Host Keith Matthews welcomes David Andrew, founder of Capital Partners in Australia, for a discussion on global trends in independent advice and wealth management. Capital Partners is a leading edge independent Australian wealth management firm under David’s stewardship, Capital Partners was named Best Professional Practice in Australia by the Financial Advice Association of Australia in 2017, 2019 and 2024; the only firm to have received this award more than once.

Together, David and Keith break down what Australian, Canadian and global investors have in common, the real-world dangers of conflicted advice, actionable ways to foster trust and transparency, and how family-focused planning creates lasting results.

This discussion highlights how similarly investors think, feel, and behave - regardless of geographic location. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes view of how leading advisory firms build portfolios, guide client decisions and help clients spend smarter - without sacrificing peace of mind.

“Across the globe, people seek the same fundamentals in wealth management: simplicity, transparency, alignment with their goals, and lasting peace of mind”.

Key Topics:

● Welcome and why independent advice matters (0:00)

● Australia vs. Canada: The rise of fee-only advisory firms (6:46)

● Breaking the commissions trap: How regulation changed everything (8:04)

● What happens when big banks lose client trust and what’s replaced them (10:06)

● Real meaning of independence: Separating advice from product sales (10:53)

● The “iceberg” of financial advice - what clients truly need vs. what’s usually sold (11:20)

● The power of long-term planning: Helping clients retire earlier and happier (14:03)

● Building trust and transparency in a modern firm (16:00)

● How Capital Partners conducts discovery and values-based planning (17:14)

● How fee-for-service models protect client interests (22:59)

● Serving families: Approaches for business owners, professionals, and women in transition (21:47)

● Exiting commissions: The step-by-step shift to true independence (22:58)

● The role of trusts, estate planning, and multi-generational wealth (23:31)

● Family meetings, stewardship, and transferring financial values (26:26)

● Preparing kids and aging parents for financial transitions (27:55)

● Investment philosophy: From failed active management to evidence-based portfolios (31:06)

● How to weather market turbulence - advisor strategies that keep clients on track (35:33)

● The logic of global diversification vs. home bias (37:08)

● Tax efficiencies in the Australian system, and why they influence portfolio design (38:08)

● Lessons learned from building a multi-decade advisory firm (42:11)

● How to vet and select a truly client-centric, independent advisor (44:06)

Mentioned in this Episode:

● Tulett, Matthews & Associates

● Capital Partners

Thanks for Listening!

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