The Best Financial Advisors and Planners in Canberra
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Home | The Best Financial Planners In Canberra
Canberra’s high household incomes, strong public sector employment, and property prices that remain among Australia’s highest continue to shape financial decision-making for many residents. With living costs above the national average and complex superannuation structures common among public servants, structured financial planning is increasingly important for managing long-term wealth, retirement outcomes, and tax efficiency.
Industry research shows Australians who receive professional financial advice tend to report greater financial confidence and improved preparedness for retirement compared to those making decisions alone.
We independently reviewed a shortlist of Canberra financial advisers to identify a group of professionals who meet consistent standards across experience, qualifications, and client outcomes. Our goal is to help you confidently compare and choose from a curated list of the top 10 financial planners in Canberra.
✓ Minimum 5 years experience
✓ ASIC licensed and verified
✓ Hold CFP® or equivalent advanced qualifications
✓ Verified client reviews
✓ Clean compliance record
✓ Ongoing professional development
All advisers independently verified through ASIC records. Last review: April 2026.
Financial advice becomes more relevant as your finances grow in size or complexity.
☑ Are within 5–10 years of retirement
☑ Have significant super without a clear strategy
☑ Recently received an inheritance or windfall
☑ Own a business and need succession planning
☑ Earn a high household income with tax planning needs
☑ Are navigating divorce or separation
☑ Want to establish an SMSF
☑ Need Age Pension optimisation
☑ Are planning for aged care
Not sure? Many Canberra financial advisers offer an initial consultation at low or no cost, allowing you to explore whether advice is appropriate before committing.
| Adviser | Experience | Key Specialisation |
|---|---|---|
| Gianna Thomson | Defined benefit super, Retirement planning, Business structuring | |
| Ellie Fordham | Goals-based planning, Superannuation strategy, SMSF advice | |
| Andrew Saikal-Skea | Defined benefit super, Independent advice, Wealth structuring | |
| George Collie | Investment portfolio management, Retirement planning, SMSF | |
| Andrew Jones | Direct equities, SMSF strategy, Retirement planning | |
| Paul Zobonos | Financial planning, Client strategy, Ongoing advice | |
| Michael Radnedge | Investment strategy, Financial planning, Client education | |
| Jeremy Gillman-Wells | Retirement planning, Public sector super, Financial education | |
| Serhan Mackey | Defined benefit super, Wealth strategy, Superannuation advice | |
| Andrew Lao | Cash flow planning, Debt strategy, Financial planning |
Advisor Since: 1996 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2004 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2001 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2007 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2008 | experience | LinkedIn
Retiring in Next 5 Years → Gianna Thomson, Jeremy Gillman-Wells, Andrew Jones, George Collie
Need: retirement income modelling, super drawdown strategy, defined benefit optimisation, sequencing risk management
Public Servants / Defined Benefit Super → Andrew Saikal-Skea, George Collie, Serhan Mackey, Gianna Thomson
Need: CSS/PSS scheme interpretation, pension entitlement modelling, rollover decisions, contribution strategy
High Net Worth ($2M+) → George Collie, Andrew Jones, Gianna Thomson
Need: portfolio construction, tax structuring, direct equity strategy, intergenerational wealth planning
Business Owners and Complex Structures → Andrew Lao, Gianna Thomson, George Collie
Need: business and personal cash flow integration, debt structuring, succession planning, tax-aware strategy
Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Setup → Andrew Saikal-Skea, Andrew Jones, Serhan Mackey
Need: SMSF establishment, trustee obligations, compliance requirements, investment structuring
Independent / Fee-Only Advice → Andrew Saikal-Skea
Need: fee transparency, conflict-free recommendations, strategy-first advice, product neutrality
Investment Portfolio Construction → George Collie, Andrew Jones, Michael Radnedge
Need: asset allocation, direct equity selection, risk profiling, portfolio diversification
Debt, Cash Flow, and Financial Organisation → Andrew Lao, Michael Radnedge
Need: budgeting, debt reduction strategy, cash flow management, financial structuring
Financial advice fees in Canberra typically sit in the mid-to-upper national range, reflecting the city’s higher incomes and the complexity of advice often required, particularly for public sector superannuation and retirement planning. Costs vary based on scope, structure, and the level of ongoing support required.
Comprehensive Financial Plan: $3,000–$6,500
Includes fact-finding, strategy development, superannuation review, retirement modelling, and preparation of formal advice documents.
Ongoing Advice: $2,000–$5,500 per year
Covers annual reviews, portfolio monitoring, strategy updates, and ongoing access to your adviser.
Single-Issue Advice: $1,500–$4,000
Focused advice such as super contribution strategy, investment review, or insurance assessment.
SMSF Setup: $5,000–$12,000
Includes establishment, compliance setup, investment structure design, and trustee guidance.
Hourly Consultation: $250–$500 per hour
Used for second opinions, limited advice, or targeted financial questions.
Some ongoing investment-related advice fees may be tax deductible, depending on the nature of the advice. Initial plan preparation fees are generally not deductible. Always confirm with your adviser or accountant.
Most comprehensive financial plans in Canberra cost between $3,000 and $5,000. Ongoing advice services are typically priced between $2,000 and $5,000 per year, depending on the level of support and complexity involved.
Fees vary based on your situation. Retirement planning, SMSFs, or defined benefit super advice often require more detailed analysis, which can increase costs. It’s important to focus on what is included rather than comparing price alone, as scope and service levels differ between advisers.
Yes, superannuation and retirement planning are core services provided by most Canberra advisers. This is particularly relevant for public servants with defined benefit schemes such as CSS or PSS.
Advisers can help structure contributions, model retirement income, and optimise tax outcomes. Because retirement decisions can have long-term consequences, these strategies are usually supported by detailed analysis and formal advice documentation.
There is no single “right” age to seek financial advice. Most people engage a financial adviser when their finances become more complex, such as buying property, growing investments, or preparing for retirement.
In Canberra, many professionals first seek advice in their 30s or 40s, while others wait until their 50s to focus on retirement planning. The key factor is complexity rather than age.
Start by verifying the adviser’s licence and qualifications through the ASIC Financial Advisers Register. This confirms they are authorised to provide personal financial advice in Australia.
You can access the register here:
https://moneysmart.gov.au/financial-advice/financial-advisers-register
Look for advisers with relevant experience, transparent fee structures, and qualifications such as CFP® certification. Comparing two or three advisers can help clarify differences in service, approach, and communication style.
Bring a summary of your income, expenses, superannuation, investments, and debts. This helps your adviser understand your financial position and determine whether personal advice is appropriate.
You don’t need perfect documentation upfront at your first meeting, but having recent statements and a clear outline of your goals will make the conversation more productive and reduce delays if you proceed.
Most Canberra financial advisers are based in the city centre, Barton, and Kingston. These areas form the main professional and advisory hubs.
Many firms now offer virtual meetings, allowing clients across the ACT to access financial advice without needing to travel. This flexibility has become standard across the industry and does not change regulatory requirements.
You do not need to live in Canberra to work with a Canberra-based financial adviser. Many firms now operate using a mix of virtual and in-person meetings, allowing clients to access advice regardless of location.
Video meetings, secure document sharing, and digital reporting tools mean most of the financial planning process can be completed remotely. For many Australians, this expands access to advisers with the right expertise rather than limiting choice to nearby firms.
Location can still matter for personal preference, but adviser fit, experience, and communication style are usually more important than geography.
1. Shortlist two or three advisers
2. Book initial consultations
3. Compare fees, services, and approach
4. Assess communication style and personal fit
5. Choose an adviser and begin planning
The best financial adviser is not simply the most qualified or the lowest cost, but someone who understands your situation, communicates clearly, and provides advice aligned with your goals.
Delaying financial decisions can carry its own cost, and in many cases, the cost of inaction is higher than the cost of quality financial advice.
Selection Process: We independently assess financial advisers based on licensing, qualifications, experience, and compliance standards.
What You Should Do: Review adviser profiles carefully, verify credentials using the ASIC Financial Advisers Register, and speak directly with advisers to determine suitability for your circumstances.
Feedback: If you have feedback about any listed adviser, please contact us via our website.
All advisers independently verified through ASIC records. Annual reviews conducted. Last review: April 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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