The Best Financial Advisors and Planners in Sydney
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Sydney’s median house price of around $1.4–$1.5 million, combined with living costs estimated to be 15–20% above the national average, means many households are making significant financial decisions about property, superannuation, and long-term wealth. In a city with high incomes, complex tax considerations, and large super balances approaching retirement, working with a qualified Sydney financial adviser can help bring clarity to investment strategy, retirement planning, and broader wealth management decisions.
Industry research consistently shows that Australians who seek professional financial advice report higher levels of financial confidence and stronger retirement preparedness compared with those managing complex financial decisions on their own.
We’ve featured our top 10 recommended financial planners in Sydney. Each adviser is vetted to ensure you can confidently choose from Sydney’s most qualified and reputable financial planners — top-rated professionals who combine experience, integrity, and local insight to help you manage, grow, and protect your financial future.
✓ Minimum 5 years experience (most have 15+ years)
✓ ASIC licensed and verified
✓ Hold CFP® or equivalent advanced qualifications
✓ Positive client reviews
✓ Clean compliance record
✓ Active professional development
All advisers independently verified through ASIC records. Last review: February 2026.
Professional financial advice isn’t just for high-net-worth individuals. Many Sydney residents benefit from structured guidance when navigating major financial decisions.
☑ Are within 5-10 years of retirement
☑ Have $300,000+ in super without a clear strategy
☑ Recently received an inheritance or windfall ($100,000+)
☑ Own a business needing succession planning
☑ Earn over $180,000 household income (tax optimization opportunities)
☑ Are navigating divorce or relationship separation
☑ Want to establish an SMSF but aren’t sure if it’s right
☑ Need Age Pension optimization
☑ Are planning for aged care costs
Not sure? Most advisers offer a free initial consultation to assess fit.
| Adviser | Experience | Key Specialisation | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brenton Tong | SMSF, FIRE, Tax Strategies | English | |
| Cameron Howlett | SMSF, Retirement, Independent Advice | English | |
| Chris Smith | High Net Worth, Family Office | English | |
| Andy Darroch | Superannuation, Investment, Tax | English | |
| Gareth Colgan | Aged Care, Estate Planning | English | |
| John Hollyman | Business Planning, Aged Care, Trust Structures | English | |
| Matt Dragovic | Goal Setting, Property Strategy | English | |
| David Hancock | Property Strategy, Holistic Planning | English | |
| Ellie Fordham | SMSF, Goals-Based Planning, Values-Based Advice | English | |
| John Kuo | ASX Investments, Family Wealth | English, Mandarin |
Advisor Since: 2001 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2000 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2017 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2017 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2001 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2011 | experience | LinkedIn
Advisor Since: 2003 | experience | LinkedIn
Retiring in Next 5 Years → Brenton Tong, Cameron Howlett, Gareth Colgan, Ellie Fordham
Need: Age Pension optimization, income drawdown strategy, longevity planning
High Net Worth ($2M+) → Chris Smith, John Hollyman
Need: Estate planning, family office services, tax structures
Want to Establish SMSF → Cameron Howlett, Ellie Fordham, Chris Smith, Brenton Tong
Need: SMSF setup, compliance, investment strategy
Business Owner → John Hollyman, Brenton Tong, Chris Smith
Need: Business structuring, exit planning, wealth extraction
Property Investor → David Hancock, Matt Dragovic
Need: Debt structuring, tax optimization, portfolio strategy
Young Professional / FIRE → Brenton Tong, Ellie Fordham, Andy Darroch
Need: Aggressive wealth building, tax optimization, early retirement
Aged Care Planning → Gareth Colgan, John Hollyman
Need: RAD/DAP strategy, estate planning, means testing
Mandarin Speaking → John Kuo
Need: Bilingual advice with cultural understanding
Financial advice fees vary depending on complexity, service scope, and adviser experience. In Sydney, fees tend to sit toward the higher end of national ranges due to higher operating costs and the complexity of many clients’ financial situations.
Comprehensive Financial Plan: $2,000–$5,000
Typically includes retirement projections, investment strategy, superannuation review, risk assessment, tax considerations, and a written Statement of Advice.
Ongoing Advice: $3,000–$5,000 per year
Regular reviews, portfolio monitoring, strategy adjustments, and continued access to professional support.
Single-Issue Advice: $1,500–$3,500
Focused advice on matters such as retirement readiness, super consolidation, portfolio review, insurance analysis, or aged care planning.
SMSF Setup: $3,000–$7,000
Includes suitability assessment, establishment, compliance framework, and investment strategy preparation.
Hourly Consultation: $300–$550 per hour
Suitable for targeted advice, second opinions, or specific financial questions.
Some ongoing investment-related advice fees may be tax deductible. Initial plan preparation fees are generally not. Your adviser or accountant can clarify your specific situation.
Comprehensive financial advice in Sydney typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000 for an initial plan, with ongoing services averaging around $4,000 to $5,000 per year. Because operating costs are higher in Sydney, fees here tend to sit toward the upper end of the national range.
Many firms offer a complimentary first meeting or a low-cost initial consultation, and hourly rates usually range from $300 to $550 depending on experience and complexity.
Yes, most Australians who use a financial planner report higher confidence, better retirement outcomes, and greater peace of mind. Studies show advised clients are significantly more likely to feel financially secure and on track for their goals. Good advice can often save or earn you far more than the fee itself over time.
Absolutely. Many investment advisers and retirement planners in Sydney specialise in helping clients with $300,000–$1 million in investable assets. With $500,000, a planner can structure your superannuation, investments, and cash flow to grow your wealth strategically and optimise for tax efficiency and retirement goals.
Check the ASIC Financial Advisers Register: https://moneysmart.gov.au/financial-advice/financial-advisers-register
This register shows licence status, qualifications, experience, and compliance history. Look for advisers who hold recognised credentials such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation and membership with the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), which indicates strong professional standards.
All Sydney advisers on this page have been verified through ASIC.
Your first meeting with a Sydney financial adviser (typically 30-60 minutes, usually free) covers:
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of fees and process, with no obligation to proceed.
Many of Sydney’s leading financial advisers are based in the CBD and Barangaroo, close to the city’s major financial and business hubs. You’ll also find highly regarded financial planners in North Sydney, Parramatta, Chatswood, and the Sutherland Shire.
Virtual consultations: Most Sydney advisers offer Zoom/Teams meetings, so location matters less than finding the right fit.
Most advisers offer comprehensive virtual services. Video consultations work well for ongoing reviews and most planning needs. Some clients prefer in-person initial meetings but continue virtually afterward.
Technology enables excellent service regardless of geography—focus on finding the right adviser rather than proximity.
1. Review advisers above and shortlist 2-3 who match your needs
2. Book free initial consultations (no obligation)
3. Compare fees, approach, and personal fit
4. Choose the adviser you feel most comfortable with
5. Begin your financial planning journey
The best financial adviser isn’t the one with the most credentials or lowest fees, it’s the one who understands your situation, communicates clearly, operates with integrity, and has relevant expertise.
The cost of inaction—through sub-optimal decisions, high fees, and missed opportunities—is almost always higher than the cost of quality advice.
Selection Process: We identify ASIC-licensed advisers, verify qualifications and compliance, and assess experience, specializations, and client reviews. Only advisers meeting strict standards are featured.
You should: Interview 2-3 advisers, verify ASIC licenses yourself, ask about fees directly, and trust your instincts about fit.
Feedback: Reach out to us through the website contact form.
All advisers independently verified through ASIC records. Annual reviews conducted. Last review: February 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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