The coronavirus pandemic has increased demand for financial advice. According to Adviser Ratings, many financial advisers have “never been busier” due to the impact COVID-19 has had on asset values and employment. Australians have reportedly been turning to advisers for advice on areas such as cash-flow and whether they should withdraw super early.
The uptick in demand comes as many advisers continue to exit the industry, perhaps in part due to the additional scrutiny the industry has undergone following the Banking Royal Commission and its aftermath.
If you’re looking for a financial adviser who is not affiliated with any product provider and who doesn’t receive commissions for selling particular products, then you might want to consider an independent financial adviser.
In this article:
- What is an independent financial adviser?
- What does a financial adviser do?
- How much does a financial adviser cost?
- Potential benefits of using an independent financial adviser
- Potential disadvantages of using an independent financial adviser
- List of independent financial advisers in Australia
- How to find a financial adviser
What is an independent financial adviser?
Financial advisers can only legally describe themselves as being ‘independent’ if they do not receive any commissions (unless rebated in full to their clients), volume-based payments (i.e. payments based on how much business they send to a financial product issuer) or other gifts or benefits from a financial product issuer, and operate without any conflicts of interest. These requirements are set out in the Corporations Act. Due to these rules, a relatively small number of financial advisers in Australia are considered ‘independent’.
All financial advisers must have an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Following the Royal Commission, financial advisers are also now required to meet some additional professional standards. This includes having an approved bachelor’s degree as a minimum, sitting an exam set by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) and complying with a Code of Ethics that requires them to, for example, act in the best interests of clients and avoid conflicts of interest.
Independent financial advisers can also choose to become members of the Profession of Independent Financial Advisers (PIFA), if they meet certain criteria.
To be a Practising Member, PIFA says that advisers must meet three criteria. Specifically, they must not:
- Have any ownership links or affiliations with product manufacturers
- Receive any commissions or incentive payments from product manufacturers
- Receive any asset-based fees (fees based on the total value of assets in a client’s portfolio).
To be an Associate Member, PIFA says you must be a financial planner who complies with the legal definition of independence, or who is “actively transitioning their practice to become independent”.
What does a financial adviser do?
A financial adviser, or financial planner, is someone who can help you set your financial goals and make a plan to help you achieve these goals. Financial advisers can typically provide advice on areas such as investing, superannuation, retirement planning, estate planning, risk management and insurance. Some financial advisers may also be licensed to offer tax advice. Advice can range from one-off advice on a single question, to more comprehensive advice or ongoing advice.
How much does a financial adviser cost?
The cost of receiving financial advice can vary depending on the fee structure the financial adviser uses and the type and complexity of the advice. According to Moneysmart, financial advisers may charge fixed fees, percentage-based fees (such as asset-based fees or investment management fees) and/or they may earn commissions.
According to the Financial Planning Association (FPA), many financial planners offer a complimentary introductory meeting. During this meeting you can make sure you are comfortable with the financial adviser and their experience. After that, the FPA says there will typically be an initial fee to cover identifying your needs, developing a strategy and implementing the recommendations. There could also be administration and ongoing fees for regular reviews of your plan.
Due to restrictions under the Corporations Act, independent financial advisers cannot receive commissions or volume-based payments. Additionally, if an adviser is a Practising Member of PIFA, they cannot charge asset-based fees based on the size of your investing portfolio.
Potential benefits of using an independent financial adviser
For some people, a benefit of choosing an independent financial adviser specifically may be the reassurance that the advice given should be impartial and not based on sales incentives.
There are also a number of potential benefits to using a financial adviser in general. For example, they could help you:
- Identify short-, medium- and long-term goals
- Create practical strategies to achieve these goals
- Feel more in control of your finances
- Develop an investment plan
- Protect your assets
- Plan for retirement
A financial adviser may be particularly useful during big life events, such as if you are buying a home, starting a family, are made redundant, inheriting money or approaching retirement.
Potential disadvantages of using an independent financial adviser
One potential disadvantage of using an independent financial adviser is their relative scarcity. At the time of writing, there are fewer than 70 independent financial advisers in Australia who are members of PIFA. This may mean you need to travel a long distance for a consultation or have over-the-phone or online consultations in some cases. It could also mean fewer advisers to shop around based on fees and other factors.
Not every situation will necessarily call for a financial adviser, so you might want to think about what kind of financial help you need before committing to an adviser. For example, if you’re after financial information rather than advice, it might be useful to talk to your bank, super fund, insurer or other financial institution. The Canstar website is also a source of general financial information that could help you in some situations.
If you need help with debt or other money problems, you may be better-suited to seeing a financial counsellor. Financial counselling is a free, independent and confidential service. You can speak to a financial counsellor by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
List of independent financial advisers in Australia
The list below displays PIFA Practising Members and Associate Members across Australia, sorted by city and suburb, according to the PIFA website at the time of writing.
| Ben Liddicoat
BBK Financial Planning Dulwich Hill |
Mr Liddicoat says he has over 16 years’ experience providing advice on super, investing, tax, debt and budget management to clients. |
| Bill Raffle
Bennelong Private Wealth Sydney |
Bennelong Private Wealth says it is a specialist tax structuring and financial planning practice. |
| Chris Rae
Allied Wealth Sydney |
Allied Wealth says its services include investment portfolio management, superannuation and retirement planning, structuring and tax planning, cashflow management and personal insurance advice. |
| Daniel McGregor
Wealth Train Orange |
Wealth Train says it is a personal financial advice and wealth coaching business that is designed to get people ‘financially fit’. |
| David Harper
Naked Wealth Newport |
Naked Wealth says it focuses on reducing your financial costs, and that it also provides advice on superannuation, life insurance, cash flow, investing, estate planning and retirement planning. |
| Deborah Lin
Liquidity Financial Advisers Oatley |
Liquidity Financial Advisers says its services include retirement planning, superannuation and advice on moving a loved one into aged care. |
| Fergus Hardingham
FM Financial Solutions Pyrmont |
FM Financial Solutions says its services include providing advice on cash management, contingency planning, family wealth succession, strategy, portfolio construction and management and investment entities. |
| Howard Pitts
Arc Financial Solutions Neutral Bay |
Mr Pitts says he has over 30 years’ experience advising on superannuation, insurance and investment issues. |
| Jo-Anne Nelson
Arc Financial Solutions Neutral Bay |
Arc Financial Solutions says its services are tailored to individuals who are looking for clear direction and management of their whole financial situation. |
| Kyle Frost
Millennial Independent Advice Newcastle and Sydney |
Mr Frost says that he primarily provides financial advice around cash flow, investing, superannuation, debt, property, personal insurances, tax and estate planning. |
| Michael Morrison
M Financial Planning Sydney |
M Financial Planning says that it specialises in providing financial planning advice in the areas of: retirement planning, superannuation advice, estate planning, investing and wealth creation. |
| Michael Radalj
Your Private Advisers Sydney, Brookvale, North Sydney |
Your Private Advisers says it typically provides advice around investing, superannuation, retirement planning, ancillary tax advice and insurance. |
| Peter Surtenich
Suetonius Wealth Management Sydney |
Suetonius Wealth Management’s website indicates that its services include superannuation and SMSFs, corporate advice, wealth creation and investments and retirement planning. |
| Philip Davies
Liquidity Financial Advisers Sutherland |
Liquidity Financial Advisers says its services include retirement planning, superannuation and advice on moving a loved one into aged care. |
| Phil Harvey
Construct Wealth Bungendore |
Construct Wealth says it typically provides advice to clients who are aged between 35 and 65, have a household income of more than $200,000 and/or have assets to invest (including super) of more than $500,000. |
| Richard Barber
Liquidity Financial Advisers Shellharbour |
Liquidity Financial Advisers says its services include retirement planning, superannuation and advice on moving a loved one into aged care. |
| Ron Geffin
Core Private Wealth Sydney |
Core Private Wealth says it offers holistic wealth and financial planning, including wealth management, superannuation, insurance and bespoke services. |
| Stephanie O’Connor
Custom Accounting Cootamundra |
Custom Accounting says its services include superannuation and retirement, insurance, retirement and succession planning. It also says it provides advice to farmers, businesses and family companies. |
| Trevor Geffin
Core Private Wealth Sydney |
Core Private Wealth says it offers holistic wealth and financial planning, including wealth management, superannuation, insurance and bespoke services. |
| Vince Lam
Plutus Financial Guidance Chatswood |
Plutus Financial Guidance says its services include retirement, superannuation, aged care, estate planning, wealth protection, budgeting and saving, investment strategy and debt management advice. |
| Adriano Donato
Roskow Independent Advisory Hawthorn |
Roskow Independent Advisory says it is focused on working with ‘high achievers’ to help them realise their financial potential. |
| Berivan Dubier
Curve Accountants Moorabbin |
Curve Accountants provides tax and accounting services and independent financial planning and advice. Curve says it is dedicated to supporting small businesses and those who work within the medical, dental, allied health and veterinary industries. |
| Chris Thoms
Super-Focus Geelong |
Mr Thoms says he specialises in SMSFs, superannuation, investment, direct shares, property investment and estate planning. |
| Corin Jacka
Priority1 Wealth Management Group Ringwood North |
Priority1 says its services include investment planning, retirement and pre-retirement planning, estate planning, government benefit advice, mortgage and debt reduction and capital gains tax planning. |
| Daniel Twentyman
Surf Coast Wealth Management Torquay |
Mr Twentyman says his specialties include budgeting, cash flow and debt management, superannuation, investment planning and wealth management, equities and portfolio advice, personal risk policies and wealth protection, retirement planning, small business advice, business insurance and salary packaging. |
| Dominic Alafaci
Collins House Melbourne |
Collins House says it provides services including financial and investment advice, taxation and accounting advice, superannuation advice and UK pension transfers. |
| Dennis J. Maddern
Maddern Financial Advisers Malvern |
Maddern Financial Advisers says it provides a range of services including financial advice, accounting, business services, taxation and SMSF advice. It says most of its clients are small to medium business owners or successful career professionals, with a focus on the sporting, aviation and health industries. |
| Fortuna Alexandrow
Interwealth Financial Advice Shepparton |
Interwealth says it can help you with life events such as saving for a deposit, starting a family, starting a business and retirement. |
| James Stephan
Stephan Independent Advisory Kew |
Stephan Independent Advisory states it typically works with successful family business owners and self-funded retirees who want to preserve, protect and transfer their wealth. |
| Jason Smith
Think Independent Melbourne |
Think Independent says it can provide advice for various life stages including young people, families and those who are pre- and post- retirement. |
| Joe Stephan
Stephan Independent Advisory Kew |
Stephan Independent Advisory states it typically works with successful family business owners and self-funded retirees to preserve, protect and transfer their wealth. |
| Mathew Horvat
Horvat Financial Advisors Essendon North |
Horvat Financial Advisors states it works with individuals and families who are financially independent and want to maximise their wealth. |
| Matthew Ross
Roskow Independent Advisory Hawthorn |
Roskow Independent Advisory says it is focused on working with ‘high achievers’ to help them realise their financial potential. |
| Rick Horvat
Horvat Financial Advisors Essendon |
Horvat Financial Advisors states it works with individuals and families who are financially independent and want to maximise their wealth. |
| Sean Dwyer
Curve Accountants Moorabbin |
Curve Accountants provides tax and accounting services and independent financial planning and advice. Curve says it is dedicated to supporting small businesses and those who work within the medical, dental, allied health and veterinary industries. |
| Trent Alexander
Financial Planning Expert Mornington |
Financial Planning Expert states it specialises in SMSF advice for retirees and pre-retirees. |
| Aaron Crosthwaite
Curve Accountants Fortitude Valley |
Curve Accountants provides tax and accounting services and independent financial planning and advice. Curve says it is dedicated to supporting small businesses and those who work within the medical, dental, allied health and veterinary industries. |
| David Harper
Naked Wealth Noosaville |
Naked Wealth says it focuses on reducing your financial costs, and that it also provides advice on superannuation, life insurance, cash flow, investing, estate planning and retirement planning. |
| Keith Henderson
Malibu Wealth Advisory Noosaville |
Malibu Wealth Advisory says it specialises in pre-retirees, retirees, over-45s, time-poor business owners and executives and medical and other professionals. |
| Neil Salkow
Roskow Independent Advisory Stones Corner |
Roskow Independent Advisory says it is focused on working with ‘high achievers’ to help them realise their financial potential. |
| Samuel Turrisi
Roskow Independent Advisory Stones Corner |
Roskow Independent Advisory says it is focused on working with ‘high achievers’ to help them realise their financial potential. |
| Cameron Foster
Horizon Advisory Port Lincoln |
Mr Foster says his expertise and experience lies in personal money management, investment, retirement planning and superannuation. |
| Craig Meathrel
Strategiq Wealth Eastwood |
Strategiq Wealth says it provides ‘life-centred’ advice which is focussed on your personal goals and life issues that require financial and investment strategies. |
| Jacie Taylor
Periapt Advisory Kent Town |
Periapt Advisory says its services include advice about investments, insurance, cash flow, government benefits, salary sacrifice and salary packaging, retirement planning, superannuation and SMSFs, aged care and estate planning. |
| Naomi Horobin
Clover Financial Group Braddon |
Ms Horobin says she provides advice to assist with: cashflow management and budgeting, wealth creation, superannuation, retirement planning and income streams, Centrelink and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) payments, estate planning, and asset and lifestyle protection. |
| Phil Harvey
Construct Wealth Dickson |
Construct Wealth says it typically provides advice to clients who are aged between 35 and 65, have a household income of more than $200,000 and/or have assets to invest (including super) of more than $500,000. |
| Phil Thompson
Rise Financial Monash |
Mr Thompson says his areas of expertise include advice relating to superannuation, investment, borrowed funds, personal insurance, salary packaging, budgeting and cashflow management and estate planning. |
| Susannah Kulincevic
Brocktons Independent Advisory Phillip |
Brocktons states it offers a “no strings attached” advice consultation and a comprehensive planning service. Some of the services it says it may be able to provide include advice on wealth creation, self-managed super funds (SMSFs), transition-to-retirement pensions and succession planning arrangements. |
| Simon Duigan
Core Independent Financial Advice Kingston |
Core says it provides the following advice services: financial coaching, superannuation and pension, insurance, retirement funding, legal/estate planning, Centrelink and aged care, investments, and finance and debt management. |
| Annette Sinclair
Jarrah Bridge Midland |
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| Benjamin Coombe
Bruining Partners West Leederville |
Bruining Partners says its expertise includes pre-retirees, retirees, public sector retirement advice, wealth building, Age Pension and Centrelink and UK State Pension. |
| Bradley Clarke
CY Financial Advice South Perth |
CY Financial Advice says its typical clients are retirees or those close to retirement who are over the age of 50 and want to put a retirement plan in place. |
| Christopher Pritchard
Bruining Partners West Leederville |
Bruining Partners says its expertise includes pre-retirees, retirees, public sector retirement advice, wealth building, Age Pension and Centrelink and UK State Pension. |
| Christopher Young
CY Financial Advice South Perth |
CY Financial Advice says its typical clients are retirees or those close to retirement who are over 50 with investment assets exceeding $1 million. |
| Cristina Simpson
Bruining Partners West Leederville |
Bruining Partners says its expertise includes pre-retirees, retirees, public sector retirement advice, wealth building, Age Pension and Centrelink and UK State Pension. |
| David McGregor
Bruining Partners West Leederville |
Bruining Partners says its expertise includes pre-retirees, retirees, public sector retirement advice, wealth building, Age Pension and Centrelink and UK State Pension. |
| James Robinson
Jarrah Bridge Midland |
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| Mick Steffan
Independent Advisers WA Bluff Point |
Independent Advisers WA says it offers specialised independent financial advice for clients working largely in the farming, fishing and resources industries. It also serves small business clients and clients active in the resource and medical industries. |
| Nick Bruining
Bruining Partners West Leederville |
Bruining Partners says its expertise includes pre-retirees, retirees, public sector retirement advice, wealth building, Age Pension and Centrelink and UK State Pension. |
| Peter Humble
Rise Wealth Group Eaton |
Rise Wealth Group says its services include retirement and estate planning and mortgage and debt management advice. |
| Peter Webster
Bruining Partners West Leederville |
Bruining Partners says its expertise includes pre-retirees, retirees, public sector retirement advice, wealth building, Age Pension and Centrelink and UK State Pension. |
| Stephanie Tang-Bowman
Bruining Partners West Leederville |
Bruining Partners says its expertise includes pre-retirees, retirees, public sector retirement advice, wealth buil |