ASIC Financial Advisers Register

Since "best" is subjective in financial advice (it depends heavily on your specific situation, assets, and goals), rather than pointing you to one specific person or company, here's a practical guide to what Australians actually use to find and work with financial advisers, plus the reputable channels and platforms that come up again and again.

1. Start with official/verified sources, not "top 10" listicle sites

Many "best financial advisor" rankings online are SEO-driven directories rather than independently verified lists. The safest starting points are:

• ASIC's Moneysmart "Financial Advisers Register" – lets you check if someone is actually licensed to give advice, their qualifications, and any disciplinary history.
• Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) – the main professional body; has a "find a planner" search.
• **Advi

The "best" financial advisers in Australia depend on your needs (e.g., retirement planning, investments, SMSF, aged care, or simpler portfolio management), budget, and whether you want personalised holistic advice or lower-cost automated options.

Always verify any adviser or firm on the official ASIC Financial Advisers Register via moneysmart.gov.au before engaging, check their qualifications (e.g., CFP®), FAAA membership, fee structure (fee-for-service is generally preferable to asset-based or commissions), and any disciplinary history. No one-size-fits-all recommendation exists—many Australians start with free or low-cost options from industry super funds (e.g., UniSuper or Aware Super) or robo-advisers before moving to full advice.

Larger Networks and Licensees (Widely Used by Many Australians)

These have scale, with thousands of advisers across Australia, meaning they're commonly used:

• Morgans Group — Often cited as one of the largest individual licensees by adviser numbers (around 430+); strong in investment-focused advice with a national footprint.
• Centrepoint Group and affiliates (e.g., parts of Count or others) — Among the top licensees by adviser count.
• Partners Wealth Group — Frequently tops or ranks high in Barron’s lists; significant funds under advice and multiple top-ranked advisers.
• Other notables: WT Financial Group, Entireti & Akumin Group (large licensee post-AMP divestments), and Shadforth Financial Group or Viridian Advisory (regular award mentions).

Pitcher Partners stands out for high-net-worth clients, with multiple advisers consistently ranked in Barron’s Top 150.

Award-Winning or Highly Ranked Individuals/Firms (Barron’s, Industry Awards)

Barron’s Top 150 (2025) highlights top performers like:

• Mathew Cassidy (Partners Wealth Group, #1).
• Andrew Dunbar (Apt Wealth Partners).
• Others from Escala Partners, Lipman Burgon & Partners, Macquarie Private Bank, and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

Other recognitions go to firms/advisers like those from Solace Financial, Ageing with Grace Advisory, Stockspot (robo/high-net-worth), and various FAAA or ifa award winners (e.g., Boutique Advisers Private Wealth).

Independent directories (e.g., findafinancialplanner.com.au) highlight fee-for-service CFP® firms like Stanford Brown (Sydney), Tupicoffs, or FMD Financial, ranked on credentials and transparency.

Robo-Advisers and Digital Options (Popular for Everyday Australians)

These are what many people actually use for accessible, lower-cost investing (often $0–$ few hundred per year vs. thousands for full advice):

• Stockspot — Frequently praised in awards for value, trust, and service; CHESS-sponsored ETF portfolios, low minimums.
• Raiz Invest — Micro-investing with round-ups; very popular for beginners/small balances.
• Others: InvestSMART (often tops customer satisfaction), QuietGrowth, Spaceship Voyager, and OpenInvest.

These suit simpler needs like diversified ETF portfolios and are regulated by ASIC.

Other Common Options

• Super fund advice — Free or low-cost from funds like UniSuper, Aware Super, or Australian Retirement Trust (strong performers and advice offerings).
• Boutique/high-net-worth specialists — Escala Partners, Apt Wealth Partners, or Macquarie Private Bank for larger portfolios.

Tips for Australians:

• Expect initial advice fees from ~$1,500–$7,000+ (flat or hourly) or ongoing asset-based fees (0.5–1%+). Robo options are cheaper entry points.
• Prioritise independence and fee transparency post-royal commission changes.
• Compare via directories, read recent reviews, and consider your location (major cities have more options).
• For mortgages or specific products, separate brokers may be relevant, but focus here is on investment/financial planning advice.

Start with the ASIC register and a free initial consult. If your situation is straightforward, a robo-adviser or super fund may suffice; for complex needs (e.g., SMSF, aged care, high net worth), a top-ranked independent or network adviser is often worth it. This is general information only—not personalised advice.