Melbourne has one of the most concentrated financial services sectors in Australia, and the number of advisers operating across the city reflects genuine demand. Whether someone is building wealth in their thirties, managing an inheritance, planning for retirement, or protecting business assets, the quality of advice they receive can materially alter their financial position over time. Choosing poorly in this space is not a minor inconvenience — it can mean years of lost compounding, unnecessary tax, or poorly structured protection.
The firms listed here were assessed on the basis of verified client ratings, volume of reviews, range of services, and availability. Where star ratings are drawn from Google or third-party platforms, they reflect aggregated client feedback at the time of research. No company paid for inclusion or ranking. The list covers firms that serve a broad range of clients, from individuals and families to business owners and high-net-worth investors, across Melbourne’s inner suburbs and surrounding regions.
Fifteen firms made the final cut. They are ranked by a combination of rating strength, review volume, and service breadth. Read each entry carefully — the right adviser depends heavily on your circumstances, not just the name at the top of the list.
1. Verse Wealth
Fee-only financial planning with a perfect client satisfaction rating
Verse Wealth is a Melbourne-based financial planning firm with a 5.0-star rating, placing it among the most consistently well-reviewed advisory businesses in the city. The firm focuses on life-centred financial planning, meaning advice is structured around what clients actually want to achieve, rather than leading with product recommendations. This approach tends to attract clients who want clarity over their finances, not just a managed fund.
The team operates on a fee-for-service model, which removes the conflicts of interest that can arise in commission-based advice. Clients across reviews cite the quality of communication and the accessibility of the team as standout qualities. The firm works with professionals, families, and individuals at various life stages, covering superannuation, investment strategy, insurance, and estate planning.
Verse Wealth’s consistent 5.0 rating, maintained across a solid volume of reviews, suggests the firm delivers reliably across client types rather than excelling with a narrow cohort.
Pros
- 5.0-star rating across client reviews
- Fee-for-service model with no product commissions
- Life-centred planning approach that prioritises client goals
- Covers superannuation, investment, insurance, and estate planning
- Strong communication noted repeatedly in client feedback
Cons
- Fee-only structure may not suit clients seeking bundled product-and-advice arrangements
- May have waitlist periods given demand
Best for: Professionals and families seeking fee-for-service financial planning with clear, goal-driven advice
Website: versewealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
2. Rising Tide Financial Services
High-volume client satisfaction with nearly 550 verified reviews
Rising Tide Financial Services carries a 4.9-star rating across approximately 550 client reviews, which is one of the largest review volumes of any Melbourne financial advisory firm. That scale matters — a high rating maintained across hundreds of reviews over time is a more reliable signal than a perfect score from a small sample. The firm serves clients at various stages of wealth accumulation and retirement planning.
Rising Tide covers a broad range of advice areas including superannuation, retirement income, investment structuring, and personal insurance. The firm positions itself as accessible to clients who are newer to financial advice, with a process that walks people through their situation before making recommendations. Multiple client reviews highlight the patience and clarity of the advisers.
For clients who want confidence drawn from a substantial track record of positive outcomes, Rising Tide’s review volume provides a level of social proof that few competitors can match.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating across nearly 550 reviews
- One of the highest review volumes of any Melbourne adviser
- Accessible process suited to clients new to financial advice
- Broad service coverage across super, retirement, and investment
- Consistently praised for adviser clarity and communication
Cons
- High client volume may mean less personalised attention for some
- Service depth for very complex high-net-worth structuring is less documented publicly
Best for: Individuals and families seeking a well-reviewed, approachable firm with a strong client track record
Website: risingtidefinancial.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
3. FMD Financial
Established Melbourne advisory firm with 5-star client ratings and weekday availability
FMD Financial is a well-established Melbourne firm with a 5.0-star client rating and weekday availability for appointments. The firm has been operating for a number of years and covers personal financial planning, superannuation, retirement planning, investment advice, and estate planning. Its longevity in the market provides some reassurance of institutional stability, which matters when selecting an adviser you plan to work with over the long term.
FMD advisers work with individuals, families, and business owners, and the firm is structured to handle more complex planning scenarios, including business succession and SMSF advice. Client reviews reference the quality of ongoing service as much as initial advice, suggesting the firm invests in the relationship beyond the first engagement.
Weekday availability makes FMD accessible for working professionals, and the firm’s 5-star rating across client feedback confirms consistent delivery.
Pros
- 5.0-star client rating
- Covers SMSF, business succession, estate planning, and retirement
- Established firm with long-term operational history
- Weekday appointment availability
- Serves individuals, families, and business owners
Cons
- May suit more established clients better than those with simpler needs
- Website provides limited pricing transparency upfront
Best for: Individuals, families, and business owners seeking comprehensive financial planning from an established firm
Website: fmd.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
4. Hewison Private Wealth
Private wealth advisory with a perfect Google rating across 128 client reviews
Hewison Private Wealth holds a 5.0-star Google rating across 128 client reviews, a combination that reflects both quality and scale. The firm focuses on private wealth management and financial planning for individuals, families, and business owners with more substantial assets. Hewison positions itself as a genuine independent advisory firm, which means advice is not influenced by product relationships or institutional ownership.
The firm covers investment management, retirement planning, superannuation, estate planning, and philanthropic strategy. Its positioning in the private wealth segment means clients tend to have more complex requirements, and the firm’s adviser team is structured to manage those engagements over the long term. The independence of the firm is a recurring theme in client feedback.
With 128 reviews averaging 5.0 stars, Hewison’s record suggests a firm that maintains quality across a meaningful client base rather than a handful of enthusiastic early adopters.
Pros
- 5.0-star rating across 128 reviews
- Genuinely independent advisory structure
- Covers philanthropic strategy alongside standard wealth planning
- Well-suited to clients with complex or high-value financial situations
- Strong reputation for long-term client relationships
Cons
- Primarily positioned for private wealth clients, less accessible for those earlier in wealth accumulation
- Minimum asset thresholds may apply
Best for: High-net-worth individuals and families seeking independent private wealth management
Website: hewison.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
5. ActOn Wealth
Action-oriented financial planning with a 4.9-star rating across 77 reviews
ActOn Wealth is a Melbourne financial advisory firm with a 4.9-star rating drawn from 77 client reviews. The firm’s name reflects its approach: the emphasis is on getting clients to take concrete steps with their finances rather than sitting with incomplete or suboptimal arrangements. This tends to appeal to clients who feel stuck or overwhelmed about where to start.
ActOn Wealth covers financial planning, superannuation advice, investment strategy, mortgage and debt management, and personal insurance. The firm works with clients across different age groups and wealth levels, and reviews suggest advisers are accessible and direct in how they communicate. The firm’s 4.9 rating across a meaningful review count reflects consistent client satisfaction.
For clients who want advisers that push them to make progress rather than simply document their situation, ActOn Wealth’s philosophy and track record make it a credible option.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating across 77 reviews
- Practical, action-oriented advice approach
- Covers debt, mortgage, super, investment, and insurance in one firm
- Accessible to clients at various stages of wealth accumulation
- Advisers noted for clear, direct communication
Cons
- Review volume, while solid, is lower than some competitors
- The action-first approach may not suit clients who prefer a slower, more deliberate planning pace
Best for: Clients who want structured, practical advice that moves them forward financially
Website: actonwealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
6. Independent Wealth Partners
Fee-based independent advice with a 4.9-star client rating
Independent Wealth Partners operates as a genuinely independent advisory firm in Melbourne, with a 4.9-star client rating reflecting its commitment to unbiased financial guidance. The firm does not have product manufacturing relationships or institutional ownership that could influence its recommendations, which is a meaningful structural distinction in the Australian advice market.
Services cover financial planning, investment advice, superannuation, retirement planning, and tax-effective structuring. The firm works with individuals and families who want advice free from conflicts of interest, and client feedback regularly highlights the transparency of the advice process. Advisers are described as thorough and easy to deal with across reviews.
For clients who place particular weight on structural independence — meaning the adviser has no financial incentive to recommend one product over another — Independent Wealth Partners is positioned specifically to serve that preference.
Pros
- 4.9-star client rating
- Structurally independent with no product manufacturing ties
- Transparent advice process highlighted in client reviews
- Covers investment, super, retirement, and tax structuring
- Advisers noted for thoroughness and accessibility
Cons
- Independent structure can mean higher advice fees than institutionally-backed firms
- Service footprint may be smaller than larger advisory groups
Best for: Individuals and families who prioritise conflict-free, independent financial advice
Website: independentwealthpartners.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
7. Index Wealth
5.0-star rating backed by 695 client reviews and extended weekday hours
Index Wealth has accumulated 695 five-star client reviews alongside a 5.0-star rating, making it one of the most heavily reviewed financial advisory firms in Melbourne. The volume of reviews at that rating level is a strong indicator of consistent client experience across a large and diverse client base. The firm also offers weekday availability until 6pm, which broadens access for clients who cannot attend appointments during standard business hours.
Index Wealth is built around index-based investment philosophy, which aligns with low-cost, evidence-based investing principles. The firm serves clients who want to grow wealth efficiently without paying for active management that research consistently shows underperforms over time. Financial planning, superannuation, and investment advice are core service areas.
For cost-conscious clients who want well-evidenced investment strategy and a firm with a substantial public track record, Index Wealth is one of the strongest options in the Melbourne market by review volume alone.
Pros
- 5.0-star rating across 695 client reviews — highest review volume in this list
- Evidence-based, index-oriented investment approach
- Extended weekday availability until 6pm
- Low-cost investment philosophy aligned with client interests
- Accessible to clients at various wealth levels
Cons
- Index-focused philosophy may not suit clients wanting active management strategies
- Complex structuring needs (such as business succession or philanthropy) may be outside core scope
Best for: Cost-conscious investors who want evidence-based portfolio strategy and extended appointment availability
Website: indexwealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
8. Pursue Wealth
Client-focused financial planning with a 4.9-star rating across 139 reviews
Pursue Wealth holds a 4.9-star rating across 139 client reviews, a review count that gives the rating genuine statistical weight. The firm is Melbourne-based and focuses on helping clients build and protect wealth through financial planning, superannuation advice, investment strategy, and personal insurance. The firm’s name signals its orientation: helping clients actively pursue defined financial goals rather than simply managing existing arrangements.
Pursue Wealth works with individuals, couples, and families at various life stages, and client reviews highlight the quality of the planning process and the responsiveness of the adviser team. The firm is also noted for making advice accessible to clients who are working towards financial independence rather than those who have already arrived there.
With 139 reviews at 4.9 stars, Pursue Wealth sits comfortably among Melbourne’s best-reviewed advisory practices and merits serious consideration for clients in the wealth-building phase of life.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating across 139 reviews
- Strong planning process noted across client feedback
- Accessible to clients building wealth, not just those already wealthy
- Covers superannuation, investment, insurance, and retirement planning
- Adviser responsiveness highlighted consistently in reviews
Cons
- Less publicly documented experience with highly complex wealth structures
- Service differentiation from similarly rated competitors is not immediately obvious from public materials
Best for: Individuals and families in the wealth-building phase seeking structured, goal-oriented advice
Website: pursuewealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
9. First Financial Melbourne
Accessible financial advice with weekday availability and a 4.5-star rating
First Financial Melbourne holds a 4.5-star client rating and offers weekday availability for appointments. The firm provides financial planning services to Melbourne clients across superannuation, retirement planning, investment advice, and personal insurance. The 4.5-star rating, while slightly below the 4.9 and 5.0 scores of higher-ranked firms, still reflects a broadly positive client experience.
The firm’s name reflects an accessible, entry-point positioning in the advice market. For clients who are engaging with a financial adviser for the first time, or who want a firm without the premium pricing that comes with private wealth or specialist positioning, First Financial Melbourne is a practical option. Weekday availability makes it convenient for working professionals.
The firm covers the standard range of personal financial planning services, and clients looking for straightforward, competent advice without complex specialisations will find it a workable choice.
Pros
- Weekday appointment availability
- Accessible positioning suitable for first-time advice seekers
- Covers superannuation, retirement, investment, and insurance
- 4.5-star rating reflecting positive overall client experience
Cons
- 4.5-star rating is lower than most firms in this list
- May not be best positioned for complex or high-value financial planning needs
- Review volume and depth of public client feedback less extensive than top-ranked competitors
Best for: First-time advice seekers and individuals wanting competent, accessible financial planning
Website: firstfinancial.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
10. Flinders Wealth Financial Adviser Melbourne and Mornington
5.0-star rated adviser serving Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula
Flinders Wealth holds a 5.0-star client rating and serves clients across both Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, making it one of the few firms in this list with a clear regional footprint beyond the inner city. That geographic reach makes it a practical option for clients based on the Peninsula who want face-to-face access to a highly rated adviser without travelling to the CBD.
The firm provides personal financial planning, superannuation advice, investment strategy, and retirement planning, with flexible weekday availability. Client reviews reflect satisfaction with the quality of advice and the approachability of the adviser. The firm appears to work with individuals and families rather than institutional or corporate clients.
For clients outside Melbourne’s inner suburbs, Flinders Wealth fills a gap in the market occupied by fewer quality-rated firms, and its 5.0-star rating gives it credibility alongside the city-based options on this list.
Pros
- 5.0-star client rating
- Serves both Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula
- Flexible weekday availability
- Approachable, client-focused service noted in reviews
- Good option for clients outside the inner city
Cons
- Smaller practice footprint compared to larger Melbourne advisory firms
- May have limited capacity for very complex advice situations
Best for: Individuals and families in Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula seeking a locally accessible, highly rated adviser
Website: flinderswealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
11. Partners Wealth Group
Wealth planning and investment strategy advisory with a 4.9-star rating
Partners Wealth Group holds a 4.9-star client rating and positions itself across wealth planning and investment strategy for Melbourne clients. The firm works with individuals, families, and business owners, covering superannuation, retirement planning, investment management, and estate planning. The group structure suggests a team-based advice model rather than a sole practitioner arrangement, which can provide greater continuity for long-term clients.
Client feedback reflects confidence in the planning process and satisfaction with the breadth of services available through a single firm. For clients who want to consolidate financial advice across multiple areas — investment, super, estate, and business planning — the group model offers practical advantages in terms of coordination and consistency.
The 4.9-star rating, maintained across a client base that spans individuals and businesses, reflects a firm operating with consistent standards across different client types.
Pros
- 4.9-star client rating
- Team-based model for continuity of advice
- Covers wealth planning, investment, super, estate, and business planning
- Serves individuals, families, and business owners
- Coordinated advice across multiple financial areas
Cons
- Group structure may mean varying adviser experience levels within the team
- Less information available publicly on fee structures
Best for: Individuals, families, and business owners wanting coordinated advice across multiple financial planning areas
Website: pwg.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
12. Planet Wealth Financial Advisers Melbourne
Consistent 5-star ratings across 77 client reviews in Melbourne
Planet Wealth holds a 5.0-star rating across 77 client reviews in Melbourne. The firm offers financial planning services to individuals and families, with a focus on practical, straightforward advice. While the review volume is more modest than some competitors, a 5.0-star average across 77 reviews still demonstrates a high level of consistent client satisfaction rather than a small or unrepresentative sample.
Services include superannuation advice, retirement planning, investment strategy, and personal insurance. Client reviews indicate that the firm’s advisers communicate clearly and take time to explain recommendations, which is particularly valued by clients who are less familiar with financial concepts or engaging with structured advice for the first time.
Planet Wealth’s positioning sits between boutique sole-practitioner firms and the larger advisory groups, giving it some flexibility in client engagement without the scale constraints of a one-person practice.
Pros
- 5.0-star rating across 77 reviews
- Clear communication style noted in client feedback
- Accessible to clients new to structured financial advice
- Covers super, retirement, investment, and insurance
- Mid-sized positioning offers flexibility without boutique constraints
Cons
- Review volume lower than some top-ranked firms
- Limited publicly available information on specialisations or fee structures
Best for: Individuals and families seeking clear, accessible financial advice from a consistently well-rated firm
Website: planetwealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
13. Rasiah Private Wealth Management
5.0-star rated private wealth adviser with comprehensive financial planning services
Rasiah Private Wealth Management holds a 5.0-star client rating and offers comprehensive financial planning services to Melbourne clients. The firm operates in the private wealth segment, serving individuals and families with more complex financial situations. Services include investment management, superannuation advice, retirement planning, estate planning, and tax-effective wealth structuring.
As a private wealth firm, Rasiah is positioned for clients who want a closer advisory relationship and personalised service rather than a high-volume, standardised planning process. Client reviews reflect satisfaction with the quality of advice and the attention given to individual circumstances. The private wealth positioning tends to mean advisers have fewer clients per adviser, which supports deeper engagement.
For clients with substantial assets or complex structuring needs who want a boutique private wealth experience, Rasiah Private Wealth Management is a credible option in the Melbourne market.
Pros
- 5.0-star client rating
- Private wealth focus with personalised service model
- Covers investment, super, estate, and tax-effective structuring
- Fewer clients per adviser allows for deeper engagement
- Suited to clients with complex financial situations
Cons
- Private wealth positioning may not suit clients earlier in their wealth journey
- Boutique scale means limited public information on team size and capacity
Best for: High-net-worth individuals and families seeking personalised private wealth management with comprehensive planning coverage
Website: rasiahprivate.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
14. Empower Wealth Advisory
Property and financial planning advisory with a 4.9-star client rating
Empower Wealth Advisory holds a 4.9-star rating and operates across financial planning and property investment advice in Melbourne. The firm is one of the few on this list that explicitly integrates property strategy into its financial planning process, which makes it particularly relevant for clients whose wealth-building plans include residential or investment property alongside superannuation and managed investments.
Services include financial planning, superannuation advice, mortgage broking, property investment strategy, and retirement planning. Weekday availability supports access for working professionals. Client reviews note the breadth of services available through the one firm as a practical advantage, reducing the need to engage multiple advisers for interconnected financial decisions.
For clients who see property as a central part of their wealth strategy, Empower Wealth’s integrated approach is a differentiator that few Melbourne advisory firms replicate at the same quality level.
Pros
- 4.9-star client rating
- Integrates property investment strategy with broader financial planning
- Covers mortgage broking, super, retirement, and investment in one firm
- Weekday appointment availability
- Reduces need for multiple advisers across interconnected decisions
Cons
- Property focus may not be relevant to all clients
- Breadth of services can mean depth in any single area is harder to assess
Best for: Clients who want integrated financial planning and property investment strategy from a single adviser
Website: empowerwealth.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
15. Tribeca Financial
4.9-star rated Melbourne financial adviser with 172 client reviews
Tribeca Financial holds a 4.9-star rating across 172 client reviews, giving it one of the stronger review volumes among firms in the 4.9-star bracket on this list. The firm provides financial planning services across superannuation, investment strategy, retirement planning, and personal insurance. Its positioning covers both accumulation-phase clients and those approaching or in retirement.
Client reviews are consistent in their positive tone, with advisers described as knowledgeable, easy to communicate with, and responsive to client questions. The volume of 172 reviews at 4.9 stars is a meaningful signal that the firm delivers well across a genuinely broad client cohort rather than a small group of highly engaged clients.
Tribeca Financial rounds out this list as a well-regarded option for Melbourne clients who want a proven firm with a substantial review history and strong satisfaction record across a range of financial planning needs.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating across 172 reviews
- Strong review volume within the 4.9-star tier
- Covers super, investment, retirement, and insurance
- Advisers consistently described as responsive and knowledgeable
- Serves both wealth-building and pre-retirement clients
Cons
- Less differentiated positioning compared to specialist firms on this list
- Fee structure and minimum engagement requirements not prominently disclosed publicly
Best for: Individuals and families across wealth-building and pre-retirement stages seeking a consistently well-reviewed Melbourne adviser
Website: tribecafinancial.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
Who is the best financial advisors in Melbourne?
Based on verified client ratings and review volume, Verse Wealth, Index Wealth, and Hewison Private Wealth rank among the strongest performers in Melbourne. Verse Wealth and Index Wealth both hold 5.0-star ratings, with Index Wealth carrying 695 reviews — the highest volume in this list. Rising Tide Financial Services holds a 4.9-star rating across nearly 550 reviews, giving it one of the most statistically reliable satisfaction records. The “best” firm depends on your circumstances: private wealth clients may prefer Hewison or Rasiah Private Wealth, while cost-conscious investors may find Index Wealth’s evidence-based approach a better fit.
How much does a financial advisor cost in Melbourne?
Financial adviser fees in Melbourne vary by firm, service scope, and the complexity of your situation. Initial advice fees commonly range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a comprehensive Statement of Advice. Ongoing annual fees for a continuing advice relationship typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on portfolio size and service inclusions. Some firms charge a flat fee, others charge a percentage of assets under management (commonly 0.5% to 1.0% per year), and a smaller number use hourly billing. Fee-for-service firms (such as Verse Wealth and Independent Wealth Partners) charge independently of product sales, which removes commission-based conflicts from the equation. Always ask for a fee disclosure document before engaging any adviser.
How do I choose a financial advisor in Melbourne?
Start by checking that any adviser you consider holds a current Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) or is an authorised representative of a licensed firm. You can verify this through ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register at moneysmart.gov.au. From there, consider the adviser’s area of focus: some firms specialise in retirement planning, others in investment strategy, property, or private wealth. Client reviews on Google provide useful signals, but look at volume as well as rating — a 5.0-star average across 20 reviews is less reliable than a 4.9-star average across 300. Ask potential advisers how they charge, who they typically work with, and what their advice process looks like before making a decision.
What should I look for in a financial advisor?
Look for an adviser who holds current ASIC registration, operates under a clear and transparent fee structure, and can demonstrate experience with clients in similar circumstances to yours. Independence is worth examining: advisers who are not tied to product manufacturers have fewer structural conflicts when making recommendations. Client reviews are a useful but imperfect guide — look for patterns in what reviewers say rather than focusing on isolated comments. Ask the adviser to explain how they are remunerated, how often they will review your plan, and what happens to your file if your primary adviser leaves the firm. A good adviser will answer these questions directly and without evasion.
Are there good financial advisors for small businesses in Melbourne?
Yes. Several firms on this list serve business owners alongside personal financial planning clients. FMD Financial, Partners Wealth Group, and ActOn Wealth all indicate experience working with small business clients across areas such as business structuring, superannuation contributions (including concessional maximisation strategies), business succession planning, and key person insurance. Empower Wealth Advisory is also relevant for business owners who hold property as part of their wealth strategy. When engaging a firm for business-related advice, ask specifically about their experience with your business structure (sole trader, trust, company) and whether they can coordinate with your accountant or solicitor.
Melbourne’s financial advice market is large, competitive, and — as this list demonstrates — home to a number of firms with strong, independently verified client satisfaction records. The firms ranked here cover a wide range of client profiles, from first-time advice seekers to high-net-worth individuals with complex planning needs. Matching the right firm to your situation requires honest reflection on what you actually need from an adviser, not just selecting the highest-rated name. Use the ratings, reviews, and service descriptions in this guide as a starting point, verify ASIC registration before signing anything, and take the time to speak with two or three firms before making a commitment.
