Infocus expands leadership team to support national advisory growth

Matthew Fogarty

National advisory firm, Infocus, has announced two senior appointments aimed at supporting the expansion of the firm’s revised operational model across Australia.

Seasoned financial advice sector executive Matthew Fogarty has been named Executive General Manager – Strategic Relationships, while Hayley Briggs has assumed the pivotal role of Chief Financial and Operating Officer. Each will add their considerable experience and leadership acumen to delivering best-in-class support for growing advice businesses.

The appointments reinforce the firm’s commitment to accelerating its national expansion, aligned with a vision to empower advisers, advisory practices, and license holders through a flexible, end-to-end advice model that fosters growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Infocus Founder and Managing Director, Darren Steinhardt, said: “The financial advice sector is at a turning point and advisers need a trusted partner who not only understands their unique challenges but is deeply and actively invested in their success.

“Matthew and Hayley’s leadership will be key in advancing Infocus’ value proposition, driving innovation and delivering solutions that help advisers achieve client-first, best interest outcomes. We’re excited to welcome them and confident their expertise will be invaluable to the team.”

Matthew Fogarty – Executive General Manager, Strategic Relationships

A respected leader in Australian financial services, Matthew Fogarty brings over 25 years of experience in private wealth, financial planning and risk management. As Executive General Manager – Strategic Relationships, Matthew will lead the Infocus Partner Program (IPP), collaborating with advisory firms to deliver capital solutions, operational efficiencies and integrated support systems designed to drive long-term growth while keeping client needs at the core.

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew said: “Infocus is creating something totally unique in the Australian advice sector, offering Member, Partner and Enterprise partnership models that provide flexibility and industry-leading support for advisers at every stage of their journey.

“What really draws me to Infocus, though, is the strong, adviser-first community. It’s the power of being part of something bigger, where everyone is invested in each other’s success and in making high-quality advice more accessible to people across the country. I’m eager to be part of this journey and to help advisers grow their practices in a sustainable and highly professional way that helps lift the standards in our industry.”

Matthew has held senior leadership positions, including CEO of Fitzpatricks Private Wealth and Head of Private Wealth at Kelly+Partners Chartered Accountants. He was also a co-founder and director of The Encore Group, established in 2003 to provide specialist practice management, consulting and training services to the financial services industry, specifically for advice practices, dealer groups and institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Business and is an Affiliate of the Australian Insurance Institute.

Hayley Briggs – Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Hayley Briggs is a highly accomplished finance professional with experience spanning 27 years in senior financial leadership roles across leading global financial institutions. As Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Hayley is responsible for overseeing Infocus’ financial and operational performance, including financial planning, cash flow management, financial analysis and people & culture strategy.

Commenting on her appointment, Hayley said: “Infocus is at an exciting stage of growth as a national advisory firm, and I’m delighted to be part of the journey. I am impressed with the culture and its strong, community-driven approach. I look forward to contributing to the overall mission to help advisers succeed in a way that works for them, no matter where they are in their advisory practice, or what their business model looks like.

“I’m proud to be part of a company that’s built for the future and committed to delivering real value for advisers, advisory firms, and ultimately, their clients,” Hayley added.

Hayley has enjoyed a distinguished career with global financial institutions including JP Morgan, where she led strategic financial planning, forecasting and reporting functions. Her experience also includes senior roles at Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch, where she managed complex global financial operations and was instrumental in driving organisational transformations. Hayley is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA).