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.
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.
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.
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.
James Birrell – Investment Manager
James has been working in the investments and legal industry since 1999, starting at Deutsche Bank as an equity sales trader, and working at Minter Ellison in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group, UBS in Research Sales and at Equipsuper as an analysts and portfolio manager in its internal investment team.
James’ experience includes trading in, investing in and managing listed and unlisted assets and portfolios across multiple asset classes.
James graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Juris Doctor of Law from the University of Melbourne.
Brylie Curran – Head of Technology Operations
Brylie is the Head of Technology Operations 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 holds a Diploma of Financial Planning, further complementing her industry experience and enforcing her appreciation for the end to end advice process.
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.
Mattias Rose – Portfolio Services Manager
Mattias is currently advancing through the Bachelor of Commerce program at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Finance and Management. After a transformative period of living and studying abroad, Mattias has returned with a broadened perspective and an enriched passion for financial markets. He joins the investment team with a dedication to leveraging financial strategies that ensures the client’s expectations are not only met but exceeded.
Outside of work, Mattias is a keen traveller and football player, he also fully accredits his active lifestyle to looking after his crazy dog.
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.
Helen He – Licensee Operations & Platform Specialist
Helen is the Licensee Operations & Platform Specialist 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.
Marshall Owen – Marketing Manager
Marshall is the marketing manager for Akambo and First Financial, dedicated to strengthening the reputation and reach of both brands and ensuring clients stay well informed via newsletters and seminars.
A native Californian, Marshall brings more than a decade of international experience in senior marketing and business management to his role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is currently completing his MBA at the University of Melbourne.
Outside of work, he enjoys golf, staying active at the gym, and exploring Australia with his family.
Jane Zhou – Head of AFSL Governance
Jane is the Head of AFSL Governance 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.
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.
Aashna Patel – Lending Associate
Aashna (Ash) is an experienced Lending Associate with a strong background in credit analysis, customer service, and administrative support.
Holding a Master’s in Business (Sports Management) and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Honours in Finance), she combines advanced academic knowledge with practical industry expertise to deliver exceptional service in the mortgage sector.
Her educational foundation in business strategy and financial analysis, along with her previous experience, enables her to approach complex lending challenges with a strategic and solutions-oriented mindset.
She supports clients throughout every stage of the lending process, ensuring accurate documentation, compliance, and efficient workflow management.
Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, she is always striving to enhance her expertise and contribute to the success of her team and clients.
Ray Sabarillo – Lending Assistant
Ray-Ann (Ray) has over 15 years of diverse experience in customer service, real estate, and financial services, Ray brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every role he undertakes. He brings a strong focus on delivering exceptional service, resolving complex issues, and supporting clients with tailored solutions.
In his current role, he assists with loan processing, manages communication with lenders and clients, and handles CRM and calendar tasks to ensure operational efficiency. His goal is to help streamline workflow and provide clients with the best possible experience.
Across all the roles, his focus has been on understanding customer needs, solving problems effectively, and delivering outstanding service to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Christian Ghersi – Licensee Support Officer
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.
Grace Robinson – Licensee Support Assistant
Grace is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance and Economics from the University of Melbourne.
Grace is passionate about finance and is committed to expanding her knowledge in all areas of this field. What excites her the most is the opportunity to work closely with clients, understanding their needs and goals, and delivering the best possible outcomes for them. Grace thrives on building strong client relationships based on trust and offering informed financial advice to help them achieve their objectives.
Outside of work Grace loves getting outdoors, swimming at the beaches of her home state of Queensland and exploring Melbourne’s wine bars.
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.
