Wise heads for wise ideas.
There is one overriding thing that differentiates us – we get the job done!
We also track our own performance via our impact to your bottom line.
We have walked in your shoes and have run our own successful financial services enterprises. We know the industry backwards, we know the challenges you face and we know that getting your pricing right is the biggest commercial opportunity facing most of you.
Key Team
Rob Jones
Principal
As the former CEO of The Money Managers Ltd., Rob orchestrated the growth of a division managing seven turnkey financial planning practices with $280 million in FUM. Rob's adept leadership included overseeing 53 staff across six locations, with a budget of $12 million and an EBITDA of $4.3 million. Post-merger with Shadforth Financial Group, he excelled in mergers, acquisitions, and implementing national transition strategies for advisers and clients. Described as a lover of facts, Rob thrives in data-driven environments.
David Whelan
Principal
A seasoned senior executive, David passionately cultivates client excellence through trust-based relationships. With 8 years at Macquarie's Virtual Adviser Network (VAN), he significantly impacts business owners' growth initiatives. His diverse background spans general management, CFO, banking, strategy, and not-for-profit board service. With over 13 years at GE Capital, David managed syndicated debt portfolios for major Australian enterprises, fostering robust stakeholder ties. His corporate expertise and extensive financial services network underscore his commitment to enhancing business practices.
Rich Abbey
Principal
Rich Abbey, Principal at Peloton Partners, is a skilled leader and coach with a profound ability to comprehend the intricacies of businesses and relationships. Formerly Chief of Staff at UBS wealth management, he transitioned to corporate coaching after training at The London Coaching Academy. His approach shifted from outcome-oriented to people-focused, addressing critical issues like succession and performance. Drawing from managing 90 advisers at E.L & C. Baillieu, Rich is empathetic and determined to guide clients through challenging leadership topics, recognizing the difficulties and rewards of effective leadership.
Michael Harrison
Principal
Michael, a former financial planner and CEO of Heraud Harrison, successfully grew the company to 23 employees, generating $8 million in annual revenue. His merger with Shadforth Financial Group led to a directorial position and the role of Head of Advice, where he formulated a national growth strategy, including third-party acquisitions. Michael's invaluable 'from-the-ground-up' experience benefits various AFSL representative businesses, making him a business partner of exceptionally wise counsel.
Elva Pica
Project Manager
With 15 years of direct industry experience, Elva is a highly organized professional with a background in financial accounting and a transition to financial planning in 2005. She excelled at Snowball Group, progressing from Client Service Officer to Adviser Services Manager, contributing to a successful merger with Shadforth Financial Group. In subsequent roles, including Practice Manager and Head Client Relationship Manager, she demonstrated strategic acumen, overseeing a smooth transition for 3,000 clients and achieving over $1M in revenue uplift. Elva's expertise extends to project management, as seen in her role at Fortnum Financial Group, implementing their Professional Advice Framework and migrating practices to a customized XPlan solution.
Ben Sutter
Chartered Financial Analyst
Ben is a self-motivated and precise data scientist. Recognized as the "Best Accounting Graduate" and "Best Finance Graduate," he held senior roles at Jeena Partners, overseeing system development and implementation. Experienced in analytical roles at small and large firms, including Shadforth Financial Group, Ben, a CFA Charterholder, excels in synthesizing complex data into innovative commercial outcomes.