolades, including Adviser of the Year.

Jackie Kirkwood, Shadforth Financial Group


Jackie Kirkwood Shadforth Financial Group

An educator at heart, Jackie previously taught financial planning at the University of Tasmania and provides financial literacy sessions for year 10, 11, and 12 students in various schools around Hobart. She has even developed the "Your financial journey... start as you mean to carry on!" toolkit for the high school students.


Teneale Laister Alman Partners

Teneale loves sharing her wealth of financial knowledge. She co-hosts the Wealth Experience, a fortnightly podcast aimed at providing financial education to the broader community. You can also tune into her monthly Money Matters live radio segment on ABC Tropical North. She also mentors and tutors up-and-coming advisers.

Hamish Landreth, Prosperity Wealth Advisers


Hamish Landreth Prosperity Wealth Advisers

After years of supporting the Cancer Council by providing pro bono advice, Hamish is particularly proud of helping Prosperity win the Hillross Financial Services Pro Bono Awards for its work with the charity. Hamish's ability to elevate financial literacy spans the wider community, lending his expertise to mainstream news outlets and podcasts.

Sophie McClelland, Saltwater Financial Group


Sophie McClelland Saltwater Financial Group

Sophie envisages a financial advice sector that is more accessible to everyday Australians. She also hosts a free monthly podcast called Mad Money to discuss financial tips and tricks for all Australians, which features the Playbook Series for Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers to promote financial literacy at all ages.


Clint McNally Viridian Advisory

While his client base is primarily family offices or families looking to establish one, Clint is passionate about helping all Australians improve their financial literacy. Hosting workshops for university students, teaching basic financial management skills, offering a financial wellbeing program to employers, he presents on the value of superannuation and investing.


Jackson Millan Aureus Financial

Jackson spent 16 years helping business owners understand the language of money and manufacture freedom for themselves and their families. A best-selling author of five finance books and media commentator, his philosophy is to live for today, plan for tomorrow, as he believes many approach wealth from a position of scarcity.


Ben Nash Pivot Wealth

As Australia's most followed financial adviser, Ben Nash is the official money guru to the NRL, author of three best-selling personal finance books, a podcaster, and founder of Pivot Wealth. He's also a regular guest on morning TV, providing commentary on economic and financial planning issues.


Paul Nicol GFM Wealth Advisory

Financial advice is a delicate balance between living for today and planning for tomorrow, and that's what Paul's been telling his clients for the past 25 years. Specialising in SMSFs has seen GFM Wealth Advisory's funds under advice swell to more than $2 billion, with a strong philosophy of direct investing being key.


Mark O'Flynn Oxlade Financial

Mark has been recognised in numerous industry awards programs and is a member of the FAAA's Professional Standards and Conduct Committee. He embraces every opportunity to share his knowledge, regularly speaking at industry events and running educational seminars in the Brisbane community on financial and investment basics.

Roger Perrett, Freshwater Wealth Management


Roger Perrett Freshwater Wealth Management
Once a world championship winning sailor, Roger has spent the last 25 years steering clients' financial strategies. Now running his own firm, he does this via the '7 Steps to Wealth' strategy he created: create plans, generate income, minimise tax, optimise debt, invest wisely, protect assets, and make gifts.


Kael Plummer Shadforth Financial Group

Kael provides pro bono financial advice and coaching to clients who may not be able to afford it, and holds financial literacy seminars for local businesses and community groups. As a private wealth adviser, Kael most enjoys working with those still engaged in the workforce and building their own businesses.


Anthony Poole Poole Advisory

Money might make life easier, but it doesn't always equal happiness - Anthony sees his job as being to communicate this and working with clients to ensure they can achieve both. He is one of the Beddoes Institute's most trusted advisers, and this marks his second time on the Power50 list.

Rebecca Pritchard, Rising Tide Financial Services


Rebecca Pritchard Rising Tide Financial Services
Known for her practical approach to advice, believing the biggest changes can come from learning the most basic concepts. Rebecca regularly produces content via her website and TikTok about preparing for the financial impact of life events, and is passionate about improving gender equity, particularly closing the gender super gap.


Amanda Ragkousis Viridian Advisory

Amanda believes a key way to empowering people financially is to get them thinking about money as early as possible. When she's not drafting advice strategies, she's creating content for the Little Money Makers Instagram page, teaching children valuable lessons about saving, budgeting, and making wise financial decisions.


James Ridley Atlas Wealth Management

With clients in over 30 countries, James provides clients individually tailored advice that considers not only their Australian citizenship but also their jurisdiction of residence. Formerly an accountant, James combines his expertise to help advise clients in the areas of retirement planning, debt reduction, cash flow, and portfolio management.

Hugh Robertson, Centaur Financial Services


Hugh Robertson Centaur Financial Services

As managing director of Centaur Financial Services, Hugh is a force of good in the industry trying to promote the value of advice and financial wellbeing, and believes in leaving the sector in a better place than when he came to it. Hugh is a retirement expert and is often called up to share his views and expertise at industry events and in the media.

Travis Schindler, Hewison Private Wealth


Travis Schindler Hewison Private Wealth

Travis derives great satisfaction from working with clients who have grown their wealth and are ready to transfer it to the next generation, offering clients' children and grandchildren financial literacy lessons and working with them to manage their wealth effectively. In addition, Travis leverages his own professional relationships as part of mentoring new advisers.


Andrew Sherlock Sherlock Wealth

Andrew's motto is to "inspire people to better their lives, to restore their confidence when they need it and to contribute to humanity while I'm there." This passion extends to the animal kingdom as he's a fierce advocate for native animals, championing the works of non-profit Australian Wildlife Conservancy.


Liam Shorte Sonas Wealth

Known as the SMSF Coach, Liam is a trusted go-to subject matter expert on the topic and sits on the board of the SMSF Association and is also a member of ASIC's Financial Advisers Consultative Panel. The SMSF Coach community includes close to 2500 subscribers to his blog and 6500 members in the SMSF Coaching and Strategy Forum on Facebook.

Rhiannan Smit, Shadforth Financial Group


Rhiannan Smit Shadforth Financial Group

Rhiannan provides goals-based advice to professional women, specifically. She regularly shares her insights with other industry bodies like Women Lawyers Association of Queensland, and is expanding these efforts in the belief that confidence in one's financial future leads to stronger professional engagement.

Shayne Sommer, Shadforth Financial Group


Shayne Sommer Shadforth Financial Group

After seeing a barrage of negativity towards financial advisers on her local community's Facebook page, Shayne took to offering free 'coffee catchups' with anyone who was interested in having a general discussion about super and retirement and where to go from there - an offer that was accepted by many, contributing to the community's overall financial literacy.


Warren Strybosch Find Wealth

Warren is the founder Find Group, which include a raft of financial planning and not-for-profit support services. His passion is to help improve clients' financial position. In partnership with a university in the Philippines, Warren provides financial literacy workshops to students and is planning to introduce a financial planning degree.


Troy Theobald RFS Advice

Troy played a pivotal role in devising the AAN Asset Management investment model's approach. He is committed to mentoring the next generation of advisers and, as president of St Hilda's Fathers Club, developed a scholarship to assist students through the final years of high school.


Ben Travers Prosperity Wealth Advisers

An award-winning adviser and member of a number of industry committees dedicated to the future of the advice industry, this year marks the fifth time 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.


Andrew Wielandt DP Wealth Advisory

Andrew served as president of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and chair of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation Research. He was also president of the city's Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A champion for the arts, Andrew is currently chair of the Empire Theatre, the largest regional theatre in Australia.


Cara Williams Verse Wealth

Cara is committed to making advice more accessible, particularly for millennials and women. She has won numerous awards, including the FAAA's Inspire Women Excellence in Advice Award in 2023. She works closely with the Inspiring Better Futures Foundation to advance financial literacy among disadvantaged groups.


James Wrigley First Financial

A familiar face to more than 150,000 subscribers, James has truly harnessed the power of social media to enhance the collective financial literacy, with his TikToks regularly racking up millions of views. He also recently signed on to compose a weekly money column for The Daily Mail Australia on building wealth.


Chris Youssef Wealth Investors

Living by the Latin aphorism "scientia potentia est", or knowledge is power, Chris became an adviser to help others achieve their personal financial goals and believes financial planning is the foundation of freedom and clarity in life. In his spare time, Chris is a big supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and also provides pro bono advice.


Kristian Zuza Peak Wealth Management

Kristian operates with the mindset that 'Goals + Education = Success'. Working with accumulators, Kristian pays particular attention to optimising for tax efficiency, seeing it as an easy win and significant step towards financial freedom. He's bagged several awards in recent years, including for his expertise in risk advice.