The Best Financial Advisors and Planners in Canberra
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Canberra is home to a young, highly educated population and a strong professional workforce, making financial planning an important part of life for many residents. The city’s economy is driven by government, professional services, health, and education, and households consistently record some of the highest income levels in Australia. Property prices remain among the most expensive of any capital, with home values rising nearly 29% in five years, while the cost of living—especially food—sits well above national averages.
In this environment, trusted and experienced Canberra financial advisers help professionals, public servants, and business owners manage wealth, superannuation, and housing goals. Whether planning for retirement or navigating defined-benefit schemes, reputable advisers provide clarity and confidence for lasting financial security.
Our list features Canberra’s most reputable financial planners, each 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 reviewed qualifications, independence, transparency, experience, and client feedback to identify the best financial advisers in Canberra. This trusted group represents local experts in personal advice, retirement planning, and investment management—professionals who combine integrity, skill, and genuine care so you can confidently choose an adviser suited to your goals.
Thomson Wealth helps high-income professionals, senior public servants, and successful business owners take control of their financial future—without the stress and complexity.
Led by Gianna Thomson, a Certified Financial Planner® with over 20 years of experience in superannuation and financial services, this Canberra-based firm provides strategic, personalised financial advice. As a trusted Financial Advisor, Gianna works with clients who are time-poor but ambitious—juggling careers, businesses, families, and lifestyle goals.
Thomson Wealth is especially known for its deep expertise in public sector superannuation, including complex defined benefit schemes.
Business owners with trusts and companies also value the firm’s guidance on structuring their finances, building tax-effective wealth, and planning for succession.
From retirement planning and investing in professionally managed share portfolios and property, to funding children’s education and first home deposits, Thomson Wealth delivers advice that is clear, actionable, and tailored to each family’s goals.
The Family Chief Financial Officer service is designed to act as a key member of your financial board—collaborating with accountants, lawyers and other professionals to provide coordinated advice that saves time, reduces hassle, and brings peace of mind.
Book a complimentary 15-minute chat with this Canberra-based Financial Planner and feel confident about your financial future.
Areas of Expertise
Client testimonials
Irene, Academic – “Gianna is the best financial advisor of three that I have known. She has skilfully determined the optimal strategies to maximise our retirement income, providing my husband and I peace of mind about our retirement. I wish that I had met Gianna years ago!”
Rob, Business Owner – “Gianna has helped my wife and I get our financial life back on track when we never would have ourselves. Gianna was also an essential team member helping our small business survive through Covid Lockdowns/closedown period. Gianna is professional and personable”
Tim, Accountant – “Gianna has given me advice since I had a career change and was contemplating a redundancy payment. Gianna is always very prompt in responding to my questions and takes an interest in understanding my life goals as part of getting a full conversation on how my family and I could structure our finances that was aligned to what we wanted. I have always found Gianna to be an extremely good listener and she complements that with good advice which is always very well explained so that I am comfortable in making decisions, backed up by her technical and industry knowledge. Gianna is always prompt, courteous, and extremely professional and it is a pleasure having her as our financial adviser.”
Office
38 Allan Street Curtin, Canberra ACT
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
Canberra Advice Financial Planning is a privately owned financial planning service. Our goal is to put you in a better financial position that is going to lift your lifestyle with our expert advice.
Our principal adviser, Serhan Mackey, refined her professional skills as a financial planner through 14 years of experience with leading financial services firms including AXA, BT, MLC, Industry Fund Services and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Serhan built a reputation as an expert and respected adviser. After helping over a thousand clients achieve their goals, Serhan established Canberra Advice in 2021.
The planning industry is slowly evolving into a profession and Serhan is at the forefront of this change. She is highly educated and technically capable and professionally and commercially astute. She has a bachelors degree in Education, a Masters of Business, a Masters of Financial Planning and Serhan has successfully completed the FASEA financial adviser exam.
Serhan is a highly skilled wealth strategist with expertise in specialist areas including Defined Benefit Schemes, Industry super funds and self-managed super funds. In 2015, she was one of the key advisors of an award winning financial planning team providing Defined Benefit Superannuation advice to Australian Public Servants and the Defence community.
Serhan is currently on the board of the ACT Public Trustee as an honorary member serving a second 3 year term and she was on the Australian Defence Force preferred advisor panel for 2 years
Serhan is also passionate about increasing financial literacy among women and helping to reduce the wealth gap between men and women.
Office
258/44 Constitution Ave, Parkes
Sean was a partner of WalterTurnbull from 1997 to 2010. In June of 2010, following the merger of WalterTurnbull and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sean and Alison Smith acquired the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Business that is known today as ASET Wealth Management.
Sean has over 28 years experience in Business Advisory, Wealth Management, Superannuation, Taxation and Consultancy for small to medium enterprises and individuals. Sean’s background as a practicing Chartered Accountant prior to becoming a Certified Financial Planner results in him being able to bring extensive taxation and business experience to the area of Financial Planning which benefits his clients in a broad range of areas.
Sean brings with him a degree of professionalism and expertise. He is very personable and charismatic whilst always taking the time to listen to others.
For Sean, rugby is a way of life. He was the Chairman of the ACT Brumbies from May 2005 until December 2014. He is a keen supporter of all sporting codes. He is married to Tanya and together they have 3 daughters; Tessa and twins Ruby and Matilda. Being the only male in a family with four girls has broadened Sean’s perspective on life and increased his repertoire of stories.
Qualifications
Memberships
Office
Ground Floor, 39 Brisbane Ave, BARTON ACT 2600.
Bernard has over 14 yrs experience in the Banking and Financial Services industry. Bernard has previously been an Adviser and held Senior Management roles within the industry. Bernard’s experience brings a balanced approach to dealing with clients facing change and seeking financial security. Bernard has been involved in local sport as both a player and coach for many years in Rugby, Rugby League and Cricket. Bernard is married to Alison and have, Jack, Ellie and Harry to look after them in old age.
Specialisations
Qualifications and Memberships
Office
Level 1, Unit 9/37 Kesteven St, Florey, ACT 2615, Australia
Certified Financial Planner®, B Econ, Masters Commerce (FinPlan)
I am the Practice Principal and partnered with Richard Navakas in October 2011.
I specialise in providing advice to high net worth individuals, in particular senior executives who are transitioning into retirement.
Qualifications & Memberships
Areas of Expertise
I am the Practice Principal. I have been a Certified Financial Planner since 1998 and have worked in various management and technical roles for over 17 years.
I previously spent over 5 years working as a Senior Financial Planner within the Private Wealth division of Macquarie Bank and prior to this I managed the Sydney Financial Planning Team at the consulting firm, Watson Wyatt.
Coincidentally, my first ‘real’ job after finishing at ANU in the mid 1990’s was working as a paraplanner with Hillross in their Sydney head office.
My qualifications include a Bachelor of Economics from ANU and a Masters of Commerce from UWS in financial planning. I have lectured in Financial Planning at the University of Technology in Sydney and continue to be an active member of the Certified Financial Planners education taskforce.
I specialise in providing advice to high net worth individuals, in particular senior executives who are transitioning into retirement.
My main areas of expertise include self managed super funds and direct equity advice, as well as wealth creation, retirement planning and insurance.
I am a member of Mensa Australia and enjoy playing golf, other sports and keeping my young daughter Molly out of mischief.
Andrew’s ideas of Financial Freedom
My idea of Financial Freedom is to retire to the coast and play 3 games of golf per week.
Office
Level 3, AMP Building 1 Hobart Place, Canberra City, ACT 2601
Certified Financial Planner®
Manifest Financial Wealth Pty Ltd was established by Paul Zobonos, a 15 year veteran of the financial planning industry.
Paul, has demonstrated a long standing commitment to delivering a high level of service with integrity and technical expertise over his career. The secret to his success has been the ability to develop a deep understanding of his clients goals, tailoring solutions to achieve these goals and maintaining long standing relationships.
Paul is a Certified Financial Planner, the highest designation in financial planning in the world. A CFP designation requires a commitment to higher standards of education, ethics and professionalism than is required by law.
They aim to provide a high service standard no matter what your level of financial assets. This service standard is made possible due to scaleable back-office systems which have been developed in conjunction with their business partners.
Office
Suite 12, Birubi Chambers, Hawker Shops, 121 Hawker Place, HAWKER ACT 26014
Michael Radnedge has been a member of the financial services industry for over 20 years. Commencing in 2000, he has worked in a variety of roles within the sector, and recently transitioned his advisory practice into ASET Wealth.
Michael focuses on providing non-conflicted, tailored strategic advice, coupled with a focus on compatible investment solutions. He brings positivity and passion to client interactions and seeks to provide an engaging and educational advice outcome to all clients.
Michael is proud to call Canberra home, completing all school and university studies in the nation’s capital. He is a keen Brumbies supporter and has coached at the Gungahlin Eagles Rugby Union Club for a number of years. He is also a proud supporter of the Canberra Raiders. In summer he can be found on Surf Patrol at Mollymook Beach, with his wife Josie and children Madeleine and Hugo nearby.
Qualifications & Memberships
Office
Ground Floor, 39 Brisbane Avenue, Barton ACT 2600
Jeremy Gillman-Wells is a fully qualified and widely experienced Certified Financial Adviser. He is a regular guest speaker at investment forums, writes for investment magazines and provides a financial education program for Canberra schools.
Jeremy maintains a passionate concern for not only technical financial planning excellence, but honesty and transparency in the manner in which clients’ affairs are managed.
Adherence to this philosophy has won Jeremy the privilege of serving the needs of both individual and corporate business clients.
In 2007, Jeremy was recognised as a leader in retirement planning strategies and advice methodology by being named as the National Winner of the prestigious Financial Planning Association Award for Pre-Retirement Planning. The business has also won multiple other awards for financial planning excellence. In 2014, Jeremy was named the ACT Certified Financial Adviser of the Year.
Living in Canberra for over 25 years has also allowed Jeremy to develop a strong understanding of the needs of public service employees and their families, and a comprehensive knowledge of public service superannuation benefit schemes.
Jeremy is married to Joanna and they share their life outside the financial planning world with Reuben and Lilla on a 40 acre rural property.
Office
Level 1, 29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Catherine has had over 20 years experience in Taxation, business, SMSF’s, finance and property investment. She holds an Accounting Degree and a Masters degree in Taxation and was recognised by the Certified Practitioners of
Australia (CPA) Society as a ‘Specialist in Taxation’ in 2001. She spent 11 years with the Australian Taxation Office as a senior Audit manager and a Fraud Investigator
After leaving the ATO Catherine established an Accounting practice in Ulladulla in 2002 and then relocated the practice to Canberra in 2006. Catherine is a member of FBAA, a Fellow of the NTAA and a member of PIPA. She also holds a Diploma of Financial Planning, a Diploma of Mortgage Broking and Finance, a Diploma of Real Estate, a Masters Degree in Taxation and a Degree in Accounting. She is also a Justice of Peace and Certified Results and Master Results Coach.
Most importantly Catherine is a passionate Property investor. She bought her first property when she was 17 and has brought and sold over 20 properties in the last 20 years. She currently maintains a large property portfolio and has properties in ACT, NSW, Qld and Vic. She holds both residential and commercial properties and her aim is to retire to the coast and live financially independent through the capital growth on her property portfolio.
Catherine made many mistakes during her investing career and her main goal is to help her clients not make the same mistakes.
Along with a busy career, Catherine is raising four young children and knows the importance of children to our future.
Office
5/44 Hoskins St, Mitchell, ACT 2911
Financial advice costs in Canberra reflect both the city’s high professional standards and its strong economy. Most experienced Canberra financial planners charge between $3,000 and $5,000 for a comprehensive financial plan, with ongoing advice packages typically $2,000 to $5,000 per year. Fees can vary depending on your situation. For example, retirement planning, investment management, or public service superannuation advice may involve more detailed work.
Because Canberra has one of the nation’s highest average incomes, many firms focus on value-driven, fixed-fee models to ensure transparency and trust. Top-rated financial advisers often include an initial consultation at little or no cost so you can explore your goals before committing to full personal advice.
Yes. Many experienced financial advisers in Canberra specialise in superannuation and retirement strategies, particularly for public servants with defined-benefit schemes such as CSS and PSS. These qualified professionals can explain pension entitlements, optimise contributions, and structure retirement income effectively. Working with an expert retirement planner ensures you make informed, tax-efficient choices for lasting financial security.
There’s no perfect age to seek financial advice. Many Canberra residents engage a financial adviser in their 30s or 40s to manage mortgages, investments, and superannuation, while others connect with a retirement planner in their 50s or 60s. The earlier you start, the more time your adviser has to help grow and protect your wealth, though expert guidance can add value at any stage of life.
Start by checking the ASIC Financial Adviser Register to confirm licensing and qualifications. Look for a Canberra financial planner who holds Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) status or is a member of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA). Reputable, experienced advisers often highlight independence, fee transparency, and strong client feedback.
You can also compare verified reviews or explore our list of the best financial advisers in Canberra to find a trusted professional suited to your goals.
Bring details of your income, expenses, debts, superannuation, and investments so your adviser can understand your full financial picture. Canberra financial planners use this information to tailor advice around your goals, from saving for property to retirement planning.
You’ll also have a chance to ask questions about fees, services, and ongoing support—helping you choose an adviser who feels like a trusted, professional partner in your financial journey.
Most of the best financial advisers in Canberra are based in the inner north and city centre, with others operating from professional hubs in Barton and Kingston.
Increasingly, Canberra financial planners offer virtual appointments, allowing clients to access qualified, expert advice wherever they live across the ACT. This flexibility makes wealth management and personal advice more accessible to busy professionals and families.
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