Andrew Fairweather

Fitzpatricks Financial Group has announced that Group Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Fairweather, will assume added responsibility for leading its private wealth subsidiary, Fitzpatricks Advice Partners, following Jasia Fabig’s decision to step down as General Manager, Advice and transition to an independent high-performance coach for the group’s practice principals.

Fabig will continue to support Fitzpatricks Advice Partners’ National Firm Board, which is chaired by the group’s Co-founder John Woodley.

In her new capacity, Fabig will focus on assisting the group’s practice principals with business planning, performance monitoring, and the development and execution of growth initiatives.

Fairweather said the addition of business planning as a dedicated service significantly enhanced Fitzpatricks’ value proposition, and would drive mutually-beneficial outcomes for both the group’s advice community and Fabig.

Jasia has been considering the next stage of her career for some time and this transition allows her to explore her passions while retaining her capability to drive value inside the network in a more dedicated way,” he said.

“In my expanded role, I’m most excited about working closer with the National Firm Board and National Firm committees, including the Lead Adviser and Community Committees, to take the business forward.”

Fabig said: “I’m passionate about supporting advisers to achieve their business objectives using regular oversight and structured accountability frameworks, and I look forward to remaining intimately involved with the Fitzpatricks advice community”.

Fairweather said the group’s shift to a flatter organisational design would foster faster decision-making, greater agility, and responsiveness to industry change.

Fabig will continue in her current role until September 11, 2025, before commencing her parttime consulting arrangement with Fitzpatricks Advice Partners in October.

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This follows the group’s investment management capability, Atrium Investment Management, entering a recent partnership with Russell Investments for research and asset consulting services.

Under the partnership, Atrium will access Russell’s global research platform across traditional asset classes and private markets. It will leverage Russell’s scale to deliver better fee outcomes for clients.

Andrew Fairweather, Chief Executive Officer of Fitzpatricks Group, said Chapple’s broad and extensive experience, spanning superannuation, investments and retirement income, strengthened the group’s ability to deliver high quality investment solutions for various target markets.

“Andrew will be responsible for setting the group’s product strategy and roadmap to ensure that our products and services continue to meet the needs of advisers and clients for both accumulation and decumulation,” he said.

“Andrew has a stellar track record of large-scale product management and has successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver a wide range of digital, product, investment, regulatory, simplification and change programs.”

Chapple joins Fitzpatricks Group after a period consulting to a number of financial services companies. Prior to that, he spent 21 years at Colonial First State where he held a number of senior roles including Director, Platforms; Head of Product Management; and Product Manager.

He will report to Cheryl Talbot, Chief Financial Officer, Fitzpatricks Group.

Chapple said Fitzpatricks’ reputation as one of Australia’s leading national advice firms and long track-record of helping people build, manage and protect generational wealth attracted him to the role.

“I have deep and broad industry experience, and I am genuinely passionate about creating value and improving outcomes for clients and their families,” he said.

“I’m excited about contributing to the ongoing growth and success of Fitzpatricks, which has been enriching lives for generations.”

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Jensen, who also previously held senior marketing and customer experience roles at Challenger, StatePlus and MLC, will report to Chief Executive Officer of Fitzpatricks Group, Andrew Fairweather.

“Debbie is a well-respected financial services leader with experience in direct-to-consumer and B2B marketing, and serving advisers. I am excited to have her join the senior management team, as we drive the ongoing development of our value proposition to advisers and their clients,” he said.

“Our proven model is focused on developing advisers to better serve clients with complex needs, and providing them with the services and solutions they need to attract clients in their target markets. Our model is supported by a brand strategy that appeals to the segments that we serve.”

Last month, Fitzpatricks Group rebranded its advice arm to Fitzpatricks Advice Partners (formerly Fitzpatricks Private Wealth), reflecting the group’s reinvigorated mission and strategy to ramp up the support and value it delivers.

Jensen will work closely with Jasia Fabig, General Manager, Fitzpatricks Advice Partners, to raise awareness of the group’s brand and value proposition, including its flagship Lead Adviser program, which has been continuously refined over the past 20 years to remain at the forefront of industry innovation. The program is focused on driving client engagement, satisfaction and profitability.

Jensen said: “Fitzpatricks is known for its calibre, credibility and unwavering adviser and client focus, and I am excited to be joining the business”.

“My focus is on sharpening the group’s value proposition, ensuring that our message is clear and compelling for advisers, their clients and the broader advice market,” she said.

Fabig said Fitzpatricks had a rich history and a reputation for quality advice, however, recent enhancements to the business model were less well understood.

“We’ve been through a period of resetting to ensure the right foundations are in place to accelerate our growth,” she said. w

“We don’t measure success in terms of adviser numbers. We are not aiming to be the biggest advice firm but rather one that delivers exceptional value to advisers so they can better serve their target markets. Our focus is on partnering with high-quality advisers and supporting them to grow and achieve their goals”.

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Daniel Proietto

Fitzpatricks Private Wealth (Fitzpatricks) creates a stronger presence in the Victorian market, with the appointment of Daniel Proietto to the role of Victorian Regional Manager.

Mr Proietto brings a wealth of successful business development and consultancy experience specific to financial advisers and is well acquainted with large-scale business negotiations, both locally and internationally.

Fitzpatricks Head of Business Growth, Anthony Vaiente identified that Daniel’s experience, and guiding ethical principles of creating strong client relationships, were intrinsic to their new hire decision.

“Daniel is a natural coach, mentor and leader with a head and heart approach to business, which is what Fitzpatricks is all about. He will be a valuable addition to our team in creating successful partnerships with financial advice professionals in Victoria.  He brings a proven track record of creating sustainable economic growth for the businesses and advisers he has previously worked with,” said Anthony Vaiente.

“Daniel’s ethical standards, great reputation and strong professional network align with our own client centric philosophy and community values and as such, will see Daniel work in a coaching capacity throughout the wider Fitzpatricks business.”

Daniel Proietto joins Fitzpatricks with extensive experience within financial services. Most recently Mr Proietto acted as an independent business consultant, advising investment managers and assisting in client relationship management and business development.

Prior to this, Mr Proietto has experience in executive positions across numerous financial institutions. Beginning his career with NAB in Custodian Services in 1997, to a posting with Xplore Wealth in 2008 as Sales Manager, progressing to the role of National Business Development Manager in 2018.

“My focus at Fitzpatricks will be on developing relationships with like-minded Victorian practices that align with our client-centric Lead Adviser philosophy, and who want to utilise our multiple partnership opportunities to focus on the next chapter of their professional growth. Fitzpatricks elite Lead Adviser coaching program, transformational journey and adviser community is unique in the market, and it is my role to provide mentorship and support to practices wishing to explore partnering options with the business,” said Mr Proietto.

Fitzpatricks has been pioneering for professionalism in financial advice for over 20 years and CEO Matt Fogarty added “Daniel’s experience ticks all the boxes of what we were looking for to expand Fitzpatricks’ Victorian footprint, but it is his comprehensive approach and heartfelt aptitude to elevate the advice profession that makes Daniel the right person for the job.”

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With senior client-centric advice expertise, Matthew Nicholson and Oswaldo Duque join the Fitzpatricks Private Wealth team. In addition to the two new Advisers, Fitzpatricks Private Wealth have also hired Kaarina Robson to support their Brisbane based office.

Fitzpatricks CEO, Matt Fogarty acknowledged the practice’s business focus was twofold. Firstly, the new advisers will support the practice to target the private wealth market in south-east Queensland. Secondly, the renewed team will be better positioned to embrace Fitzpatricks’ Lead Adviser approach focusing on a client-centric approach, servicing the needs of high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, who have more complex financial needs.

“We welcome Matthew and Oswaldo to their Fitzpatricks home. Each brings complementary skills to the firm and are matched well with the essence of the Fitzpatricks approach: to enrich the lives of our clients via custom-tailored advice. Fitzpatricks has pioneered client centric advice systems and philosophies that eschew the ‘one-size-fits-all’ industrial approach,” said Matt Fogarty.

“For example, the Lead Adviser program led by a founder of our firm Scott Fitzpatrick has been helping to support individual advisers and the growth of sustainable practices. It is a testament to our strongly differentiated advice and adviser support model that the Group is attracting such high-calibre advisers.”

Mr Nicholson joins Fitzpatricks with over 20 years’ experience within the Australian financial services industry, most recently working at VISIS Private Wealth as a Private Client Adviser.

Prior to this, Mr Nicholson was a Senior Financial Planner at Westpac for over four years and has held paraplanning, state management and financial advisory roles at financial planning and advice firms including Whittaker MacNaught, Commonwealth Bank and Planwealth.

“Fitzpatricks is attractive as the model allows advisers to leverage the size and resources of a national organisation to provide high-net-worth clients with both market leading services and personal attention to truly support clients through their life journey,” said Mr Nicholson.

Hayden Griffiths, Practice Principal at Fitzpatricks Private Wealth said: “We were impressed with Matthew’s passion for remaining at the forefront of developments in financial strategy, product innovation, tax law, legislative change and innovative strategies in the financial services industry. We do not doubt that his extensive experience in the industry will be an asset to the Brisbane team.”

Mr Duque has worked within the financial services industry since 2013 and joins Fitzpatricks from ipac, a subsidiary of AMP group, where he was a Private Client Adviser for nearly five years, following his role at Corporation U as a Financial Planner.

Mr Duque’s expertise centres around providing personalised strategic advice on wealth creation and retirement planning strategies.

“It resonates with my core values to be working within a model that put’s the clients’ goals and needs first and foremost. I am looking forward to working with Fitzpatricks’ private wealth clients and helping them to navigate future opportunity and challenges,” said Mr Duque.

Hayden Griffiths said: “Having worked for boutique planning firms and one of Australia’s largest Financial Institutions, Oswaldo has a wealth of experience that we feel will be invaluable to the team.”

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Lisa brings a wealth of financial advice expertise with her to Fitzpatricks, with more than 20 years’ experience in client wealth advisory.

Lisa said Fitzpatricks appealed to her as the Group is well-positioned to best deliver value-driven advice to clients, and its focus on strategic growth through alignment on client-centric, goals-based advice is reflected in its culture, leadership group and its ‘client enrichment’ initiatives.

“Fitzpatricks’ well-established model and resources enable our practice to demonstrate and deliver value as we continually strive to evolve our business to provide highly beneficial outcomes for clients,” Lisa said.

“We are in this business because we care about the families of our clients and want to empower them to not only take control of their financial future, but live a more enriched and impactful life,” she said.

Fitzpatricks’ commitment to female advisers making a difference in the lives of Higher Net Wealth clients was also particularly attractive to Lisa.

One of 27 female advice professionals at Fitzpatricks, Lisa’s joining raises Fitzpatricks’ total number of female principals to over 20%.

“Fitzpatricks cultural values are also strongly aligned with my own. The Group provides a high-level of support and mentoring to women by actively encouraging the growth of female professionals within the Group and beyond.

“I feel this is necessary to remove the existing misconception that financial planning is only about numbers. I believe it’s also very much about people and relationships. Women are great in all these areas and together can meet a broader section of the needs of families through increasing our own diversity,” Lisa added.

To support and encourage the impact of women in financial services, Fitzpatricks has introduced a number of initiatives, including peer groups of female professionals who meet regularly to share ideas on advice and mentor other women within the Group.

Fitzpatricks Private Wealth CEO, Matt Fogarty, said: “Lisa strongly embodies the Fitzpatricks core values and vision. Her commitment to enrich the lives of clients through the achievement of their financial goals and her determination in developing a long-term partnership with clients reflects this well.

“Lisa also shares our focus on ensuring advice fulfils its proper and needed role within the Australian community. We are delighted Lisa has joined Fitzpatricks as a valued adviser in the community and we look forward to her playing an active role in encouraging more women into great roles within our profession,“ he said.

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Matt Fogarty

Fitzpatricks Private Wealth announces the addition of premium financial advice firm, Perth-based Stewart Symonds & Partners as its latest financial advice practice partnership.

One of 7 new practices with a total of 38 advisers licensed by the Fitzpatrick Group since July 2018, the Stewart Symonds addition adds to a proud Fitzpatricks heritage of strategic growth through cultural and philosophical alignment around client-centric, goals-based financial planning.

Stewart Symonds Partner and General Manager, Garry Symonds brings more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, the past 13 years at the Perth-based firm.

“Fitzpatricks has been a true partner. Its underpinning values, ongoing support, direct availability and access to the leadership team has been essential to ensure a smooth transition – something you don’t get anywhere else,” Mr Symonds said. “Fitzpatricks’ values and vision immediately resonated with us in how we wanted to move forward,” he said.

“Fitzpatricks view the world the way we do – the client always comes first. We are not trying to sell clients a product, rather looking at getting them well organised financially over the long-term.”

Mr Symonds said the firm was attracted to the Fitzpatricks private ownership model and family office feel, as well as the firm being well-capitalised to support genuine advice practices with appropriate resources to grow successfully.

Fitzpatricks Private Wealth CEO, Matt Fogarty welcomed the new partnership, noting that Garry and his Perth practice embody the firm’s core values.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Stewart Symonds & Partners to join our national team – a professional, client-centric practice established over some 26 years,” he said.

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A major focus of this role is to support the business growth of the firm via acquisitions.

Jodie has joined the Group from the ASX listed business AUB group. Prior to this role Jodie was CFO of The Trust Company. Jodie is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment. Jodie is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

John McMurdo said “I am delighted that Jodie has joined our Group and I know her significant experience in mergers and acquisitions will be of great benefit to our Group. As a firm we continue to find and execute on a range of excellent acquisitions and growth opportunities. The input of private capital has provided major funding for the Group and we continue to be approached by a number of like-minded and high calibre firms to partner with us. Jodie has had an outstanding career in finance, M&A, investment banking, strategy and governance, with substantial groups including Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and Citigroup.”

Jodie Blackledge said “I am excited to join the Fitzpatricks Group with a clear mandate for growth. There is a huge opportunity within the financial services industry brought about by a fast-changing landscape. I am particularly delighted to join a quality business with a focus on client-led outcomes”.

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John McMurdo, Group Chief Executive Officer said: “I am delighted to announce three key appointments to our Group, all designed to: strengthen our advice offering and support our advisers to build great outcomes for their clients. At a time where many in our sector are questioning their advice model, we are committed to promoting the value of advice and to support our advisers. I believe we have a real opportunity to take a leadership role within the industry. Marnie Page has joined the Group as Head of Adviser Experience, Colin Lewis as Head of Technical Services and Amanda Wilson as Head of Advice and Licensee Compliance”

Head of Adviser Experience

As the number of our advice services and offerings grow, it is extremely important to us that advisers can access the right services in an efficient and helpful manner.  For this purpose, we have created this new role.  Based in Sydney, Marnie’s role will be to support the adviser experience from beginning to end, ensuring the services accessed by advisers are the ones that provide the best value.

Marnie’s 25+ years of experience include Client & Adviser Services Manager roles with AM Corporation, consulting to boutique AFS Licensees at Associated Advisory Practices (AAP) and more recently, National Key Accounts Manager with Adviser Logic.  She holds a Diploma in Business Management (AIM) a Diploma of Financial Planning and loves sharing from her experiences.   Marnie will always welcome input that will further strengthen the Adviser experience.

Head of Technical Services

Colin Lewis has joined the team in the role of Head of Technical Services. Colin has specialised in technical advice since 1987, holding senior regulatory, consulting and technical roles within our sector. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Diploma of Superannuation Management from Macquarie University.  He has been an SMSF specialist adviser for the SMSF Association since 2006 and is a founding member of the ASFA 300 (SMSFs) unit committee.  Prior to joining us, Colin worked at IPAC Securities and Perpetual Private Clients.  Colin’s role will be to support advisers from a technical viewpoint, keeping advisers updated with technical strategies. Colin is also an experienced presenter and frequently called upon for comment on financial planning matters in the media.  He is currently a regular contributor in the Australian Financial Review.

Head of Advice and Licensee Compliance

Amanda Wilson will lead the Advice Compliance team.  Amanda has a legal qualification and has been working in financial services compliance for the past 20 years. Amanda’s experience has been gained in financial services companies in Australia and the UK encompassing financial planning, stockbroking and insurance.  Amanda started her compliance career with Colonial and has also worked at Suncorp and most recently with Macquarie Bank.

John McMurdo said: “Fitzpatricks has been built on the core tenets of a professional services firm.  Part of that commitment is to support our advisers with the highest calibre technical, professional standards and business support”.

Fitzpatricks continues to grow strongly as the flight from institutionally sales based approaches to advice professionalisation plays out.

“These key appointments further under-line our commitment to support our community of advisers and I know these three experienced individuals will provide a significant contribution in supporting our advice business.”

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John McMurdo

After a rigorous market review Fitzpatricks Private Wealth, one of Australia’s largest privately-owned licensees with over 75 authorised representatives, has selected leading financial services firm HUB24 (ASX:HUB) as its platform and technology partner, to deliver a managed portfolio solution for their current MDA and a new administration solution for advisers across their network.

Fitzpatricks is a national advisory and wealth management firm that provides premium private wealth advice to successful individuals and families. Fitzpatricks has been providing managed account solutions to clients for more than 15 years.

In announcing the selection, John McMurdo, Fitzpatricks’ Group Managing Director said: “After completing an extensive and rigorous review of all options available in the market we chose HUB24 as our partner, not only for their market-leading product capability, but also for their focus on customer service and their ability to deliver a customised solution, in an efficient timeframe.

“The advanced managed portfolio functionality available on HUB24 allowed us to replicate our MDA offer to provide a sophisticated solution for our advisers and their clients.”

HUB24 has built a tailored solution that offers advisers access to the Fitzpatricks range of managed portfolios, plus a broad range of other investment choices.

The Fitzpatrick’s Private Wealth MDA will be replicated via the market-leading managed portfolio functionality on HUB24, including the recently launched Progressive Portfolio Implementation (PPI) tool, which allows portfolio managers to allocate new inflows differently in anticipation of highly probable portfolio changes and may help enhance performance and deliver tax efficiencies for investors. The MDA which currently has funds under management (FUM) of over $700 million is planned to transition to HUB24 by late 2018.

Advisers will also benefit from the new ‘ConnectHUB’ functionality which will deliver historical performance reporting on their clients’ portfolios sourced from other product providers.

Andrew Alcock, Managing Director of HUB24, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Fitzpatricks to deliver a tailored solution across multiple product structures including MDA, IDPS and Super in a short period of time.

“Fitzpatricks is highly regarded in the market as one of Australia’s premium private wealth advisory firms and is known as an early pioneer in the managed accounts space.

“Licensees and advisers are increasingly searching the market looking for advanced platform capabilities and flexible technology solutions. Our market-leading technology and ability to deliver a customised solution efficiently and cost effectively sees us ideally placed to meet their requirements.’’

HUB24 is the market-leader in terms of adviser satisfaction and managed portfolio functionality, and in a recent survey by Adviser Ratings HUB24 topped the polls in terms of adviser net promoter score.

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