The Best Financial Advisors and Planners in Brisbane
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Home | The Best Financial Planners In Brisbane
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, more locals are turning to trusted Brisbane financial advisers for expert guidance on managing wealth, retirement, superannuation, and investment strategies.
Across the city, advisers are seeing growing demand from pre-retirees preparing for pension income, high-net-worth families seeking tax-efficient and estate strategies, and younger professionals engaging earlier through digital advice tools. With more than 70 per cent of Brisbane’s licensed financial planners bringing over a decade of experience, the city offers a strong culture of trusted, personalised financial advice.
We’ve featured our 10 recommended Brisbane financial planners to help you compare with confidence. Each adviser is reviewed and assessed to make it easier for you to connect with professionals who genuinely prioritise your financial wellbeing.
Our Selection Standards
✓ Minimum 5 years experience
✓ ASIC licensed and verified
✓ Hold CFP® or equivalent advanced qualifications
✓ Positive client reviews
✓ Clean compliance record
✓ Ongoing professional development
All advisers independently verified through ASIC records. Last review: March 2026.
Not sure if professional advice is right for you? The right time to see a financial planner often depends on your goals and financial life stage.
Consider Professional Advice If You:
☑ Are within 5–10 years of retirement
☑ Have superannuation but no structured plan
☑ Recently received an inheritance or windfall
☑ Own a business and want to plan for succession
☑ Have a high household income with complex tax needs
☑ Are managing a property portfolio
☑ Want to establish or manage an SMSF
☑ Need help with Age Pension eligibility
☑ Are planning for aged care or supporting elderly parents
Many Brisbane advisers offer a free initial consultation so you can explore whether advice is right for you.
| Adviser | Experience | Key Specialisation | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia Maragna | Retirement planning, Superannuation strategy, Wealth management | English | |
| John O’Brien | Wealth management, Investment strategy, Retirement planning | English | |
| Sally Huynh | Wealth management, Investment strategy, Complex client planning | English | |
| Leigh Smith | Wealth accumulation, Cash flow strategy, Property investment planning | English | |
| Debbie Spence | Financial planning, SMSF strategy, Risk insurance planning | English | |
| Stuart Bates | Retirement planning, Pre-retirement strategy, Superannuation advice | English | |
| Chris Smith | Investment management, Family wealth strategy, SMSF planning | English | |
| Andy Darroch | Independent financial advice, Superannuation strategy, Investment planning | English | |
| Luke Harlow | Business succession planning, Risk management, Investment strategy | English | |
| Ellie Fordham | Financial planning, SMSF strategy, Goals-based advice | English |
Advisor Since: 2003 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2003 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2015 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2000 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2001 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2000 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2017 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2015 | experience | LinkedIn
Retiring in Next 5 Years → Olivia Maragna, Stuart Bates, Debbie Spence
Need: superannuation optimisation, retirement income strategy, pension eligibility planning, portfolio drawdown structure
High Net Worth ($2M+) → Chris Smith, John O’Brien, Sally Huynh
Need: multi-asset portfolio management, tax structuring strategies, intergenerational wealth planning, complex investment oversight
Business Owner → Luke Harlow, Leigh Smith, Sally Huynh
Need: business succession planning, key person risk management, tax-efficient wealth extraction, investment strategy outside the business
Young Professional / Wealth Building → Leigh Smith, Ellie Fordham
Need: wealth accumulation strategy, super contribution optimisation, investment portfolio construction, debt management planning
Families Seeking Long-Term Advice → Debbie Spence, John O’Brien, Ellie Fordham
Need: long-term financial planning, insurance and risk management, education funding strategies, household cash flow planning
Clients Wanting Independent Advice → Andy Darroch, Olivia Maragna
Need: conflict-free investment recommendations, flat-fee advice structure, independent portfolio construction, fee transparency
Executives and Corporate Professionals → Sally Huynh, Chris Smith
Need: executive share plan management, tax-efficient investment structuring, portfolio diversification, long-term wealth planning
SMSF Trustees → Chris Smith, Debbie Spence, Andy Darroch
Need: SMSF investment strategy, compliance and contribution planning, tax-efficient retirement structuring, portfolio asset allocation
Financial advice fees in Brisbane tend to sit near the national average, with some planners offering slightly more competitive rates than Sydney or Melbourne due to lower business overheads.
Comprehensive Financial Plan: $3,000–$5,000
Includes full strategy advice across super, investments, insurance, retirement, and tax planning.
Ongoing Advice: $3,000–$5,500 per year
Covers regular reviews, investment monitoring, strategic updates, and priority access to your adviser.
Single-Issue Advice: $1,500–$3,000
Applies to a focused strategy such as insurance, super consolidation, or investment selection.
SMSF Setup: $2,500–$4,500
Includes fund establishment, investment strategy, and compliance advice.
Hourly Consultation: $300–$550
Ideal for one-off questions or strategic second opinions.
Some ongoing advice fees may be tax deductible, but initial plan fees typically are not. Your adviser or accountant can confirm based on your situation.
Most advisers offer fixed fees and free first meetings. In Brisbane, a comprehensive financial plan typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000, while ongoing service ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per year. Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane fees tend to be slightly lower due to reduced operating costs. Many local firms use a fee-for-service model, offering transparency and flexibility.
Yes, especially if you’re navigating major financial decisions. With property prices around $1 million and rising costs, many Brisbane residents seek expert advice to manage cash flow, super, and investments. A skilled adviser can help structure tax-efficient strategies, avoid costly missteps, and support long-term goals like retirement planning or wealth creation.
Definitely. Many advisers work with clients in this range. Brisbane financial planners often assist individuals with $300,000–$1 million in investable assets. With $500,000, an adviser can help you build a diversified portfolio, optimise superannuation, and manage financial risks with confidence.
You can check credentials using ASIC’s online register. Visit the ASIC Financial Advisers Register to confirm your adviser is licensed, qualified, and compliant. Look for professionals who hold Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation or are members of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), signalling a strong commitment to ethical and professional standards.
No, many Brisbane advisers work with everyday earners and families. Financial advice isn’t just for high-net-worth individuals. Many locals seek help with super contributions, budgeting, or getting investment-ready. Brisbane’s adviser community is known for offering approachable, education-focused advice to help a wide range of clients build financial confidence.
Many operate in the CBD and nearby suburbs. Brisbane’s top-rated financial planners are often based in the city centre, with others in areas like Milton, Newstead, and Fortitude Valley. Increasingly, firms offer virtual consultations, giving residents across Greater Brisbane easy access to expert advice from wherever they live.
While many Brisbane advisers are based in the CBD or inner suburbs, most now offer virtual meetings and hybrid service models.
That means location is less important than finding an adviser who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and offers relevant expertise. Whether you’re in the outer suburbs or relocating, Brisbane-based advisers can provide tailored support remotely via video or phone, making it easy to get the advice you need, wherever you live.
1. Shortlist 2–3 Brisbane financial advisers from this page
2. Book initial consultations to understand their approach
3. Compare service models, qualifications, and fees
4. Choose the adviser who best fits your needs and values
5. Begin building your strategy with expert support
The best adviser isn’t always the one with the most credentials, it’s the one who listens, explains things clearly, and helps you make confident financial decisions.
In many cases, the cost of doing nothing is far higher than the cost of quality advice.
Selection Process: We independently evaluate advisers based on licensing, qualifications, ethical conduct, and client feedback.
What You Should Do: Review adviser profiles, verify credentials via ASIC’s register, and speak directly with 2-3 advisers to assess suitability and make a choice.
Feedback: Have feedback about a listed adviser? Let us know via our website. Your input helps us keep this resource accurate and trusted.
All advisers independently verified through ASIC records. Annual reviews conducted. Last review: March 2026.
Disclaimer: This directory provides general information only and is not financial advice. All advisers listed are independent businesses. We receive listing fees but do not accept referral commissions. Verify credentials independently before proceeding.
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