Dedicated to supporting and uplifting Australia’s vibrant community of advisers, advice practices and licensees, The Inside Network’s new awards will shine a spotlight on outstanding individuals shaping the future of wealth management, from rising stars to emerging leaders.

Open for nominations across 10 diverse sub-categories, the awards will celebrate excellence in areas including financial advice, investment, research, responsible investing, technology, community engagement and client experience. Together, they capture the creativity, ambition and integrity defining the next generation of advice professionals.

Nominations are now open and will close on 7 November 2025, with the shortlist announced on 17 November. Winners will be unveiled at a Melbourne awards ceremony on 26 November 2025.

The INFIN 40 Under 40 Awards selection committee comprises of senior leaders from advice firms, licensees, and industry associations, ensuring a transparent, independent and merit-based judging process.

“The advice industry continues to evolve rapidly, and it’s never been more important to recognise the people driving that change,” said Charlie Viola, Executive Chair, Adviser and Founding Partner at Viola Private Wealth. “The INFIN 40 Under 40 Awards will celebrate those who are not only excelling in their careers but are also contributing to the long-term sustainability and reputation of our profession.”

Steve Sloane, Adviser and Founder of Link Wealth Group, added: “We have so many talented young professionals across the advice landscape who are innovating, connecting with clients in new ways and setting the tone for what great advice looks like in the future. These awards are about celebrating that energy and vision.”

The INFIN 40 Under 40 Awards are set to become an annual benchmark for excellence in the Australian advice community, spotlighting those who exemplify leadership, innovation and commitment to helping Australians achieve their financial goals.

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Charlie Viola

Viola Private Wealth Executive Chair and Founding Partner, Charlie Viola, has been ranked fifth on Barron’s list of Australia’s Top Financial Advisers – the sixth consecutive year he has been placed on this prestigious list now in its seventh year.

Viola’s ranking highlights his dedication to delivering clear, client-focused financial advice and consolidates his reputation as a trusted leader in high-net-worth wealth management.

Managing over $2.5 billion in assets and specialising in clients with more than $3.5 million of investable wealth, Viola Private Wealth exemplifies tailored, client-first solutions.

His approach to wealth management centres on a client-first philosophy, ensuring complex financial matters are simplified and accessible, thereby empowering clients to navigate wealth preservation and growth confidently.

Viola says: “Being recognised by Barron’s is an honour. Our focus at Viola Private Wealth is on making wealth management straightforward for our clients so they can confidently build their financial futures.”

Viola Private Wealth CEO Sean Ward says: “Charlie’s ranking on Barron’s list reflects not only his exceptional commitment to clients but also our shared dedication to providing personalised, high-touch service.

“At Viola Private Wealth, we strive to be the go-to home for top advisers, helping clients achieve their unique goals with the highest level of transparency and trust.”

Positioned as a progressive, independently owned firm, Viola Private Wealth is on a journey to become the destination for Australia’s leading advisers today- and for the most promising advisers of tomorrow.

By attracting top talent, the firm not only aims to provide unparalleled expertise to clients but to ensure that future industry leaders – many of whom will be featured on top adviser lists.

With deep expertise, cutting-edge strategies, and a dedication to meaningful client relationships, Viola Private Wealth offers the stability and guidance high-net-worth clients value.

The firm’s commitment to evolving and expanding its resources to meet changing clients’ needs further positions it as a trusted wealth management partner across generations.

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Sean Ward, Charlie Viola and Andrew Levi

Viola Private Wealth proudly announces its official launch, marking a new chapter in wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and families.

Led by one of Australia’s top financial advisers, Charlie Viola has launched a new and exciting wealth management firm. A firm that aligns with his unwavering commitment to growing and safeguarding the wealth of high-net-worth clients.

Unlike many newly established firms, their systems and processes are already well-developed, thanks to an agreement with Pitcher Partners Sydney Wealth Management to purchase various operational aspects of the business.

Joining Charlie, Sean Ward as CEO and Andrew Levi as COO. Together, they bring their knowledge and experience that have been the foundation of their long-term success, further strengthening Viola Private Wealth’s capabilities.

Aligning with their core speciality, Viola Private Wealth focuses on managing wealth for high-net-worth individuals and families by providing bespoke solutions that simplify complex financial needs.

The new brand name reflects the firm’s dedication to the personalisation and exclusivity, essential for effectively serving clients with substantial financial portfolios.

Executive Chair and Founding Partner, Charlie Viola said, “Our core focus includes the ongoing management of client investment portfolios, as we have done for the last 20+ years and continuing to play our role as the client’s trusted adviser. Our role is always to give our clients the right advice, ensure they are well structured and helping them protect and growth their wealth.

“We will continue to be high touch, bespoke and always acting in the best interests of the client.”

For existing clients, Viola Private Wealth will continue providing exceptional advice and personalised solutions our clients have come to expect, tailored to the needs of the high-net-worth market.

The firm’s deep expertise and commitment to excellence make it uniquely positioned to address the complex financial needs of individuals and families with substantial wealth.

Viola Private Wealth will continue to access a wide range of investment opportunities, both domestically and internationally. Committed to being a long-term investor and looking to build portfolios and relationships over the long-term.

The leadership team at Viola Private Wealth brings a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to excellence. Charlie Viola, serving as Executive Chair, along with co-founders Sean Ward as CEO and Andrew Levi as COO, are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and care.

Their combined expertise ensures clients will continue to receive the outstanding service they have come to expect.

Viola Private Wealth remains committed to its clients, maintaining a strong partnership with Pitcher Partners. This relationship allows the firm to leverage Pitcher Partners accounting and tax services as they continue to work together, providing advice to mutual clients.

Viola added, “Approximately 40 per cent of our clients are shared with Pitcher Partners. Together, we will deliver a seamless service for our mutual clients, just as we have done over many years.

The firm’s strategy prioritises client-centric approach for all decisions and investments. At the heart of Viola Private Wealth’s ethos is a commitment to warm, responsive services, and the firm builds on a legacy of treating clients as valued partners, ensuring a personalised and engaging experience.

Viola Private Wealth is committed to making future investments in technology and resources to better serve clients. The firm will prioritise these enhancements to provide cutting-edge tools and support, ensuring exceptional investment outcomes and innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals and families.

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Charlie Viola

The newly formed Principals’ Community, headed up by Kon Costas, has received strong support from the self-licensed community with more than 92% of previous businesses signing new agreements this year.

The independent community parted ways with BT Financial Group after more than 7 years, with the sole purpose of providing support and guidance to AFSL holders without encountering conflicts from institutional ownership, rules surrounding being a product manufacturer or platform provider and having existing AFSL obligations.

Costas says: “The feedback and support we have received from the 122 community members has been exceptional, truly highlighting a significant desire for support as they grow in the everchanging post-Covid and post-Royal Commission environment.”

Current members such as Charlie Viola, Partner at Pitcher Partners Sydney Wealth Management, adds his support for an independent community, saying: “Never underestimate having a truly independent voice providing comments and views on what they see when they look under the hood of your business. When we were at a crossroads, Kon and the team provided timely counsel on the path we needed to take – or risk blowing ourselves up.”

Costas says: “In addition, we are seeing many businesses taking a deep breath for the first time in a few years, and begin looking for more opportunities to grow organically, succession planning, mergers, acquisitions, scale, and, most importantly, how to successfully support their staff through the highs and lows.”

Other key members voicing their support of how important it is to have access to the wealth of knowledge and experience on offer from The Principals’ Community include Glenn Calder, CEO, Viridian Advisory. “We see people working together, sharing, and collaborating as the pinnacle of how we can improve.”

Anthony Kapetanovic, Managing Director, Akambo Financial Group, adds that in a post-Royal Commission world, AFSL holders will require more guidance.

As the need for quality financial advice continues to increase, especially following a volatile 18 months with regulatory oversight remaining a topical issue, The Principals’ Community is focussing on bringing back in-person gatherings around the country and prioritising several offerings advisers want. These include:

• an industry benchmarking report now in its 3^rd year, provides sought-after data sets enabling principals to readily compare their key ratios to likeminded and similar size self-licensed businesses
• the running of several educational and professional development masterclasses, and
• providing governance support and ensuring licensees understand all regulatory and legislative requirements, delivered through a mixture of quarterly meetings and ongoing engagement with Responsible Managers.

Costas says: “For us, 2022 is a year to achieve two things: resuscitate a core value of the community that is peer-to-peer learning and conversation via face-to-face forums. The 122 businesses all have a wide array of experience and expertise covering everything from technology, research, business management, structures and M&A or product/platform related questions that can be shared with their peers.

“Secondly, opening the door for prospective self-licenced businesses to join the community and connect with like-minded businesses and individuals independently of any concerns surrounding conflicts of interest.”

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The list, compiled for The Australian newspaper by US publication Barron’s, looks at key factors including assets, fees, professional credentials, client retention and quality of practice.

Former number one spot holders Sue Dahn from Pitcher Partners Melbourne and Charlie Viola from Pitcher Partners Sydney remain strong on the list, as does Adam Stanley from Pitcher Partners Melbourne. New entrants to the list, Kellie Davidson from Pitcher Partners Melbourne and David Lane from Pitcher Partners Brisbane, round out Pitcher Partners’ representation.

Sue Dahn said that success is about the whole team.

“While five financial advisors from Pitcher Partners have been included on the list, there are dozens of others who are an integral part of the team that provide consistent and high-quality service to our clients,” Sue said.

“Our practice relies first and foremost on the ongoing trust and support of our loyal clients many of whom are multi-generations of families who have been with the firm for more than 20 years. There is no better advocate than a happy client”.

Charlie Viola noted that 2020 has been one of the busiest years for financial advisers, from market movements, new styles of client interaction due to COVID-19 and the ever-changing landscape of the advice industry.

“This accolade is a testament to the team around me. They give me the support and infrastructure to add real value to our clients day in and day out. We very much approach our roles with a cool head and a warm heart, taking the view that we have a great responsibility and the privilege of looking after our clients life savings,” Charlie said.

New comer to the list, Kellie Davidson, credits her father and her fantastic Year 11 economics teacher with her decision to become a financial planner.

“The highlight for me is building lasting relationships with clients. Often, you are more than a financial adviser. You’re a counsellor, a sounding board and trusted confidant,” Kellie said.

Every advisor reviewed by the survey answered more than 50 questions covering client assets, fees generated on assets, size of staff (relative to client list) professional credentials and a range of other key factors.

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Charlie Viola

Charlie Viola, Partner, Pitcher Partners Sydney has announced a joint venture partnership with leading risk specialist practice MBS Insurance that will provide comprehensive protection solutions and consulting services for clients and business owners.

The JV will be marketed as Pitcher Partners Sydney Insurance Services (PPSIS) and Pitcher Partners and MBS clients will have access to the collective expertise, insight and experience of a network of leading insurance practitioners, business consultants, industry experts and specialists that will operate under the new structure.

Commenting further on the announcement, Charlie Viola said Pitcher Partners has a well-deserved reputation as one of Australia’s leading and premier client focussed business advisory firms that is constantly refining and adding specialist services to address the needs of clients.

“The importance of insurance protection in any business undertaking or wealth creation aspiration cannot be underestimated. However, insurance and its myriad of variations, options and offerings is highly complex and care needs to be taken to ensure that the correct product and offering is utilised to address each and every individual requirement”, added Charlie Viola.

“Contrary to many of the advertisements that proclaim insurance can be purchased online or over the phone as a ‘one size fits all solution’ – this is not the case in reality, especially for HNW professionals and business owners”.

Adding his voice on behalf of MBS Insurance, Kris Mason said although the number of product providers in the Australian marketplace has become concentrated the sheer volume of offerings and complexity between standalone insurance products and offerings inside superannuation has quite frankly become bewildering for those outside the advice sector.

Pointing to superannuation as one example, Kris Mason said group insurance has not kept pace with consumer expectations and pricing has also risen dramatically over the last few years – in some cases it has more than doubled. “Many superannuation clients are simply not aware of the terms and conditions of their fund that can be changed by the Trustee without reference to the member.

“PPSIS will be able to provide clients with a detailed review their insurance and advise if the cover is appropriate to their needs and expectations”.

MBS Insurance is headquartered in Sydney and was started in 2006 and is headed up by Kris Mason, Trevor Shipton and Drew Burden. Over the years it has grown steadily through adherence to the highest standards of best practice and dedication to develop a focussed and specialised business infrastructure to provide a comprehensive risk offering to clients.

Today, MBS has three advising partners and two non partner advisers that are supported by an internal operational model and staff that ensure all clients receive exemplary service and attention.

Independence of institutional influence has always been a priority for MBS and this underpinned the decision to join the highly regarded non-aligned national risk specialist licensee Bombora Advice to further separate product from advice – and this has enhanced its highly regarded reputation in the independent sector.

A further benefit of being part of Bombora Advice is access to the group’s network of Australia’s leading risk insurance advice practitioners who work collaboratively in a collegiate environment to share insights, experiences and the latest industry developments.

“Today clients face complex challenges in an economy that is constantly changing as the result of new legislation, technology and commercial pressure. Through our shared initiative PPSIS, Pitcher Partners and MBS will be able to offer a specialised service platform to address the insurance needs of clients by providing our collective experience, knowledge and insight in these times of change”, said Charlie Viola and Kris Mason jointly.

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