Independent advice gives you more than you may think.

The vast majority of financial providers in Australia who insinuate they are independent — are not. Use of the term "independent" is restricted by the Corporations Act and means that an adviser doesn't have their own products to sell and doesn't receive any commissions or volume based payments.

In order to give financial advice in Australia, you need to have a licence from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Most advisers lack the skills or knowledge to obtain a licence themselves and so they align themselves with a bank or other financial institution that already has a licence. Unfortunately, in doing so, they have taken the easy option but sacrificed their independence. They give over control to the bank to decide which investments they are allowed to recommend.

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Statistics & Facts

In Australia, there are around 18,000 financial advisers. Yet some statistics in recent years are that:

  • 85% of advisers work for product providers (Ripoll Report 2009)
  • 73% of the time they recommend their own products (Roy Morgan Research 2011)
  • 3% of financial plans only were rated "Good" by ASIC (ASIC March 2012)
  • 1% of financial advisers elect not to receive commission on insurance products (ASIC 2014)

We have not taken the easy path.

Instead, we got licensed and certified because being independent is very important to us.

Logo ASIC
Licence from ASIC

We have applied for a licence from Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

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Member of IFAAA

We are a practicing member of the IFAAA Gold Standard of IndependenceTM.

Logo CFP
Certified Financial Planner®

All our financial planners are degree qualified and have an ongoing commitment to grow their professional skills and knowledge. Those of them who are not currently CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS® are completing the program to obtain this qualification.

Certified Financial Planner®

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation is the highest global standard for financial planners. A Certified Financial Planner® has, at a minimum:

  • An undergraduate degree.
  • Three years of client experience in financial planning.
  • Completed a financial planning education program.
  • Passed a rigorous comprehensive exam (historical pass rate of 55-60%).
  • Completed a required 30 hours of continuing education hours bi-annually.
  • Committed to adhering to the standards of ethics and practice outlined in the CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct.

In Australia the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation is overseen by the Financial Planning Association.

Professional Practice
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We are one of only a select group of Financial Planning practices that are truly independent.

Benchmark Strategic is a practicing member of the Independent Financial Advisers Association of Australia Gold Standard of IndependenceTM.

Click here to review the Gold Standard of Independence criteria that we meet.

Top 5 Reasons

to choose Benchmark Strategic as your financial advisor and personal financial coach

Watch the Video

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Well-Rounded Experience

Our collaborative team offers the depth and breadth you need to navigate life's decisions. For many of our clients, we operate as their personal CFO, simplifying their lives by providing clarity and answers to the myriad of financial decisions they face every day.

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Comprehensive Analysis

Efficient financial planning requires a close look at more than just account values and years to retirement. Our team assesses your insurance coverage, cash flow, investment strategy, real estate portfolio, and more. We review each area within the context of your current situation and long-term goals.

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Objective Advice

As an independent firm, we do not have a vested interest in specific products or services that can bias our judgment or recommendations. And since our compensation is completely independent of insurance or investment decisions you may make, we can be completely neutral in our analysis of your situation.

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Personalized Service

We are a boutique firm and we thrive on building long-term relationships with our clients. Our process is an opportunity for us to get to know our clients exceptionally well. Benchmark Strategic prides itself in working as a team — both internally and with you — offering as much or as little hand holding as you need.

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Valuable Tools

Most financial advisors offer clients tools to help manage their future. But few offer both proprietary tools AND personal coaching to help you use them. We help you understand how to use the tools effectively and efficiently to meet your specific needs.

Benchmark Strategic took the time to understand our situation & tailor their advice & solutions to our specific needs which, being a business owner, can be quite complex. Their strategies & advice have been clearly articulated & have placed my wife & I at ease.

They listened to what I want to achieve for a secure retirement & have guided me towards an investment plan which is balanced for growth & security. They have been extremely helpful, and very practical.

Testimonial Author 2
Kathy CSelf Funded Retiree

Benchmark Strategic advisors have a formidable background in financial planning. They complement each other in providing first class financial advice. Their honesty, integrity & sincere interest in securing a financial future for their clients makes them a standout group.

Peter WilsonIT Professional & Business Owner

I have been highly impressed with their recent retirement plan & start to enjoy some of the fruits of our working life. Chris & Mark were able to provide me with the impetus to take the next step which could have been delayed without quality financial advice.

Testimonial Author 4
Dr. Kevin AdamsSelf Funded Retiree