- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors (GAICD)
- Master of Finan
★★★★★ 1000+ 5 star Google Reviews
Specialty Areas: Advice for women, Family financial planning, Wealth management, Cash flow & budgeting
Specialty Areas: Investment portfolio management, Superannuation, Retirement planning, Redundancy payments, Inheritances, SMSFs, High net worth advice, Defined benefit pensions





Specialty Areas: Aged Care Specialist

Specialty Areas: Retirement Savings Accounts, SMSF, Life Insurance, Managed Investment Schemes


Fees vary by practice and by how complex your situation is. Most Canberra advisors on this list charge either a flat annual advice fee or an hourly rate — Rise Financial, for example, offers an initial financial checkup for a stated fee of $550. The best way to know your actual cost is to ask for a written quote during your first meeting, many of which are free or low-cost (Thomson Wealth, for instance, offers a complimentary 15-minute chat to start). For a full breakdown of typical fee structures, see our guide: Financial Planner Costs in Australia.
Every advisor featured has at least 10 years' industry experience, holds an award or recognition from a professional body (such as the Financial Planning Association of Australia or the AFR Smart Investor Masterclass), and has a strong track record of positive client feedback. Many also hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) designation, the highest professional standard in the industry. You can read our full methodology on the How We Choose page.
In Australia the two titles are used interchangeably and both refer to a professional licensed to give personal financial advice. What matters more than the title is whether they hold a CFP® designation, how many years of experience they have, and whether their advice is tied to a particular institution's products or genuinely independent — all of which are noted in each advisor's profile above.
Yes. Given Canberra's large public service and Defence presence, several advisors on this list have particular expertise in government-related super schemes, including the CSS, PSS, MSBS and DFRDB. Andrew Saikal-Skea at Saikal-Skea Independent Financial Advice works extensively with public servants, military personnel and retirees navigating these schemes, and Thomson Wealth is known for its depth in public sector superannuation, including complex defined benefit arrangements. If you're an APS employee or ex-service member, it's worth asking an advisor directly about their experience with your specific scheme.
Most Canberra advisors on this list don't publish a set minimum. Some focus on particular client profiles — Thomson Wealth, for example, works primarily with high-income professionals, senior public servants and business owners, while Phil Thompson at Rise Financial advises a broader mix including salary and wage earners, retirees and Australian expats. It's worth confirming directly whether an advisor's typical client base suits your circumstances.
Independence varies by firm and is worth confirming directly. Andrew Saikal-Skea operates as an Independent Financial Adviser through his own practice, Saikal-Skea Independent Financial Advice, while other advisors on this list have backgrounds with larger licensees or institutions such as Macquarie Bank, Perpetual or Aware Super. If independence from product providers matters to you, ask an advisor upfront how they're licensed and whether they receive commissions.
The advisors on this page are based across Canberra, including Canberra City (2601), Braddon (2612), Deakin (2600), Kingston (2604), Curtin (2605), Bruce (2617) and Monash (2904), and most work with clients from across the ACT and surrounding region, either in person or via video consultation. Check each advisor's listed location for their exact office suburb.
At minimum, ask about their fee structure, whether they're paid commissions on any products they recommend, their qualifications (CFP® is the industry benchmark), how many years they've practised, and how often you'll meet once you're a client. We've put together a full list in our guide, Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor.
Most are, though a couple on this list charge a small fee for an initial session rather than offering it free, so it's worth checking first. You can also use our Book a Free Consultation form and we'll match you with a suitable Canberra-based advisor offering a free initial chat, typically responding within one business day.
"They took the time to truly understand our goals and situation, and provided clear, practical guidance that put us on the right track with confidence. It is clear they genuinely care about their clients and go above and beyond to achieve the best outcomes. We feel much more secure and optimistic about our financial future."
clients matched nationwide
Find your planner
A top-rated, FAAA award-winning planner — matched to your goals. Free & no obligation.
Free · No obligation · We reply within 1 business day
"They took the time to truly understand our goals and situation, and provided clear, practical guidance that put us on the right track with confidence. It is clear they genuinely care about their clients and go above and beyond to achieve the best outcomes. We feel much more secure and optimistic about our financial future."
clients matched nationwide
Find your planner
A top-rated, FAAA award-winning planner — matched to your goals. Free & no obligation.
Free · No obligation · We reply within 1 business day