Melbourne has one of the most active financial planning markets in Australia, with dozens of advisory firms competing for clients across wealth management, retirement planning, investment strategy, and tax structuring. The sheer number of options makes choosing the right adviser genuinely difficult, particularly when the quality of advice can vary significantly between firms.
The firms listed here were selected based on verified client ratings, the breadth of services offered, firm independence, and professional credentials. Each entry has been assessed against publicly available review data and service information. Where ratings are cited, they reflect aggregated scores from Google Reviews or equivalent platforms at the time of research.
Whether you are building wealth from scratch, approaching retirement, or managing a complex portfolio, the advisers below represent the strongest options Melbourne has to offer in 2026.
1. Verse Wealth
Independent financial advisors offering wealth planning and investment strategy in Melbourne
Verse Wealth is an independently owned Melbourne practice with a focus on personal financial planning and investment strategy. The firm operates without institutional ties, which means advice is not constrained by product affiliations or platform arrangements. Clients receive a fee-for-service model with clear disclosure of costs upfront.
The firm holds a 5.0/5 rating, reflecting consistently strong client feedback across planning quality and communication. Verse Wealth works with clients at various life stages, from early-career professionals building their first investment plan to pre-retirees structuring their drawdown strategy.
Their advisers hold relevant FASEA qualifications and maintain ongoing professional development commitments. The firm places emphasis on long-term client relationships rather than transactional advice, with regular review meetings built into each engagement.
Pros
- Fully independent with no product or platform conflicts
- Fee-for-service model with transparent pricing
- 5.0/5 client rating across verified reviews
- Strong focus on long-term planning relationships
Cons
- May not suit clients seeking insurance-led or product-heavy advice
- Boutique firm size may limit capacity during busy periods
Best for: Professionals and families seeking independent, fee-for-service financial planning
Website: versewealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
2. Rising Tide Financial Services
Melbourne financial planners offering personal advisory services by phone and video
Rising Tide Financial Services operates a model built around accessibility, delivering personal financial advice via phone and video as well as in-person consultations. This approach suits clients who prefer flexibility in how they engage with their adviser, including those based outside the Melbourne CBD.
The firm carries a 4.9/5 rating and has built a reputation for practical, plain-English financial guidance. Rising Tide focuses on personal financial planning including budgeting, debt management, superannuation, and investment strategies suited to individual circumstances.
The advisory team is noted for responsiveness and for explaining complex financial concepts without jargon. Clients frequently cite the quality of communication as a standout aspect of the experience.
Pros
- Remote-friendly service model via phone and video
- 4.9/5 client rating with consistent praise for communication
- Strong focus on personal financial education
- Practical advice across budgeting, super, and investments
Cons
- Remote delivery may not suit clients who prefer in-person meetings exclusively
- Less emphasis on complex private wealth or business structuring
Best for: Individuals and families who want accessible, plain-English financial advice delivered flexibly
Website: risingtidefinancial.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
3. Endorphin Wealth Management
Melbourne financial planning firm with strong client satisfaction and comprehensive advisory services
Endorphin Wealth Management is a Melbourne-based financial planning practice with a 4.9/5 rating across client reviews. The firm provides a broad range of financial advice services including retirement planning, investment management, superannuation strategy, and personal insurance.
Endorphin operates under the Wilson Pateras group and benefits from the resources and compliance infrastructure that a larger organisation provides, while maintaining a client-focused advisory culture. This balance between scale and personal service is frequently cited in client feedback.
The firm’s advisers take a structured approach to financial planning, beginning with a thorough discovery process to understand each client’s goals before presenting a formal strategy. Clients working with Endorphin tend to be professionals and families in accumulation or pre-retirement phases.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating reflecting consistent service quality
- Broad service range covering retirement, investment, and insurance
- Backed by Wilson Pateras group infrastructure
- Structured planning process from discovery through to implementation
Cons
- Group affiliation may mean less flexibility in some product recommendations
- May not be the best fit for clients with very high net worth requiring private wealth services
Best for: Professionals and families in accumulation or pre-retirement phases seeking comprehensive planning
Website: wilsonpateras.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
4. Hewison Private Wealth
Independent private wealth advisory firm serving high-net-worth clients in Melbourne
Hewison Private Wealth is one of Melbourne’s most established independent advisory firms, with a history spanning several decades. The firm works exclusively with private clients and focuses on long-term wealth management including investment portfolios, estate planning, superannuation, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Hewison holds a 5.0/5 rating and is frequently recommended by clients for the depth of adviser expertise and the consistency of the service experience over many years. The firm is privately owned and not aligned with any product manufacturer or institution, which supports objective advice delivery.
The firm’s minimum client thresholds mean Hewison is best suited to clients with established wealth seeking a long-term advisory relationship rather than those at the early stages of financial planning.
Pros
- Fully independent with no institutional product ties
- 5.0/5 client rating with a long track record of service consistency
- Deep expertise in private wealth, estate planning, and investment management
- Decades of operation in the Melbourne market
Cons
- Minimum client thresholds make it less accessible to those early in wealth accumulation
- May not offer entry-level financial planning or budgeting services
Best for: High-net-worth individuals and families seeking a long-term independent wealth management relationship
Website: hewison.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
5. ActOn Wealth
Melbourne financial advisers providing personalised wealth planning and investment guidance
ActOn Wealth is a Melbourne-based advisory firm with a 4.9/5 client rating and a focus on personalised financial planning. The firm works with clients across wealth accumulation, retirement planning, superannuation, and investment strategy, with an emphasis on building plans around each client’s specific goals rather than applying generic templates.
The firm’s advisers take time to understand client circumstances before making recommendations, and ongoing review processes are built into each client engagement. Client feedback consistently highlights the quality of the planning work and the clarity with which advice is communicated.
ActOn Wealth suits clients who want a firm that will actively manage and update their financial strategy over time rather than deliver a one-off plan. The firm works with individuals, couples, and families at various life stages.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating with positive feedback on communication quality
- Active ongoing review model built into client engagements
- Works across a broad range of financial planning needs
- Personalised approach rather than templated advice
Cons
- Less specialised in high-net-worth or private wealth management
- May not suit clients seeking purely transactional or one-off advice
Best for: Individuals and families wanting an ongoing, personalised financial planning relationship
Website: actonwealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
6. FMD Financial
Melbourne financial advisors with a 5-star rating across more than 100 client reviews
FMD Financial is a well-established Melbourne advisory firm with a 5.0/5 rating drawn from more than 100 client reviews, making it one of the more reviewed firms on this list. The volume of reviews alongside the rating provides a stronger signal of consistent service quality than a high rating with limited feedback.
The firm offers financial planning services across investment strategy, superannuation, retirement planning, and personal insurance. FMD works with a diverse client base including young professionals, business owners, and retirees, adapting its approach to the specific needs of each group.
FMD Financial places value on adviser continuity, meaning clients are generally assigned a dedicated adviser who manages their plan over the long term. This reduces the disruption that can come with staff turnover at larger institutions.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating backed by 100+ client reviews, a meaningful volume of verified feedback
- Broad service coverage across investment, super, and retirement planning
- Dedicated adviser model supporting long-term relationships
- Works with a diverse range of client types and life stages
Cons
- Larger firm structure may mean less flexibility for very complex bespoke arrangements
- Not exclusively focused on high-net-worth private wealth
Best for: A wide range of clients seeking consistent, high-quality financial advice with adviser continuity
Website: fmd.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
7. Independent Wealth Partners
Independent financial advisers in Melbourne specialising in wealth planning and investment advice
Independent Wealth Partners operates as a genuinely independent advisory firm, free from institutional ownership and product manufacturer alignment. With a 4.9/5 rating, the firm delivers financial planning and investment advice without the conflicts that can arise when advisers are employed by or affiliated with product issuers.
The firm focuses on wealth accumulation and investment management, working primarily with clients who have a meaningful level of existing assets and want strategic guidance on growing and protecting them. Advice is structured around each client’s financial position, risk appetite, and long-term objectives.
Clients value the firm’s straightforward approach to explaining investment decisions and its willingness to discuss the reasoning behind each recommendation in plain terms. This transparency is a recurring theme in client feedback.
Pros
- Fully independent with no product or platform ties
- 4.9/5 client rating with positive feedback on transparency
- Focus on investment strategy and wealth accumulation
- Plain-language communication of advice and recommendations
Cons
- May be less suited to clients seeking entry-level financial planning
- Smaller practice size may limit capacity
Best for: Investors with established assets seeking independent, conflict-free financial and investment advice
Website: independentwealthpartners.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
8. CCA Financial Planners
Melbourne financial planners with consistently high client satisfaction ratings
CCA Financial Planners is a Melbourne-based practice with a 5.0/5 client rating and a reputation for delivering detailed, well-considered financial plans. The firm covers a broad range of planning needs including superannuation, retirement income strategies, personal insurance, and investment advice.
CCA places particular emphasis on the quality of the planning documentation itself, ensuring clients leave each engagement with a clear written strategy they can refer back to. This attention to the planning process, rather than just the conversation, is a feature that distinguishes the firm from more informal advisory arrangements.
The firm works with clients across different financial stages, including those just beginning to structure their finances and those approaching or in retirement. Client feedback reflects satisfaction with the depth of advice and the professionalism of the team.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating reflecting strong satisfaction
- Emphasis on thorough, well-documented financial plans
- Broad coverage of superannuation, insurance, retirement, and investment
- Suitable for clients at various stages of financial planning
Cons
- May not specialise in highly complex private wealth or business succession
- Limited public information available about adviser backgrounds and specialisations
Best for: Clients who value structured, well-documented financial planning across superannuation and retirement
Website: ccafp.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
9. Index Wealth
Melbourne financial planner focused on index-based investing strategies
Index Wealth takes a distinct approach to investment advice by focusing on evidence-based, index-oriented investing. The firm draws on the academic case for low-cost, diversified index funds rather than active stock selection or fund picking, which typically results in lower investment costs for clients over time.
The firm carries a 5.0/5 client rating and attracts clients who have already developed an awareness of passive investing and want an adviser who can help them implement a disciplined strategy rather than push high-fee managed products. This makes Index Wealth particularly appealing to clients with a DIY investment mindset who still want professional guidance.
Index Wealth also covers broader financial planning including superannuation strategy, tax considerations related to investment portfolios, and retirement income planning. The firm’s focus on low-cost structures tends to favour clients who are building wealth over the long term.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Evidence-based investment philosophy using low-cost index funds
- Strong fit for clients interested in passive or DIY investing approaches
- Lower investment cost structures benefit clients over the long term
Cons
- May not suit clients who want active portfolio management or individual stock selection
- Narrower investment philosophy may not appeal to all investors
Best for: Investors who prefer evidence-based, low-cost index investing and want professional financial planning to support it
Website: indexwealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
10. Pursue Wealth
Melbourne financial advisors with 4.9-star satisfaction across 138 client reviews
Pursue Wealth has accumulated 138 client reviews at a 4.9/5 rating, which places it among the more extensively reviewed firms on this list. The number of reviews provides a broader base from which to assess service quality, reducing the likelihood that the rating reflects only a small or unrepresentative sample of clients.
The firm offers financial planning services covering wealth accumulation, superannuation, retirement planning, and investment strategy. Pursue Wealth works with clients who are motivated to engage actively with their financial plan and are willing to take direction in building toward their goals.
Client feedback emphasises the firm’s ability to make financial planning feel accessible and achievable rather than intimidating. Advisers are noted for their practical guidance and willingness to explain strategies in terms that clients can act on directly.
Pros
- 4.9/5 rating across 138 verified client reviews, a strong volume of feedback
- Practical, accessible approach to financial planning
- Covers wealth accumulation, superannuation, retirement, and investment
- Advisers noted for clear, actionable communication
Cons
- Less suited to clients with very complex or high-net-worth requirements
- May not offer deep specialisation in areas like estate planning or business succession
Best for: Motivated individuals and families seeking practical financial planning advice with a strong track record of client satisfaction
Website: pursuewealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
11. Partners Wealth Group
Melbourne financial planners offering advice across investments, tax, and retirement
Partners Wealth Group is a Melbourne firm offering comprehensive financial planning across investments, tax strategy, and retirement planning. The firm holds a 4.9/5 rating and is positioned to serve clients who need advice that spans multiple disciplines rather than a single area of financial planning.
The integration of tax considerations into investment and retirement advice is a particular strength for clients who want a more coordinated approach to their financial affairs. Rather than treating investment and tax advice as separate conversations, Partners Wealth Group brings these together in a single planning framework.
The firm works with individuals, families, and business owners who want their overall financial position managed in a structured way. This makes it a practical choice for clients whose financial circumstances have grown more complex over time.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating
- Integrated approach covering investments, tax, and retirement planning
- Suitable for clients with more complex, multi-disciplinary financial needs
- Works with individuals, families, and business owners
Cons
- May be more than is needed for clients with straightforward financial planning requirements
- Less public detail available on specific adviser specialisations
Best for: Individuals, families, and business owners needing coordinated advice across investments, tax, and retirement
Website: pwg.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
12. Flinders Wealth
Financial advice for Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula clients with a 5.0-star rating
Flinders Wealth serves clients across both Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, making it a practical option for those based outside the inner city who want access to quality financial advice without travelling to the CBD. The firm carries a 5.0/5 rating and offers services spanning wealth planning, investment management, superannuation, and retirement strategy.
The dual-location focus distinguishes Flinders Wealth from firms that operate exclusively in the Melbourne metro area. For clients on the Mornington Peninsula, local representation and the ability to meet an adviser closer to home is a meaningful practical advantage.
Client feedback highlights the firm’s approachable advisory style and the clarity with which financial plans are presented. The firm appears to work with a mix of professionals, retirees, and families from both service regions.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Covers both Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula
- Broad service range including investment, superannuation, and retirement planning
- Accessible advisory style with positive feedback on plan clarity
Cons
- Smaller practice with limited public information on team size and capacity
- May not offer the depth of private wealth services available from larger CBD firms
Best for: Clients in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula seeking local, personalised financial advice
Website: flinderswealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
13. Planet Wealth
Melbourne financial advisers offering personalised wealth planning and investment guidance
Planet Wealth is a Melbourne-based advisory firm with a 5.0/5 client rating and a focus on personalised wealth planning and investment strategy. The firm works with clients to build financial plans around their individual circumstances, taking into account income, assets, existing superannuation, and medium to long-term goals.
The firm’s approach to advice emphasises education alongside planning, ensuring clients understand the rationale behind each recommendation. This suits clients who want to be active participants in their financial planning rather than passive recipients of advice.
Planet Wealth covers a range of financial planning needs including investment management, superannuation optimisation, and retirement planning. The firm’s 5.0/5 rating reflects consistently positive client experiences across these service areas.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Educational approach helping clients understand their financial plans
- Personalised planning across investment, super, and retirement
- Suitable for clients who want to engage actively with their adviser
Cons
- Limited public information on team size or specialist capabilities
- May not be the strongest fit for highly complex wealth management requirements
Best for: Individuals and families who want to understand and engage with their financial plan, not just follow it
Website: planetwealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
14. Empower Wealth Advisory
Property investment advisory firm with strong client satisfaction and wealth planning services
Empower Wealth Advisory occupies a distinct position in the Melbourne advisory market by combining financial planning with property investment advice. The firm carries a 4.9/5 client rating and is particularly well suited to clients whose wealth strategy includes residential property investment alongside superannuation and other assets.
The firm’s dual focus on financial planning and property strategy means clients can access both disciplines from the same advisory relationship rather than working with separate advisers who may not coordinate their recommendations. This integrated model is a genuine differentiator for property-focused investors.
Empower Wealth has built a strong public profile through educational content and commentary on property investing, which gives prospective clients a clearer sense of the firm’s investment philosophy before they make contact. The firm works primarily with clients building long-term wealth through a combination of property and financial assets.
Pros
- 4.9/5 client rating
- Integrated financial planning and property investment advice
- Suits clients building wealth through both property and financial assets
- Strong public profile and educational content for prospective clients
Cons
- Property investment focus may not suit clients with no interest in property as an asset class
- Dual-service model may not be necessary for clients with straightforward financial planning needs
Best for: Investors building wealth through a combination of property and financial assets who want coordinated advice across both
Website: empowerwealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
15. Rasiah Private Wealth Management
Private wealth advice for high-net-worth clients in Melbourne with a 5.0-star rating
Rasiah Private Wealth Management is a boutique Melbourne practice focused exclusively on high-net-worth clients. With a 5.0/5 rating, the firm delivers private wealth advice across investment portfolio management, estate planning, superannuation (including self-managed super funds), and intergenerational wealth strategy.
The firm’s boutique structure means each client receives a high degree of adviser attention without the dilution that can come from working with a large institution. Rasiah Private Wealth Management positions itself as a long-term partner in managing and growing significant wealth rather than a firm that processes a high volume of smaller clients.
For clients with complex financial affairs who want consistent, senior-level advice rather than a relationship managed by junior staff, Rasiah Private Wealth Management is worth serious consideration. The firm’s focus on privacy, discretion, and depth of service reflects the expectations of its client base.
Pros
- 5.0/5 client rating
- Focused exclusively on high-net-worth private wealth management
- Senior-level adviser access without large-firm dilution
- Strong coverage of SMSFs, estate planning, and intergenerational wealth
Cons
- Not suited to clients without significant existing wealth
- Boutique model means limited capacity for large client volumes
Best for: High-net-worth individuals and families seeking senior, private wealth advice with a high degree of personal attention
Website: rasiahprivate.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
Who is the best financial advisors in Melbourne?
Based on verified client ratings and service quality, Verse Wealth and Hewison Private Wealth both hold 5.0/5 ratings and represent two of the strongest options in Melbourne. Verse Wealth suits a broad range of clients seeking independent, fee-for-service planning, while Hewison Private Wealth is better suited to high-net-worth clients with complex needs. FMD Financial is notable for its 5.0/5 rating backed by more than 100 reviews, giving it one of the more statistically meaningful ratings on this list. The best firm for any individual will depend on their financial situation, the complexity of their needs, and the type of advisory relationship they are looking for.
How much does a financial advisor cost in Melbourne?
Financial adviser fees in Melbourne vary significantly depending on the firm, the complexity of the advice, and the engagement model. Initial advice fees typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a comprehensive financial plan. Ongoing advice fees, charged annually for review meetings and portfolio management, commonly fall between $3,000 and $10,000 per year depending on the level of service. Some firms charge a percentage of assets under management (typically 0.5 to 1 percent per year) rather than a flat fee. Fee-for-service firms, which are often independent, tend to be more transparent about costs upfront. Always request a fee disclosure document before engaging any adviser.
How do I choose a financial advisor in Melbourne?
Start by checking the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Financial Advisers Register to confirm the adviser holds a current Australian Financial Services Licence authorisation and has the qualifications required under FASEA standards. Consider whether the firm is independent (no product or platform affiliations) or whether it operates within a larger group that may influence the advice given. Read verified client reviews on Google to assess service quality and communication standards. Arrange an initial consultation with at least two or three firms before committing, and ask each about their fee structure, the planning process, and how often they conduct client reviews.
What should I look for in a financial advisor?
The most important factors are independence, qualifications, fee transparency, and adviser experience. An independent adviser is not tied to any product manufacturer or platform and is therefore able to recommend the options best suited to your situation without commercial bias. Check that your adviser holds the relevant qualifications required under Australian law, including completion of the FASEA exam. Look for a firm that publishes its fees clearly and provides a written Statement of Advice outlining every recommendation and its reasoning. Ongoing review processes matter as well, since a financial plan needs to be updated as your circumstances change. Client reviews can give useful signals about communication style and responsiveness.
Are there good financial advisors for small businesses in Melbourne?
Several firms on this list work with business owners and can provide advice relevant to small business contexts, including business structures, superannuation contributions, tax planning, succession planning, and personal wealth accumulation alongside a business. Partners Wealth Group and Empower Wealth Advisory are both noted for working with business owners. FMD Financial and ActOn Wealth also serve clients with business interests. If your primary need is business-specific financial planning (such as business valuations, buy-sell agreements, or exit planning), it is worth asking each firm directly about their experience with clients in similar situations before engaging.
Finding the right financial adviser in Melbourne comes down to matching your specific circumstances to a firm with the right expertise, fee structure, and advisory culture. The fifteen firms listed here all carry strong client ratings and cover a wide range of financial planning needs, from entry-level wealth accumulation to complex private wealth management. Taking the time to consult two or three options, check ASIC registration, and ask detailed questions about fees and process will put you in the best position to make a well-informed decision.