QSuper and Sunsuper finalise merger with over two million members.

Leading Australian advice firm Esencia Wealth has announced its expansion into Queensland, merging with two financial advice firms and adding approximately 300 clients to its growing portfolio.

The company recently completed a multi-merger with Financial 3 Wealth and Marsden Wealth Advisers, marking a significant milestone in Esencia Wealth’s national growth strategy and establishing its first office in the Queensland market.

The mergers bring four new financial advisers and an expanded team to Esencia Wealth, with several additional appointments planned in the coming months. The new Queensland team will operate from 1 Eagle Street in Brisbane’s CBD.

The merger also results in the appointment of two new Partners to Esencia Wealth: Travis Hinchy from Financial 3 Wealth, and Richard Marsden from Marsden Wealth Advisers.

Matthew Fenning, Chief Executive Officer of Esencia Wealth, said: “Our expansion into Queensland represents a significant step in building a truly national advice business. Financial 3 Wealth and Marsden Wealth Advisers share our commitment to exceptional client service, a people-first culture, and an innovation mindset, making them ideal partners to lead the establishment of our presence in Queensland.

“Travis and Richard bring deep client relationships and significant expertise to Esencia Wealth. Together with their teams, they exemplify the quality and client focus that defines our firm.”

Co-founder and Managing Director of Financial 3 Wealth, Travis Hinchy said: “I am excited to join the Esencia Wealth team, whose culture aligns with the spirit that Financial 3 was built on – our clients can look forward to a continuity of service excellence and care.”

Richard Marsden, Principal, Marsden Wealth Advisers, said: “Joining Esencia Wealth holds great appeal, as I can keep delivering a tailored client approach to helping clients achieve their financial goals, with the support of a dedicated team. I’m really pleased to be part of a business with a values-based leadership team steering us to achieve growth, while staying focused on quality.”

The Queensland expansion follows Esencia Wealth’s recent merger with FMA Wealth Management, announced in February 2026, demonstrating the firm’s sustained momentum in attracting quality advice practices.

Mr Fenning said: “We’re focused on building a world-class advice business where experienced advisers and emerging talent can thrive together. Our Queensland team will serve to amplify our purpose – to change our clients’ lives.”

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Frank MacDonagh

Leading Australian advice firm Esencia Wealth has announced a milestone in its national growth strategy, merging with FMA Wealth and welcoming renowned financial adviser Frank MacDonagh as a Senior Financial Adviser and as a member of the firm’s Advisory Board.

The merger and appointment underscore Esencia Wealth’s commitment to scaling its operations while maintaining its focus on client experience, innovation and a people-first culture.

Matthew Fenning, Chief Executive Officer of Esencia Wealth, said: “Our merger with FMA Wealth demonstrates our continued commitment to sustainable growth, built on exceptional people and deep client relationships.

“Over 18 months ago we launched Esencia Wealth, created out of a merger between four likeminded advice firms. Since then, we have been in talks with other quality firms looking to join a dynamic, future-focused advice business. We are thrilled to welcome FMA Wealth and Frank, whose passion for his clients and personal values align perfectly with ours.”

Mr MacDonagh brings a distinguished career to Esencia Wealth, having spent 25 years running FMA Wealth, advising high net-worth and professional clients across Australia. He is renowned for advice that stems from empathy and genuine understanding, aligning well with Esencia Wealth’s purpose – to change clients’ lives.

His skills and experience have been honed through decades of client work and senior roles at major investment banks and consulting firms in Sydney, London, and Tokyo, including at Merrill Lynch and KPMG.

On joining Esencia Wealth, Mr MacDonagh said: “It is a natural next step for me as well as for my clients. I have been very impressed by Esencia Wealth’s dynamic approach and vision for the future of financial advice. The opportunity to contribute to the firm’s direction on the Advisory Board, and to work with a relationship-focused team, was incredibly compelling. I look forward to contributing to Esencia Wealth and to our clients’ continued success.”

Mr MacDonagh’s arrival has been warmly received across Esencia Wealth, with his experience reinforcing the firm’s commitment to exceptional client experience, high professional standards, and the development of its people. His appointment adds further depth to the advisory team – presenting a valuable opportunity for team members to learn from an adviser recognised for leading by example, and to grow professionally.

Mr Fenning said: “Experienced leadership is central to our vision of building a world‑class advice business. Our Senior Advisers set the standard across the firm, underpinning our purpose to positively change our clients’ lives.”

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Matt Fenning

Financial advice firm Esencia Wealth has opened its new Sydney office at Governor Phillip Tower, following the merger of four advice businesses: Advise Wise, Insight Private Wealth, Sovereign Wealth Partners and Randle Advisory.

With over 1000 clients, and a combined legacy spanning over 100 years, the Esencia team are dedicated to helping Australians make life-changing decisions with their money.

Matthew Fenning, newly appointed CEO of Esencia, said: “Our four firms have come together to capture the opportunity in a diverged market to build a world-class advice business – one that enhances the existing ethos of each firm to use financial advice as a mechanism for changing clients’ lives.”

The business’ name means essence in Spanish. The intent of the brand is to inspire clients, staff and partners alike to consider what truly matters, and to understand how quality financial advice is a key driver to achieving the future they desire.

Mr Fenning said: “Our purpose is a continuation of the values that each of our businesses held dear, centred on marrying deeply personal relationships with integrity. As we plan to expand further, we will be looking to partner with and acquire other firms that share these values and our aspirations.

“The merger of the founding members of Esencia made sense because we found similarities across our business cultures – and cultural alignment is the cornerstone of a successful integration.”

Currently Esencia’s client groups include high-net-worth families, professionals, retirees and medicos, and the business offers advice by women for women. The business’ growth strategy will see a continuation of this house of niches approach to attracting new clients.

The new leadership team of Esencia will also include former Macquarie executive Jeffrey Wrightson as Managing Partner, Insight Private Wealth Principal Sam Stillone as Head of Growth, and former Shadforth Financial Group co-founder and Director Jim Kilkenny as Chairman. The team plans to build on their expertise with additional hires.

Esencia is committed to championing the professionalisation of the advice industry, as the industry emerges from a period of upheaval to an era of stability and growth. Part of this includes creating career pathways for its own as well as new staff.

Mr Fenning said: “Traditionally the advice industry has struggled to develop a transparent career pathway that is commonly found in professional services firms. By establishing this in our business, we can provide those entering anywhere from the ground floor up with an opportunity to progress and become a partner in the business. This is critical for attracting and retaining talent and, importantly, another marker of professionalism in the advice industry.

“The confluence of significant industry change, an ageing population, the multi-trillion dollar intergenerational transfer of wealth, and exponential growth of the superannuation system, places advisers in a critical position in the coming years and decades, in determining the prosperity and quality of life of Australians.”

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