Here are practical recommendations and vetted places to start when looking for the best financial planners in Australia, plus a short list of recognised firms/individuals and how to choose and verify a planner.

Top places, awards and firms to consider

• Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) award winners and finalists — the FAAA runs national awards recognising leading advisers and practices (Certified Financial Planner® of the Year, Adviser of the Year, Professional Practice of the Year). Recent winners and finalists are a good short-list starting point. (FAAA.au)
• Independent adviser award programs (IFA Excellence Awards, Lonsec-sponsored awards, Lonsec/IFA coverage) highlight high-performing independent practices across states and specialties. Look at recent finalists/winners for recommended practices. (IFA.com.au)
• Highly awarded boutique firms that frequently appear in industry award lists and profiles (examples you can research further): Boutique Advisers (WA — FAAA Professional Practice winner/finalist), Financial Edge Group (Martin McGrath, CFP® — FAAA recognition), Quantum Financial and HSP Private Wealth (multiple industry awards). Use awards as one input — not the only one. (boutiqueadvisers.com.au)

How to pick the right planner (practical checklist)

1. Ask about qualifications and professional memberships — look for CFP® or equivalent and membership of a credible industry body. Advisers who hold CFP® or FAAA/FPA (or equivalent) qualifications have higher education/ethical standards. (FAAA.au)
2. Check ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register (FAR) — it shows licence status, authorised products, employment history and whether ASIC has taken action against the adviser. Always verify an adviser on the ASIC register before engaging. (asic.gov.au)
3. Fee transparency — get a written statement (Financial Services Guide and Statement of Advice) that clearly explains fees and any conflicts of interest. Prefer advisers who offer clear, fee‑for‑service arrangements over hidden commission arrangements. (moneymag.com.au)
4. Fit and speciality — choose an adviser with experience in the area you need (retirement/super/SMSF/tax/estate planning). Ask for references or case studies (anonymised). (adfconsumer.gov.au)
5. Complaints/recourse — confirm the adviser is covered by an AFS licence and that you can use AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority) if there’s a dispute. (asic.gov.au)

Short vetted starting list (examples to research and verify)

• Boutique Advisers (WA) — award-winning professional practice and FAAA recognition. Good to consider if you want a well-regarded boutique firm. (boutiqueadvisers.com.au)
• Financial Edge Group / Martin McGrath, CFP® — recognised in FAAA awards as top CFP® professional; a candidate if you want an experienced CFP®-led practice. (FAAA.au)
• Quantum Financial — long‑standing, multi-award independent firm; useful if you prefer established Boutique Advisers. (quantumfinancial.com.au)
• HSP Private Wealth — frequently lists awards and accreditation; another boutique practice to evaluate (check specialties and fees). (hspprivatewealth.com.au)

Next steps (what to do now)

1. Use ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register to verify any adviser/practice you shortlist. (Search the adviser’s full name or firm.) (asic.gov.au)
2. Review their Financial Services Guide (FSG) and a sample Statement of Advice to check fees, scope and conflicts. (adfconsumer.gov.au)
3. Interview 2–3 advisers with the checklist above — ask about experience with people in your situation, fee examples, typical outcomes and references. (moneymag.com.au)

If you’d like, I can:

• Search and shortlist 5–8 top-rated advisers or firms in a specific Australian city or state (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, etc.), verified against ASIC’s register and recent award lists; or
• Provide the exact steps and questions to use in an interview with an adviser.

Which would you prefer?