Let us find the Best Financial Planner for your Needs and Situation.
Brisbane’s lifestyle, affordability, and steady growth make it one of Australia’s most financially active cities. With a median house price around $1 million and a population nearing 2.8 million, local residents are increasingly turning to trusted Brisbane financial advisers for professional financial advice to make confident decisions about wealth management and long-term financial planning. While living costs remain lower than Sydney or Melbourne, property affordability, superannuation performance, and retirement readiness are front of mind for many locals.
Across the city, advisers are seeing growing demand from:
With more than 70 per cent of Brisbane’s licensed financial planners bringing over a decade of experience, the city offers exceptional depth of expertise and a strong culture of trusted, personalised financial guidance.
Our list showcases Brisbane’s top 10 financial planners, each fully licensed under ASIC and meeting Australia’s national education and ethical standards. Every adviser holds recognised qualifications, with many accredited as Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professionals or members of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA).
We assess each planner on independence, experience, transparency, client feedback, and professional recognition. Only reputable Brisbane financial advisers make the cut, giving you confidence that every planner featured offers reliable, high-quality advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
Olivia Maragna – Aspire Retire
Olivia Maragna is one of Australia’s most respected financial experts. She was featured on Channel Nine in the headline story of the Federal Budget with Ross Greenwood and Laurie Oakes and was invited by the ABC’s 730Report as a panel expert leading up to the last Federal Election.
Olivia has been recognised as a driving force in the finance industry and has been named one of the top 10 most financial influencers in Australia, sharing the list with the likes of David Koch, Ross Greenwood, Alan Kohler and Mark Bouris.
In 2003, she co-founded Aspire Retire, one of the industry’s highest award winning financial advisory firms, servicing clients Australia wide.
Olivia has made a habit of breaking through barriers and has been presented with a Hall of Fame Award for Business Achievement, awarded 2020 Australia’s top Financial Advisers for a second year in a row, the Australian Financial Review’s Top 10 Emerging Leaders for 2014, the WIFS 2013 Financial Planner of the Year and the 2012 AFA Adviser of the Year.
In a career punctuated with Australian ‘firsts’ and major business awards including the Young Business Woman of the Year, MYOB Business of the Year and the AFA Australian Female Excellence Award, Olivia has always been driven by making a difference to her clients.
In recognition of her business achievements and community involvement, Olivia has been chosen as one of eighteen of Australia’s most inspiring female leaders in the Leadership in Focus Forum and represented Australia in a Global Forum in Switzerland.
She is a sought after speaker on money and business across the country at various national/international organisations and currently serves as a judge for the Telstra Business and Women’s Awards.
Olivia has been featured on the front cover of 7 National magazines and has been published/featured in hundreds of articles in mainstream media across TV, print and radio.
Aspire Retire is privately owned and does not have any alliances with big corporations. Operating without commissions, Aspire Retire’s fee model is not linked to percentages or values of investment monies and instead charges agreed flat dollar fees based on the services their clients’ require.
Office
Level 6, 345 Ann Street, Brisbane Qld, 4000
John O’Brien – VISIS Private Wealth
John O’Brien is a Partner at VISIS Private Wealth and is passionate about operating a 100% privately owned firm.
For over 15 years John has been directly advising his clients on all their wealth management and strategic advice needs.
As a Partner at VISIS, John feels that it is essential to ensure that all advice is tailored specifically to the individual needs of each client.
VISIS Private Wealth have taken out several national awards for Holistic Advice, Best Client Service & Boutique Firm of the Year in recent Years. They were also a finalist in the FPA Professional Practice of the Year.
John was personally awarded the national award of Multi-Service Practitioner of the Year.
With offices in Brisbane & Sydney, John and the VISIS team ensure every client has comprehensive financial expertise at their fingertips, covering investment management, personal insurance, finance and lending, superannuation, retirement planning, and tax / accounting.
He is a practitioner member of the Financial Planning Association, Fellow of FINSIA and MAICD.
VISIS Private Wealth has been awarded the FPA Professional Practice designation and are proud to be bound by the FPA Code of Professional Practice, which brings together a comprehensive set of ethical principles, practice standards and conduct rules.
He began his formal education began with a bachelor of commerce with double majors in banking and finance, and financial risk management followed by completing of a Masters of financial planning.
John is a personal signatory to the Banking and Finance Oath.
When not working to achieve even more great outcomes for his clients John enjoys spending time with his wife Kelly, young daughter Sofia and when life allows, escaping for a motorcycle ride on his electric (mini) chopper!
Office
Level 24, 111 Eagle Street,
Brisbane, Qld 4000
Sally Huynh – Shadforth Financial Group
Sally holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Griffith University and was the top graduate from her year. She holds a Diploma of Export Management, a Diploma of Financial Planning from Deakin University and the internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner® practitioner designation, the highest certification for financial advisers in the profession.
Industry Recognition
Sally prides herself in providing exceptional personalised services to her clients. She partners with successful hard working families, business owners, executives, busy medical professionals and separated spouses to make the most of their financial future.
“Sally approaches my finances with skill and overall competence that I value enormously. She is always readily available to answer my questions and responds to them quickly and fully. She always explains my financial matters to me in clear and easy language and gives me realistic future options to consider. I find her intelligence in dealing with my finances very reassuring – it is one of her great strengths.” Dr Frances Jenkins Ashgrove, Brisbane
Office
Level 13/240 Queen St, Brisbane QLD 4000
Charlie Fraser – Shadforth Financial Group
Charlie is one of the most awarded and experienced advisers in the industry having forged a 20-year career in trustee services, high net worth advice, investment advice and banking with two of Australia’s most respected financial institutions.
In 2024 and 2023 Charlie was honoured in the Barron’s Top Financial Advisers in Australia and the Financial Standard Power 50 list of the most influential advisers in the country. In 2017, Charlie was the named Financial Adviser of the Year by the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and Financial Planner of the Year by Money Management.
Prior to joining Shadforth in 2017, Charlie was the principal of Lyndhurst Family Advisory, which he established with the intention of empowering people in difficult circumstances.
Charlie’s practice is unique in that it combines financial services with human services through wellbeing advocacy. He brings with him an extensive network of wealth, health and legal professionals whom he accesses to help families achieve the best outcomes for the injured person and family.
Charlie also has a professional interest in assisting families of significant wealth who wish to create multi-generational legacies. He does this by combining human services to gain a deep understanding of the values that drive his clients’ financial decisions.
Charlie attended Harvard Business School in 2012 to complete the High Potential Leadership Program. He holds a Bachelor of Business from Queensland University of Technology and has completed the Diploma of Financial Planning at Deakin University.
In 2017, Charlie was the named Financial Adviser of the Year by the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and Financial Planner of the Year by Money Management. These prestigious awards recognise the unique practice he created initially as Lyndhurst Family Advisory and has continued with Shadforth.
Office
Level 13/240 Queen St, Brisbane QLD 4000
Debbie has over 20 years’ experience as a financial planner and is passionate about assisting people in reaching their full financial potential.
As the owner of a boutique practice – Rise Advice Pty Ltd – Debbie is able to personalise her service to ensure she meets her clients needs and they are treated as an individual with unique goals and aspirations.
Debbie has deliberately avoided positions at large financial institutions throughout her career, as she truly believes the personal touch adds real value, and she has built this ethos into the core of her practice
There are two mantra’s Debbie repeats to her clients – Education is Power – she seeks to not only assist clients in their financial journey but also help them to learn financial concepts and principals along the way.
The second is Money is a Control Relationship – either you control it or it controls you.
Helping people reach their full potential permeates every aspect of Debbie’s life – both professionally and personally.
She, along with her husband, is an emergency and respite foster carer, has been involved in mentoring young girls from domestic violence backgrounds and was heavily involved with a charity rescuing girls from (or at risk of) sex trafficking.
Qualifications
Stuart Bates – Lifelong Wealth
Based in the easily accessible North Brisbane Suburb of Bald Hills, Stuart is a partner at Lifelong Wealth and has over 20 years experience in providing financial advice to everyday Australians. Before opening Lifelong Wealth in 2019, Stuart was a Senior Financial Planner with one of Australia’s largest Financial Institutions.
He obtained his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification – the highest level of education standard in this profession – over a decade ago, so you can know that you are meeting with a financial adviser who has a wealth of knowledge and years of experience.
Stuart started Lifelong Wealth with the desire to make Financial Advice available and understandable to the everyday Australian, hence moving his business to the suburbs of North Brisbane. Stuart, however, has kept the quality of advice to a high standard and within the 2nd year of operation, Lifelong Wealth was a Platinum Award winner – an award recognising advice excellence. Lifelong Wealth was also a finalist in the Practice of the Year.
Stuart and the team at Lifelong Wealth are passionate in keeping the advice process simple, so that pre-retirees and those either about to retire or already retired can get on with enjoying their lives. The practice has a family feel and being only a small business, Stuart has the ability to focus on individual clients, giving them the time they need.
Although Stuart welcomes clients of all ages, he specialises in building long term relationships with retirees and pre-retirees to help set themselves up for a comfortable retirement free of financial stress. Most of Stuart’s clients have been with him for over 15 years, evidence of his high-quality advice and down to earth discussions.
Stuart enjoys life with his family and being an active member in the communities his children are involved in. Stuart loves sport, whether participating, supporting or being a spectator. Travel is a significant interest with the experiences it brings and being able to immerse in other cultures.
Office:
Lifelong Wealth – 9 Bald Hills Road, Bald Hills QLD 4036 Brisbane
07 3188 5140
Chris Smith – VISIS Private Wealth
Chris Smith is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and respected professionals in the industry. As the Founding Partner of VISIS Private Wealth, Chris has crafted a powerhouse team dedicated to a singular mission: delivering unbiased, transparent advice that empowers clients to achieve both their financial goals and broader life aspirations.
With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Chris is a Certified Financial Planner with a passion for creating tailor-made solutions that truly make a difference. He founded VISIS in 2001 with a clear vision: a practice built on independence and integrity, free from the influence of external financial institutions. “My focus is simple – to put my clients’ needs first, and nothing else,” says Chris. His unwavering commitment to this philosophy has helped shape VISIS into a 100% privately owned practice that prioritises the unique needs of each individual.
At VISIS, Chris offers the best of both worlds: the scale and resources to deliver cutting-edge financial services, combined with the personalised attention and deep relationships that clients truly value. Whether it’s investment management, personal insurance, finance and lending, superannuation, taxation advice, or accounting services, every client has access to comprehensive expertise—and direct access to Chris and his dedicated team.
Chris’s approach is hands-on, giving him an intimate understanding of the challenges his clients face. This enables him to offer practical, real-world solutions that truly work. Alongside his exceptional team at VISIS, Chris helps High Net Worth individuals, self-funded retirees, executives, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth management. His proven ability to foster long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and multi-generational families is a testament to his expertise and dedication.
For the fifth consecutive year, Chris has been recognised on Barron’s list of Australia’s Top Financial Advisors—an industry benchmark for professionals in the financial services sector. Developed in collaboration with The Australian, the list serves as a trusted guide for those seeking top-tier advisors. In 2024, Chris achieved a record national ranking of 12 and was named the top advisor in Queensland, a significant accolade that speaks volumes about his expertise, dedication, and reputation in the industry.
“I combine my in-depth industry knowledge with a proactive, no-nonsense approach to help my clients make informed decisions with confidence,” Chris shares. This clear, straightforward philosophy has earned him a stellar reputation as someone who not only understands the intricacies of wealth management but can also provide clarity and simplicity for his clients.
In addition to offering comprehensive wealth management strategies, Chris’s specialist knowledge covers key areas including:
Chris Smith’s reputation is built on results, relationships, and an unwavering dedication to his clients’ financial success. If you’re looking for a financial planner who combines expertise with a personal touch, Chris and his team at VISIS Private Wealth are ready to help you chart your path to a secure financial future.
Office
Level 24, 111 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Qld 4000
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissmithvisis/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/visis-private-wealth/
Independent Financial Adviser, B Bus (Acc), Dip FP, SMSF Specialist, MCIFAA
Andy provides independent, affordable, honest, and expert advice that puts you first. For those who would like to have this service, please reach out for a no obligations, no pressure, no sales conversation today.
Independent Wealth Advice clients will receive financial advice that puts them first and that is always:
Independent: Yes – member of Profession of Independent Financial Advisers (PIFA) and Certified Financial Advisers Association (CIFA)
Typical Client: We help clients navigate: superannuation, investments, insurance, getting retirement ready and reducing tax.
Typical client size: Our clients range from $100,000 up to $5M+ in assets.
Flat Fee (fee for service): Yes
Accepting new clients: Yes
Imagine knowing your super is perfectly invested for you, you and your family are covered if anything were to happen, you’re going to minimise tax by maximising superannuation, and you’ve got a clear idea of how you’re going to retire wealthy. That’s what they aspire for every single one of their clients to know.
Andy has spent his career working at some of the most prestigious investment houses in the country, including Macquarie Private Bank. He takes great time and expense to ensure that his clients receive the highest quality advice that benefits them, not him.
Book a no cost, no obligation, no sales, no pressure phone call with Andy Darroch to understand how Independent Wealth Advice can save you tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees, taxes and lost investment earnings.
Office
Phone: (02) 8880 8962 / 1300 978 737
Luke Harlow – Queensland Financial Group
As a Partner and accomplished Financial Adviser, Luke Harlow brings over a decade of expertise to the table, specializing in empowering business owners to navigate critical areas such as business risk, Keyman risk, and succession planning.
Luke holds a Masters degree in Professional Accounting from the esteemed Queensland University of Technology (QUT), coupled with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of Queensland. These credentials underscore his unwavering dedication to excellence.
At Queensland Financial Group, we believe in both a comprehensive approach to financial planning and a business approach to personal finances. Leveraging a profound understanding of investments, taxation, and superannuation, Luke tailors strategies to lead you towards financial freedom. Whether you’re at the inception of your venture, in a phase of expansion, consolidation, or contemplating an exit, Luke is your guiding hand.
Beyond the realm of finance, Luke embodies discipline and vigor in his personal pursuits. An enthusiast of group fitness, running, and triathlon training, he mirrors this vigor in his financial advisory. With a young, blossoming family of his own, Luke recognizes the significance of securing a steadfast financial future for you and your loved ones.
For business owners seeking adept guidance in business risk management, Keyman risk assessment, or succession planning, Luke Harlow is poised to deploy his extensive financial acumen and custom-tailored strategies. Embark on your journey towards a secure financial future by scheduling a consultation with Luke today.
Office
Level 31, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
I’m a Financial Adviser at Verse Wealth, a team of multi-award winning financial advisers. I’ve chosen to align my career with a leader in the profession, who listens to clients, values people over product, and provides truly personalised advice. In my more than 15 years in advice, I’ve been dedicated to my clients, as well as championing causes I’m passionate about including promoting females within a historically male dominated profession, and helping attract young people to financial advice as a career choice.
Qualifications
Our Approach
At Verse, our approach is wildly different to most of the industry. It’s not just about money – it’s about your entire life. Money is just fuel for living the life you want, which means something different to everyone. To learn more about our Approach, click here.
Our Services
Our advice embraces your whole financial life. Your situation will dictate what combination of services and advice you need to make the most of your resources. To learn more about our Services, click here.
Our Clients
We work with professionals, pre-retirees, high achievers and more. They reach out because they might be making good money but not making the most of it, are unsure on the right strategy or uncertain about the future. To learn more about our Clients, click here.
What our clients say
‘Getting financial advice has been one of the best things we’ve ever done.’ Olivine. M
‘Verse have been indispensable helping my family achieve our goals.’ Greg. P
‘Professional, personable, responsive and highly knowledgeable.’ Ryan. C
‘I could not be happier with their professionalism and knowledge.’ James. F
‘The Verse team will change your lives forever.’ Stephen. S
To see more of what our other clients have to say about the experience of working with us, we encourage you to check out our Google reviews.
Recent awards
If you’d like to have a short, no-pressure chat you can book a call with us below or visit www.versewealth.com.au
In Brisbane, most financial advisors charge between $3,000 and $5,000 for an initial comprehensive plan, with ongoing packages typically $3,000–$6,000 per year. Fees tend to be slightly lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, reflecting Brisbane’s moderate operating costs.
Many boutique financial planners in Brisbane offer fixed-fee or fee-for-service models, providing cost transparency and personalised wealth management without commissions.
Yes. With property prices around $1 million and living costs rising, many Brisbane residents benefit from expert guidance to balance mortgages, super, and investments. A skilled Brisbane financial adviser can help you structure tax-efficient strategies, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve long-term goals like retirement or wealth creation. Choosing a reputable local adviser ensures tailored strategies backed by experience and insight into the Brisbane market.
Definitely. In Brisbane, many advisers work with clients holding $300,000–$1 million in investable assets. With $500,000, a financial planner Brisbane professional can build a balanced portfolio, optimise your super, and manage risk for steady growth. Brisbane’s advisers are known for flexible service levels and deep local investment insight, helping you grow wealth strategically while preparing confidently for retirement.
You can confirm any Brisbane financial planner’s credentials on ASIC’s Financial Adviser Register, which lists their licence, qualifications, and compliance record. Look for advisers who hold Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) status or belong to the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA). Brisbane’s adviser community is highly professional, and these designations signal trustworthy, client-focused personal financial advice.
Financial advice isn’t just for high-net-worth clients. Many Brisbane planners work with professionals and families on moderate incomes, helping with superannuation, budgeting, and investment strategies. Even small, consistent improvements, like optimising contributions or reducing debt, can deliver strong long-term results. The city’s advisers pride themselves on approachable, education-focused advice that helps everyday Brisbanites build financial confidence.
Most of Brisbane’s top-rated financial advisers are based in the city centre, close to major business and banking hubs. You’ll also find excellent planners in inner-city suburbs such as Milton and Newstead.
Virtual appointments are becoming increasingly popular, so if you can’t find an adviser nearby, many Brisbane financial planners offer online consultations to support clients across Greater Brisbane.
Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Canberra | Perth | Adelaide | Darwin | Hobart
Newcastle | Central Coast | Geelong | Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast | Townsville | Cairns
DISCLAIMER: The content on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of advisor profiles and listings, we cannot guarantee their completeness or reliability. Any engagement with financial advisors featured on this site is solely at your discretion. We do not take responsibility for the advice or services provided by any of the professionals listed here.
© 2019-2025. All rights reserved.
Let us help connect you with the
BEST ACCOUNTANT for your needs
