With a judging panel including academics, business executives, entrepreneurs and innovators, the Australian Wealth Management Awards form peer-reviewed recognition of your capabilities in finance and passion for driving the industry forward.
Phil Anderson is the General Manager Policy, Advocacy and Standards at the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA). Phil was formerly the CEO and General Manager Policy and Professionalism at the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) prior to the merger with the FPA to create the FAAA. Phil has spent 11 years in the professional association policy and advocacy world, having been involved in all the major reforms since FoFA. Phil has been in the financial services industry for 30 years, having also worked with AMP, MLC, CFS and Netwealth.
Phil has a Bachelor and Masters of Commerce along with the DFS and ADFP.
James has been in the Financial Planning industry since 2000. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce (University of Western Australia), MBA (UWA Graduate School of Management) and Foundation Diploma of Financial Services (Deakin University), James joined the JustInvest team in 2007 and is an ethical investment specialist.
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Amie Baker is a nationally recognised and award-winning financial adviser known for her exceptional client outcomes and leadership within the profession. As the National Chair of the Financial Advice Association Australia's (FAAA) Inspire Community, Amie champions the advancement and empowerment of women in financial advice, fostering growth, connection, and excellence across the industry.
Amie holds the distinction of being the only woman to ever win the IFA Investment Adviser of the Year Award, a testament to her outstanding strategic insight and performance. Her accolades include:
Winner, 2022 AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award
Winner, 2023 IFA Investment Adviser of the Year
Winner, 2024 IFA Client Outcome of the Year
Winner, 2024 IFA Individual Excellence Award
Passionate about delivering personalised advice that transforms lives, Amie is also a dedicated mentor and thought leader, regularly contributing to industry discussions and initiatives that shape the future of financial advice in Australia. Her invitation to judge the Australian Wealth Awards reflects her high standing in the profession and her unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity.
Ian graduated from Deakin University with ‘Top Graduate for Queensland’ honours, winning the BT Prize & fourth overall in Australia and has held positions in both national and local planning organisations as Director, Business Owner and Senior Financial Planner.
Having won many licensee awards throughout his career, Ian's expertise most recently was acknowledged on a national stage, winning the IFA Excellence Award 'Regional Adviser of the Year' 2 years in a row, 2021 & 2022.
Ian is a CFP member of the Financial Planning Assoc and has been a board member of a national advisory board for the financial planning division of a 2nd tier International Accounting Affiliation.
He has particular expertise in strategies for high & ultra high net worth clients, combining inter-generation wealth transition & preservation with solid estate planning strategies, as well as investments, self-managed super funds, retiree and pre-retiree clients.
He is experienced in all facets of planning, dealing with multi-million dollar investment portfolios and client centric advice. Servicing a wide variety of clientele, Ian’s clients predominantly are high net worth retirees, business owners and professionals including clients in the areas of Accounting, Medicine, Law, Rural Landholders and Farmers, Ex-City Councilors, as well as CEOs and Directors of significant commerce.
Ian has been instrumental in founding and ensuring the success of six businesses & has accumulated a wealth of experience working closely with Accountants & high-level Lawyers to get the best client outcomes.
On a philanthropic note, Ian assists setting up Charitable Trusts / Private Ancillary Funds for ultra-high net worth families, as well as managing investment portfolios for Trustees of Court Ordered Protective Trusts for disabled children. On a pro-bono basis, Ian currently supports a multi-million dollar private foundation with time, experience and guidance as a Director at a board level.
Ian's typical client that he adds most value to has investible wealth of $2million through to $75million net of personal assets, is committed to tax effective intergenerational wealth transition and/or potentially philanthropic ideals.
Senior financial adviser helping Aussies all over the world achieve financial freedom.
Jeremy Danon has undertaken compliance work in a variety of businesses and industries – futures and securities broking, market regulatory, market making, foreign exchange, accounting, banking, insurance, managed investment schemes, Registered Schemes and remittance dealing. Jeremy Danon has gained an extensive insight in providing compliance expertise to a wide cross section of clients in the financial services industry, by virtue of his experience with boards, committees and management.
With formal qualifications in business, accounting and corporate governance, Jeremy Danon has maintained his competencies with memberships of the following industry bodies:
Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Master Member of the Stockbrokers and Financial Advisers Association.
After 25 years in the financial services sector, Michael now runs a group of companies operating in the energy efficient home sector. With National Awards across Design, Sustainable Housing and Documentation the group is a leading voice in the move to building energy efficient, healthy homes. He also uses his financial background to lead Research and Development programs in the sector.
I’m an entrepreneur, financial adviser, cross-fitter, and D&I activist; helping young professionals achieve financial freedom.
Prior to launching Fox & Hare, I was a Macquarie Banker for more than a decade!
I honed my craft in various roles from institutional broking to wealth management, finally leaving mid-2017 as one of the youngest Directors in the company.
Diversity and inclusion sits close to my heart. During my time at Macquarie, I often found myself wondering "where are all the advisers who look like me?"
Fox & Hare was launched to fill that gap. We saw young, diverse Australians being left behind and knew we could make a lasting and positive change.
We believed (and still believe!) that financial freedom should be accessible to all - not just the older, wealthier among us.
Since launching Fox & Hare I’ve:
And Fox & Hare was a finalist at the 2018 Sydney City Regional Business Awards.
When I’m not at our office in Darlinghurst, I am either at CrossFit, by the beach or travelling.
From defending highly sensitive military systems in international war zones to mitigating cyber risk in corporate environments; I've dedicated my career to protecting information and data against the actions of cyber threats, adversaries and malicious actors.
James McFall is the founding director of Yield Financial Planning. His main roles include chairing the Yield investment committee and leading the business to ensure Yield remains at the forefront of best practice Financial Planning advice in Australia. He holds a Master of Commerce (Financial Planning), Graduate Certificate of Commerce (Financial Planning) and a Diploma of Financial Advising. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), has a Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate), is SMSF accredited and is a passionate advocate of the Financial Planning industry.
Kristopher has been a self-employed Financial Adviser and business entrepreneur since 2012. Prior to giving financial advice, he oversaw the back office operations of an advisory firm.
Obtaining registration as an adviser in 2012 at the age of 20, Kristopher became one of the youngest advisers in his licensee group and in the country. Currently studying his postgraduate degree in financial planning, he has furthered his education by completing a postgraduate degree in Strategic Leadership while also becoming a tax financial adviser. His journey led to the establishment of a successful financial planning business in Melbourne before he embarked on establishing Wealtheon independently.
As a family-operated enterprise, Wealtheon is at the forefront of setting new standards in customer service. This dedication was acknowledged through accolades such as winning the Australian Small Business Champion in Financial Services in 2023 as well as National finalist in the 2023 IFA Excellence Awards, the 2024 Wealth Management Awards and additionally, in the 2021 Independent Financial Advice Excellence Awards, Kristopher was honored with the Client Service Individual of the Year award and was a finalist in six categories.
His mission is to provide clients with financial advice coupled with unparalleled service and life changing outcomes.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Kristopher and his wife, Lauren, manage Huxter Estate, a small vineyard in Redbank with the aim of producing exceptional wine to share and savor with others.
Mark O’Flynn is the Managing Director at Oxlade Financial. He has been in the industry since 2005, and has been practicing as an Independent Advisor since 2015. Mark was recognised as one of the 50 most influential Financial Advisers in Australia in the 2023 FS Power 50 Awards, and was also named as a Finalist for the Investment Adviser of the Year category in the ifa Excellence Awards 2023.
Mark holds both the Certified Financial Planner® and Chartered Financial Analyst® qualifications. He also has a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Accounting), and has completed a Diploma in Financial Planning. Mark is a member of the FAAA’s Professional Standards & Conduct Committee, and also has specialist SMSF accreditation.
His extensive qualifications and experience are coupled with a true passion for improving the lives of his valued clients. Mark has worked with most of his clients for many years, and he places great value on these long-term, rewarding relationships. Mark is driven to provide transparent and holistic advice, and seeks to apply his knowledge to help families have a better financial future. As a husband, father and business owner, he understands the financial complexities and pressures that families can face, and recognises the difference that good advice can make.
Mark’s performance was also recognised in the FPA Awards in 2021, where he was named as Finalist in the Certified Financial Planner® Professional of the Year Award, and also in the 2018 Money Management Awards (Financial Planner of the Year finalist), the 2018 PlanPlus Global Financial Planning Awards (second runner up), and the 2017 SMSF & Accounting Awards (Investment Strategist of the Year).
Rob Pizzichetta is a seasoned financial professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial markets, including more than five years dedicated to wealth advisory services. In 2022, he founded Mont Wealth Advisors Pty Ltd, a boutique, independent wealth advisory firm based in Melbourne, Australia.
Prior to establishing Mont Wealth, Rob held various roles in stockbroking and wealth management, advising Australia's leading superannuation funds, active managers, and high-net-worth individuals. His extensive background has equipped him with the expertise to navigate clients through diverse market cycles, emphasizing strategic asset allocation to maximize returns during prosperous periods and stabilise capital during volatility.
At Mont Wealth, Rob serves as the principal advisor and chairs the Investment Committee. He is known for his communicative and dedicated approach, ensuring clients receive personalized financial investment advice tailored to their unique wealth goals. Rob is also co-invested in each model portfolio offered by the firm, aligning his interests with those of his clients.
Beyond his advisory role, Rob shares his insights through the ""Pizz-Spectives"" podcast, where he discusses investment and superannuation strategies, interviews top fund managers, and explores the latest economic trends.
Rob Pizzichetta's commitment to providing high-level advice combined with cutting-edge investment solutions has positioned Mont Wealth as a trusted partner for individuals seeking comprehensive financial guidance.
Steve Prendeville is the founder and Managing Director of Forte Asset Solutions, Forte Licensing Solutions and Forte Consulting Solutions. Forte’s Asset Solutions core activity is selling financial services businesses. Forte Licensing Solutions assist practices to find the right Dealer group or become self- licenced. Forte Consulting Solutions assists business to grow.
Steve has enjoyed a successful 30 plus year career in financial services.
Steve was a Partner in Deloitte and CEO of DFS Financial Services a HNW Advisory Group. After selling DFS Steve created Australia’s first specialist financial services M&A group.
Steve is a member of the International Association of Consultants, Valuators and Analysts.
Barron's Top 100 Adviser in 2022 and 2023, Hugh is of Australia's leading financial advisers to high net wealth families. In 2018 was the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) Financial Adviser of the Year. Considered one of the most trusted advisers in the industry, Hugh is the founder and principal of Centaur Financial Services, with clients all over Australia.
Warren has had a diverse background, from serving in the army, being a secondary teacher, lecturing, and providing financial planning and taxation advice.
Warren is the Founder of the 'Find Group' of companies offering the following services: Accounting, Financial planning, VA & CA services, Networking and Marketing.
As a professional accountant and award-winning advisor, Warren's passion is to improve his client's financial netwealth, help his client's secure their financial future and provide them with support when they need it. In the financial planning space, Warren loves working with pre-retiree and those already retired.
Warren is also the Founder of the Find Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation that owns and operates community papers across Victoria. The community papers provide support to other NFPs, schools, clubs and other associations, as well as supporting SME and other businesses in their respective local communities. It is a way of bringing everyone together in one place and supporting all things local. Warren is looking forward to launching his new fundraising initiative in 2024 to help support all groups within the local community.
Warren's aim is to make a positive difference in as many people's lives as possible through his work and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Aaron Wijesinghe is the Advice Coach at Pivot Wealth, where he leads the training and development of advisers and associates across the firm. Aaron oversees advice strategy and professional development, with a focus on helping advisers drive better client outcomes.
He brings close to a decade of experience advising high-performing professionals and HNW families, and has been recognised as a two-time finalist for Young Adviser of the Year. Aaron holds a Masters in Financial Planning and a Bachelor of Applied Finance and Economics. Having been a Senior Adviser, he applies this foundation to lift the quality of advice delivery through structured coaching and continuous improvement, with a commitment to improving the standard of advice across the industry.
Outside work, Aaron enjoys running, travelling, and spending time with his wife and son.
