People

Our people make our company.

The Akambo team strives to maintain the highest industry standards and are passionate about making our clients’ interests top priority. We are committed to delivering a first-class service backed by industry experienced and dedicated advisors, award winning investment team and highly professional and engaged support staff.

Akambo is able to support all its clients, business partners and broader network through our purpose-built infrastructure including: Private Wealth Managers, In-house Investment Team, Dealer Services & Licensing Solutions, Lending Solutions, Legal Solutions, Paraplanning Support, Client Service Managers, Operations Unit, Compliance & Governance.

Executive Team

George Katrantzis – Director & Lending Specialist

George is a Director of Akambo Lending Solutions and has worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years. He has extensive experience in Mortgage Broking and has also held positions with a number of Australia’s leading financial institutions, including 7 years at Macquarie Bank, as an Associate Director.

As a Lending Specialist, George prides himself on his strategic approach in achieving successful outcomes for clients, through personalised loan strategies and structures.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours in Finance) from Monash University, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment. Additionally, he has also completed a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management and is a Full Member of the MFAA.

David Pitt – Head of Licensing

David’s is a founding partner of First Financial which is a medium size boutique financial planning firm which merged with Akambo Financial Group in April 2022. David has over 15 years of experience in managing his own financial planning team of four advisers and two support staff whilst also managing his own individual client base. During that time David was also instrumental in growing various external networks and establishing several key business partnerships with accounting, legal and mortgage brokering firms.

David’s new position as head of licensing will be a national support role focusing on the fast-growing external network of accounting and financial planning practices around Australia who are looking to either start their own advice practice or assist existing practices by enabling them to grow and improve the way they provide holistic advice for clients. David is passionate about the ever changing financial advice industry and landscape and believes that together everyone can achieve more however we need to continue to evolve as individuals and businesses to prevent being left behind.

Matthew Calderbank – Senior Manager – Licensing

Matthew brings over a decade of experience in Financial Markets and Client Services to Akambo Financial Group. Matthew has RG146 industry accreditation, has studied options (ADA1) and is always on the looking for the best ways to further his knowledge base. Matthew is a senior leader within the administration team and has driven several key projects and outcomes for Akambo and its clients.

Rob Petrie – Head of Private Wealth

With over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Rob has built a reputation as a strategic, innovative, and results-driven leader with a proven track record in building high performing teams. A determined leader, Rob has a history of leading large teams through periods of sustained transformation driven by numerous complex environmental influences. An experienced financial planner with a passion for championing the cause of professional financial planners and the demonstrated link between planner advocacy and the execution of advice to secure positive financial outcomes for clients.

At Akambo, Rob focuses on assisting advisers to develop and implement sustainable, client-centric solutions.

Rob is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and is a Member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

Josh Scipione – Private Wealth Manager

Josh is a relationship-focused adviser with a desire to achieve the best possible outcome for clients, being the driving force behind his energetic and passionate approach to financial planning. He is dedicated to developing and maintaining long term relationships with his clients, having worked in financial advice and wealth management since 2011.  Josh holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics, Finance & Financial Planning) from Deakin University as well as an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

Josh specialises in wealth accumulation and protection strategies, pre and post retirement planning, superannuation including SMSF’s and Family Wealth Management.  Josh is a friendly, outgoing person and when he’s not working, you’ll likely find him supporting his beloved Carlton Football Club or out on the golf course!”

Josh Flett – Director

Akambo Legal Solutions is a collaboration with a leading boutique commercial law firm Fletcher Clarendon Pty Ltd designed to provide Akambo clients with direct access to expert legal services.

Josh is a Director of Fletcher Clarendon Pty Ltd and experienced in a range of estate planning, commercial, litigation, property and trust law matters. He regularly advises corporate and private clients in relation to setting up, running, acquiring or divesting of interests in businesses.

His knowledge of the structuring of business arrangements also places him in a unique position to provide comprehensive advice to private clients to ensure that appropriate consideration is given to business succession planning, asset protection and tax implications of their estate plans.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Training. He was admitted to legal practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2008 and is admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia.

Rob Petrie – Head of Private Wealth

With over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Rob has built a reputation as a strategic, innovative, and results-driven leader with a proven track record in building high performing teams. A determined leader, Rob has a history of leading large teams through periods of sustained transformation driven by numerous complex environmental influences. An experienced financial planner with a passion for championing the cause of professional financial planners and the demonstrated link between planner advocacy and the execution of advice to secure positive financial outcomes for clients.

At Akambo, Rob focuses on assisting advisers to develop and implement sustainable, client-centric solutions.

Rob is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and is a Member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

Anthony Kapetanovic – Executive Chairman

Anthony is the founder and Executive Chairman of the Akambo Financial Group and over 25 years he has built a wide range of expertise in the financial services industry, including fields such as individual and commercial financial strategy, superannuation, corporate structuring, investment markets, capital and derivative markets and wealth creation. Anthony is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds a Diploma of Financial Planning from Deakin University. Anthony holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and a Masters in Business Law (MBL). Anthony is also a Member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

Joe Akiki – Director & Chief Executive Officer

Joe is a Director of Akambo Financial Group with extensive financial services industry experience where he has successfully led large, multidisciplinary teams, driving the delivery of high-quality sales and service outcomes for clients and business partners. This excellence has been acknowledged within the industry for several years with Joe being nominated in numerous business and leadership categories and being awarded a winner of the IFA Practice Principal of the Year award across Australia.

Joe has built a strong reputation for consistently providing effective wealth management advisory services and has a proven track record in delivering a very deliberate and targeted approach to expanding a business’s existing service offerings and revenue lines resulting in enhanced enterprise value.

Prior to joining Akambo, Joe worked for some of the largest financial services institutions across Retail and Private banking, wealth management, finance and insurance. Joe is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).

Chris Willaton – Director & Chief Investment Officer

Chris has been working in the wealth management industry since 1987, starting out at stockbroking firm McCaughan Dyson. He has since worked with Prudential Bache Securities, ANZ, and with Citigroup as a Vice President in the Private Client Group. He has extensive experience in managing investment portfolios and trading strategies over Australian and international equities. Chris is committed to ensuring that Akambo clients have access to a broad suite of innovative and transparent investment solutions that cater for an extensive range of investor needs and objectives. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Masters Degree in International Business from the University of Melbourne.

Chris Willaton – Director & Chief Investment Officer

Chris has been working in the wealth management industry since 1987, starting out at stockbroking firm McCaughan Dyson. He has since worked with Prudential Bache Securities, ANZ, and with Citigroup as a Vice President in the Private Client Group. He has extensive experience in managing investment portfolios and trading strategies over Australian and international equities. Chris is committed to ensuring that Akambo clients have access to a broad suite of innovative and transparent investment solutions that cater for an extensive range of investor needs and objectives. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Masters Degree in International Business from the University of Melbourne.

Bernard O’Connor – Investment Manager

Bernard is a co-founder of Akambo Financial Group and brings a wealth of experience from over 35 years in the equity, fixed interest, currency and futures industries. He has worked at numerous firms including McCaughan Dyson, Ord Minnett, Bell Potter, UBS and Citigroup as a Vice President in the Private Client Group. Bernard’s main areas of expertise are investment advice and management of risk both locally and internationally. He is RG146 industry accredited and has obtained accreditation in futures and derivatives locally and internationally has US series 7 equity qualifications.

Bernard is well known within the industry for his expertise in risk management, equity investing both domestically and internationally, and technical analysis having also lectured and provided support to the ASX and Australian Technical Analysis Association across Australia.

Robert Makdissi – Investment Manager

Robert has been working in the wealth management industry since 1998, starting out at stockbroking firm TD Waterhouse. He has since worked with UBS, Morgan Stanley and Baillieu Holst as a senior Wealth Management Adviser. He has extensive experience in managing investment portfolios and tailored trading strategies over Australian and International Equities and associated derivative products.

Robert has RG146 accreditation in securities, managed investments, margin lending and derivatives. He is ADA Level 2 accredited and experienced in advising on Exchange Traded option products, and has obtained US Series 7 qualifications. He has a Bachelor of Business from Victoria University and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance from Kaplan Professional.

Adrian Pelligra – Private Wealth Manager

After completing his undergraduate studies in Finance, Adrian gained knowledge and experience with some of Australia’s largest wealth management firms.

With an abundance of drive and dedication, Adrian is committed to providing tailor made and holistic financial advice to his clients to ensure that their expectations are not only met but far exceeded.

Adrian specialises in providing investment and wealth creation strategies, superannuation (including SMSF) advice, risk management solutions and retirement planning guidance. Adrian holds a CFP® and SPAA approved SMSF Accreditation amongst several other industry qualifications.

Greig Barrow – Investment Manager

Greig has been working in the Wealth Management and Financial Markets industries since 2002 across Retail Banking, Investment Banking, Private and Sophisticated Client Stockbroking, Portfolio Management, Securities Dealing, Options and Derivatives Trading, Financial Advising, Investment Product Research and Ratings and Senior Management Roles including Head of Intermediary Equities Desk at Lonsec.

Greig has RG146 accreditation in Securities, Managed Investments, Derivatives, Margin Lending, Superannuation, Life Insurance and Financial Planning. He is ADA level 2 accredited, has completed a Diploma of Business and Diploma of Financial Planning, is enrolled in the CFA program having completed level 1 and is a level 2 candidate, and was the Responsible Executive (RE) at Lonsec for trading compliance with ASIC regulations and ASX market integrity rules.

Bernard O’Connor – Investment Manager

Bernard is a co-founder of Akambo Financial Group and brings a wealth of experience from over 39 years in the equity, fixed interest, currency and futures industries. He has worked at numerous firms including McCaughan Dyson, Ord Minnett, Bell Potter, UBS and Citigroup as a Vice President in the Private Client Group. Bernard’s main areas of expertise are investment advice and management of risk both locally and internationally. He is RG146 industry accredited and has obtained accreditation in futures and derivatives locally and internationally has US series 7 equity qualifications.

Bernard is well known within the industry for his expertise in risk management, equity investing both domestically and internationally, and technical analysis having also lectured and provided support to the ASX and Australian Technical Analysis Association across Australia.

Ruben Bock – Investment Manager

Ruben’s purpose is to help clients achieve their investment goals and, thereby, play a small role in the allocation of capital for a broader social benefit.

Ruben started his professional journey in 2005 at Ernst and Young as an auditor. In 2008 he made a move into the retail broking environment, which in 2012 culminated into an in-house portfolio management role with a Melbourne-based wealth manager. In this role he was responsible for the investment strategy across 5 managed accounts (high growth through to conservative), which invested in direct shares, passive-style funds, smart-beta funds and actively managed funds across the major asset classes (domestic and global shares, listed property, listed infrastructure, fixed income and cash). He was also responsible for the operational requirements to implement this investment strategy. In 2024 he moved to Akambo in a similar role as an investment manager.

Ruben’s value add is to make the complex seem simple, and also, the delineation of simple but critical factors behind investment leadership.

Ruben’s areas of expertise include 20+ years of investment management and market experience

Ruben is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA, 2017) and is a Bachelor’s in Commerce (Uni Melb, 2004)

Outside of work, Ruben has 3 children and, tragically, continues to pursue a variety of sporting conquests that should be left to younger and more talented people.

Luke Brendish – Client Services Manager

Having entered the financial services industry a little over 12 months ago, Luke has established himself as a key member of the Akambo business providing end to end administration support for all clients and staff.

Nigel Judd – Private Wealth Manager

Nigel has over 10 years’ experience in banking and financial services and has been a financial planner since 2007. Nigel’s main areas of expertise and related fields of strategic advice are Superannuation (including Self-Managed), Retirement Income Streams, Centrelink, Wealth Creation and Protection. Nigel is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (Finsia) and a Commerce/Arts degree from the University of Melbourne.

Brylie Curran – Xplan Solutions & Development Manager

Brylie is the Xplan Solutions & Development Manager across the group and provides support across a number of Akambo’s key platforms and software with a speciality in Xplan. Having worked in the financial advice industry since 2011, she brings many years of experience and is integral in the running of the day to day business through the operational and enablement support she provides to all staff, clients and authorised representatives of Akambo. Brylie is currently studying the Diploma of Financial Services, further complementing her industry experience and enforcing her appreciation for the end to end advice process.  In her spare time, Brylie enjoys catching up with friends, tending to her plant babies and listening to music. She is also an avid vinyl collector and can often be found browsing her local record stores on weekends.

Daniel Basic – Manager – Portfolio Risk & Operations

Daniel has a strong academic background and several years of experience in the financial services industry. With a keen interest in investments, he assists the Akambo Investment Committee manage the Akambo Model Portfolios. He enjoys working with clients, helping them with their queries and following the share markets.

Dimitri Poutakidis – Manager – Product and Platform Support

Dimitri completed a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Melbourne University and has a background in financial services – having worked in the industry from 2016 to 2019 in client services and associate financial adviser roles. He then moved into the family business until late 2021 in an operational role. Dimitri utilizes a strategic approach when tackling business tasks and issues and believes that managing relationships and delivering on promises is vital to this.

Dimitri has a keen interest in the technical side of investment strategy and is keen to explore this as part of the investment operations team. Outside of work, Dimitri is a tragic Collingwood (AFL) and Arsenal (English Soccer) fan and enjoys spending time outdoors with his fiancé.

Gwynn Kijkanakorn – Portfolio Services Manager

Gwynn completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Melbourne, with a double major in Finance and Management. He’s had experience in Management Consulting, having done two internships/projects within that field in the past – one with Accenture in 2023 and another at Akambo within the same year.

Gwynn’s passion lies in the financial markets, particularly in the realms of data analytics and technical analysis. His enduring interest in this field naturally guided him to become a member of the investments team. A core value that resonates with Gwynn is to consistently meet, if not, surpass clients’ expectations. He firmly believes that delivering on promises and going the extra mile are paramount for ensuring client satisfaction.

Outside of work, Gwynn enjoys spending time in the outdoors, playing golf on the weekends, travelling the world, and creating new memorable experiences.

Matthew Calderbank – Senior Manager – Licensing

Matthew brings over a decade of experience in Financial Markets and Client Services to Akambo Financial Group. Matthew has RG146 industry accreditation, has studied options (ADA1) and is always on the looking for the best ways to further his knowledge base. Matthew is a senior leader within the administration team and has driven several key projects and outcomes for Akambo and its clients.

Luke Broxton – Private Wealth Manager

Luke has been in the financial services industry since 1998. He has worked in a various administration and management roles across numerous large Australian Superannuation Funds. He has worked as a Financial Planner since 2006 and thoroughly enjoys helping his clients meet their goals and objectives. His goal is to provide holistic advice to his clients ensuring that they receive the most appropriate strategies and solutions. Luke holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) through Kaplan education and has RG146 accreditation.

Helen He – Wealth Operations Coordinator

Helen is the Wealth Operations Coordinator at Akambo and brings with her over 11 years of experience in financial planning industry, across both client services and as an Associate Adviser, with IOOF and AON which became Tribel Advisory. Helen holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Diploma of Financial Planning.

Helen is fluent in Mandarin and enjoys the arts and cultural scene, being an avid theatre goer and foodie, she also loves dancing Argentine Tango as well as hiking and camping activities. 

Peta Tobin – Operations Coordinator

Peta has been working in the financial services industry since 2002 in various administration roles, supporting diverse client portfolios, Financial Advisers and Management Teams. Peta is highly organised and has a meticulous approach to her work, ensuring both client experience and day-to-day operations are to the highest level and satisfaction.

Peta is passionate about financial services and all the facets of our business, as she collaborates with many departments in her day to day, ensuring that our teams are supported to deliver the desired client outcomes. In her spare time Peta enjoys Pilates, travelling and spending time with her close family and friends, and is also an avid book reader.

Brenton Ebinger – Paraplanner

Brenton completed bachelor’s in Financial Planning in 2019. He has worked in the financial planning industry for the past twelve months. He joined Akambo as a paraplanner in 2021. Brenton is involved in the technical preparation of statements of advice. His future goal is to become a Private Wealth Manager.

Natalie Vienet – Paraplanner

Natalie has joined Akambo as a Paraplanner having completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Financial Planning.

She prides herself on providing an exceptional level of client service and possesses excellent problem-solving skills that she has developed since joining the Financial Planning industry. She understands the importance of building meaningful relationships with clients, thus assisting them to achieve their long-term investment goals.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, going to the gym and cooking.

Pablo Vilela – Private Wealth Manager

Pablo joined Akambo in 2015, working with pre and post retires to enhance their wealth protection and wealth creation. Pablo enjoys spending time with his clients, ensuring they achieve the best outcomes from their financial situation through a complete understanding of their individual needs. Pablo holds an Advanced Diploma Financial Planning, Diploma Financial Planning and Diploma of Life Insurance he also holds accreditations in Margin Lending and Self-Managed Super Funds. Being fluent in Spanish, Pablo has gained valuable experience in the Spanish community as a Board member of United (Spanish-Latin American Welfare Centre). United provides services to the community for aged care at home, tax assistance and education programs.

Jane Zhou – Compliance Manager

Jane is the Compliance Manager at Akambo Financial Group. Jane has over 15 years of experience in the Financial Services industry and has a depth of understanding and knowledge of the compliance function that comes from having worked in various technical and compliance roles across a range of different advisory businesses. Her role at Akambo is to provide advisers with the support needed to understand the complex and ever-evolving compliance landscape, and to help advisers in better servicing the needs of their clients. Jane is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and holds a Master’s Degree in Practising Accounting as well as a Bachelor Degree in Financial Planning.

Avery Liu – Lending Associate

Avery holds a Bachelor of Economics, an Advanced Diploma of Accounting and Business and a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking. She has several years experience in the lending industry, having previously worked as a Mortgage Lending Specialist with one of the country’s most awarded mortgage broking practices and with ANZ as a Mobile Lender.

Avery combines an analytical approach with over 7 years’ prior experience in customer centric roles, making her well equipped to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

Avneet Dhindsa – Lending Manager

Avneet (Avi), blends her strong educational background and hands-on experience in her role as Lending Manager,

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and IT, complemented by a Master’s in Business Accounting.

With over 7 years of dedicated service in the lending sector, she is a seasoned professional in supporting brokers with back-office expertise.

Her deep understanding of the finance industry is also demonstrated by attaining a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking and Finance, along with a Diploma in Financial Planning.

Her previous firsthand experience as a Broker further equips her with an invaluable understanding of solutions and strategies to meet client’s needs and requirements.

Jane Zhou – Compliance Manager

Jane is the Compliance Manager at Akambo Financial Group. Jane has over 15 years of experience in the Financial Services industry and has a depth of understanding and knowledge of the compliance function that comes from having worked in various technical and compliance roles across a range of different advisory businesses. Her role at Akambo is to provide advisers with the support needed to understand the complex and ever-evolving compliance landscape, and to help advisers in better servicing the needs of their clients. Jane is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and holds a Master’s Degree in Practising Accounting as well as a Bachelor Degree in Financial Planning.

David Howell – Private Wealth Manager

David thrives on the challenge of helping clients capture what is important to them to build a long-term financial plan that can adapt to changing needs, and one which is aimed at bringing them lasting financial security. David has almost 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry and as an experienced Financial Adviser, David has spent the past 17 years providing holistic financial advice to a broad range of clients. David’s experience is also complemented by having previous roles in investment, marketing, and product teams within the investment management industry in the earlier part of his career. David’s extensive experience has given him a thorough knowledge of superannuation, social security, tax, Estate planning and investment strategies. David’s family and close friendships are important to him and help contribute to his health and happiness, however scoring his son’s cricket matches is not a passion!

Shaun Albert – Private Wealth Manager

Shaun is a big believer in helping people have clarity in their financial situation to meet their lifestyle and financial objectives.

Since 2013 Shaun has worked in a range of different roles, sharpening his skills to be able to provide complex holistic financial advice for all life stages.

Working with Shaun you will have greater confidence around your financial situation and be assisted to make more informed decisions to secure your financial future.

Shaun specialises in wealth accumulation strategies, retirement planning, tax structuring, insurances, family, and Estate planning strategies. He holds Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and is currently undertaking his Master of Financial Planning qualification. In his spare time, Shaun will be running around after his young family at parks, cafes and play centres.

Duncan Logie – Private Wealth Manager

Duncan is a firm believer that quality financial advice empowers people to make great decisions, giving them the confidence to spend more time doing the things they love.  Duncan has been a financial planner since 2010 and has extensive experience working with clients from a range of different occupations and backgrounds. He is passionate about developing and maintaining long term relationships with his clients and seeks to make complex strategies easy to understand.

Duncan specialises in working with accumulators and pre-retirees where his extensive experience in strategic modelling allows his clients to make informed decisions about the actions they should take now, and the impact these decisions will have in the future. Duncan is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Tasmania.

In his spare time, Duncan enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and supporting his beloved Bombers!

Chris Kapetanovic – Compliance Coordinator

Having worked in the financial advice industry since 2014, Chris has gained valuable knowledge across superannuation, retirement planning, investments, and risk insurance for a varied client base, from wealth accumulators to retirees.

Chris prides himself on having a high attention to detail and being responsive to ensure an enjoyable client experience, whilst building lasting relationships with clients, their Private Wealth Managers and relevant third parties.

Chris is an avid supporter of the Melbourne Football Club and is passionate about travelling to gain new experiences.

Christian Ghersi – Client Services Manager

Christian has joined Akambo in a Client Services Manager role. Christian is currently in his third year studying a Bachelor of Commerce. He provides an exceptional standard of service and support to all Akambo clients. Outside of work he enjoys spending his time in the gym and focusing on exercise.

Lucy Lim – Client Services Manager

Lucy joined Akambo as a Client Service Manager, bringing with her many years of experience in the financial services industry. She looks forward to providing our clients with the highest client satisfaction and being part of their financial journey to achieving their financial goals.

In her spare time, Lucy enjoys catching up with family and friends, gardening, and snowboarding during winter.

Aaron Walshe – Private Wealth Manager

Aaron started his career in Financial Services in 2018. After completing his undergraduate degrees in Commerce (Finance Major) and Laws he undertook a Master of Financial Planning and became an authorised Financial Adviser.

Aaron prides himself on his ability to take complex financial matters and distil them into a series of simple decisions for clients.

Aaron is passionate about developing strategies and pathways for clients that are easy to implement and understand. He views the role of a Financial Adviser as akin to that of a professional coach. Helping clients make the right decision, at the right time (and avoid mistakes along the way) to produce the best outcome for them.

Aaron derives great satisfaction from helping clients achieve their financial goals and reducing the stress of managing their financial affairs. He specialises in retirement planning, tax structuring, personal insurance, estate planning and personal investments.

In his spare time, Aaron enjoys reading, spending time with his friends and family and going to the football to support North Melbourne.

Annie Pruys – Compliance & Licensee Support Assistant

Annie is firmly committed to helping people achieve their lifestyle and financial goals by making smarter financial decisions, navigating through life’s challenges.

Annie has been in the advice industry since 2015, commencing as a Client Service Manager, exposing her to a number of different aspects of the advice process which sparked her interest in Compliance where justification and high standards are employed. Annie also enjoys building strong rapport with clients and advisers, allowing her to find common ground and provide comfort and confidence in each situation. Annie holds a Bachelor of Business in Banking and Finance, and her Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.

A food lover and mother to son Daniel, daughter Millie, and fur baby Maisey, Annie also plays indoor soccer. During winter she enjoys the snow and skiing, where she aims to ski in several different locations overseas. Annie is also a proud supporter of both Melbourne Football Club in the AFL and Melbourne City in A league.

Mitchell Calleja – Client Services Manager

Mitchell started working in the financial planning industry in 2019 and has since grown a strong belief in the importance of good quality financial advice. Mitchell completed his Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) in 2020 at RMIT University and Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking in 2023.

In his personal life, Mitchell enjoys spending time playing his guitar, rock climbing, going to the gym and playing indoor soccer.

 

Daniel Farag – Client Services Manager

Daniel joined Akambo Financial Group to help all people achieve their goals by making informed decisions to live a truly happy life.

Daniel has attained Diploma of Financial Services and is currently undertaking Bachelor of Business (Economics & Finance). Coming from a customer care specialist team, Daniel will always put clients at the front of Akambo.

Outside of work Daniel enjoys watching and reading Marvel Comics and loves to try out new thrill experiences.

Ryan McLean – Client Services Manager

Ryan has been working in the Financial Services Industry since 2018. He is passionate about providing quality client support, and prides himself on ensuring that the client’s experience is simple, clear, and as smooth as possible.

Ryan completed his Bachelor of Business (Major in Banking & Finance, Minor in Psychology) at Monash University in 2020, and completed his Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning with Kaplan in 2022.

In his personal life, Ryan is a passionate golfer who enjoys watching movies, following soccer and trying new restaurants.

 

Gabby Loschiavo – Client Services Manager

Gabby has been working in the financial services industry since 2014, and brings exceptional experience and knowledge to her role as a Client Services Manager at Akambo.

Gabby looks forward to working closely with our advisors to provide excellent service to our clients and being part of their financial journey.

In her spare time, Gabby enjoys catching up with her family and friends, trying new restaurants and listening to music

Jonathan Henderson – Private Wealth Manager

Jon is a dedicated Financial Adviser with a blend of analytical expertise and a passion for building meaningful relationships, utilizing his background in Engineering and small business in Australia and Germany.

Having entered the Financial Services industry in 2018, Jon quickly discovered his affinity for the analytical side of financial planning and finds satisfaction leveraging his skills to help clients navigate complex financial landscapes and assist in making informed decisions to ultimately reduce Clients’ stress and help build confidence.

He understands the significance of building strong relationships and believes that trust and open communication are the foundations of successful partnerships. The ability to combine these elements in his work brings him motivation and enjoyment in his role.

Jon completed a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, Accredited Derivates adviser Level 1, Advanced Diploma of Financial planning & specialises in Superannuation, Retirement Planning, Investment and Wealth Creation (Including Margin lending) and protection strategies.

Peter White – Private Wealth Manager

Peter has an unwavering passion to enhance the financial journey of his clients, to support them in living their life on their own terms as much as possible.

Peter started his career in 2005, working in the financial planning division of a mid‐tier Melbourne accounting firm. Building on this initial experience as a paraplanner, he expanded into an associate adviser position across separate boutique and national financial planning practices, that ultimately lead to becoming a financial adviser in 2013. Since this time, Peter has continued to enjoy building, consolidating, and achieving successful outcomes for his client’s personal milestones and financial goals.

Peter is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), holds a Bachelor of Economics and Finance and Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning. He is also accredited to provide advice in SMSF, Margin Lending and Direct Shares.

In his spare time, Peter enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis, and supporting his other lifelong passion, Collingwood FC.

Crawford Ross – Associate Adviser

Crawford is naturally a ‘people person’, someone who is drawn to others’ stories and diversity of ideas. He joined Akambo with the aim of using his own unique experiences to help others reach their goals, through strong relationships and quality advice.

He has spent the last 15 years across financial services and advice, working with top institutions including senior roles within Macquarie’s Virtual Adviser Network and the global client group of a major investment manager.  His key focus was leading relationships with top wealth management businesses, and consulting with owners and financial advisers on how to build efficient practices and provide first class experience to their clients.

An inherently big-picture thinker, early career experiences in consulting, research and sales leadership helped him develop strong client-engagement skills, whilst indulging his passion for markets and consumer behaviour. He knows the importance of understanding a client’s needs and motivations before building a solution, and It is this mix of technical and inter-personal he brings to his professional year and achieving his long-term goal of becoming a strategic financial planner.

In his spare time he would love to play more golf, but makes do with the odd game of (round) football and indoctrinating his young son into his beloved Carlton Blues.

Crawford holds a Bachelor of Arts (Joint Hons in Business Law & Economics) and a Master of Economics from Strathclyde University, Glasgow. He completed his Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning with Kaplan in 2022, and prior to that he earned a dual MBA and Master of Marketing from the Melbourne Business School, having also completed a semester at Columbia Business School in New York .

Jimmy Truong – Associate Adviser

Jimmy has been working in the financial services industry since 2014 and understands the value of providing a client-first approach. Jimmy completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) in 2016 at Monash University and holds a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.

Jimmy’s curiosity in how and why things work ensures he is always looking for new ways to improve business efficiency and client experience.

During his spare time, Jimmy likes to cycle around Victoria and play badminton. He is also an avid Essendon supporter and enjoys attending the game.

Nickolas Reissis – Licensee Training & Support Manager

Nickolas has been working with Akambo since 2016. During the first 18 months he fulfilled a Client Services Manager role, which allowed him to develop an in-depth understanding across all areas of administration and support. This foundation enabled Nickolas to progress into a Paraplanner role, and then into a Licensee Training & Support Manager. Nickolas completed a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Economics & Finance, as well as a Diploma in Financial Planning in 2018. Nickolas’s experience and study makes him an integral part of the support offering we extend to our network. Nickolas aspires to develop into a Private Wealth Manager in the future.

Jason Rawlins – General Manager

Jason’s passion for financial advice started in high school and has evolved to a career centred on ensuring that the people he works with achieve what’s important to them.  He began his career in financial services in 2004 and became a financial adviser in 2005. During his time as financial adviser, Jason specialised in working with retirees, pre-retirees, young families, and clients with UK Pensions, assisting them reach their personal and financial goals by building deep relationships that enabled them to benefit from his strong technical and investment knowledge. In a leadership role since 2011, Jason has successfully worked to drive growth and change with teams across some of Australia’s largest financial institutions, and has specialised in assisting advisers and teams develop and implement effective and sustainable client-centric solutions.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Banking & Finance, from Monash University. He also holds an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services. Jason is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and a Member of The Ethics Centre.

Away from work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid coffee drinker. He also enjoys socialising with friends and loves getting away to his family’s farm.