When Chris Fallico established Acadia Wealth Advice in 2016, he was determined to find an Australian Financial Services Licensee that offered a different approach to licensing.
In joining Fortnum, Chris and his fellow Principal Advisers Jason Ingold and Adam Pearsall discovered a collaborative and collegiate community that has delivered a range of surprising benefits for their business.
Having been with Fortnum since the firm’s beginnings, Chris and his fellow principal advisers were pleased to have found an AFSL that matched not only their firm’s energetic and innovative character, but their nimble practice management approach as well.
Acadia’s conscious choice to provide ‘better service for fewer clients’ aligned well with Fortnum’s approach to licensing, and provided the adviser-owned firm with the support and flexibility to provide a highly tailored service for their clients, many of whom have complexity in their affairs.
Establishing a new practice is never easy, however it wasn’t long before Chris realised that many of his pain points could be solved more efficiently by leaning on Fortnum’s leadership team expertise, access to resources and feedback from the adviser community.
Take technology for example. Chris admits he would spend a lot of unproductive time chasing what he describes as ‘the next shiny thing’ only to find that most of what looked like ‘really cool stuff’ just didn’t stack up. He realised he needed to spend his time where it counted most – advising clients.
“Fortnum were able to go out and do the leg work, assess all the options and come back and say ‘Here’s two of the best tech options – which one suits you?’”
Chris also credits Fortnum’s collaborative feedback initiatives, such as the recent Advice Journey Pilot Program, with helping his practice to rapidly develop and improve his firm’s client service approach.
“The Fortnum team regularly check in with us and put forward new ideas that they believe might benefit us. They’ve taken the time to get to know our particular interests and pain points, and offer solutions and opportunities that include being at the coalface of testing new resources.”
“At the same time, it allows us to share what we know works best (for us), and pass that knowledge onto other advisers.”
Chris was part of Fortnum’s first Peer Group POD, an adviser-to-adviser peer learning program. PODs aim to provide perspective, insight and practical ‘from-experience’ applications in an informal small-group learning environment of advisers from across the Fortnum community.
“My personal view is that you get out what you put into an adviser community,” he said.
“We’ve learnt so much through the Peer Group POD experience. It provides an open forum that encourages discussion about anything and everything you face on a day-to-day basis in your practice.”
Of course, the common thread that underpins each of these key adviser benefits is the inclusive culture of collaboration that is a core pillar of Fortnum’s foundations for success – a point not lost on Chris.
“Whenever they are making decisions, they really factor in how they will impact us. They take the time to navigate the compliance landscape to deliver the best solutions not only for our business but also to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.
“Whereas other licensees can be more prescriptive, with Fortnum the overall approach is more collaborative. They take a genuine interest in helping you grow your business and increase profitability through innovation and technology.
“I really feel that they’re genuinely there to help you get the most out of your business.”
Chris says Fortnum’s greatest value, hands down, is their collegiate adviser community, which offers an open and honest approach to peer learning and sharing information and experiences.
With Fortnum’s support, Acadia Wealth Advice has developed a strong position in the financial services sector, earning a reputation for their client-centric service, disciplined and rigorous investment portfolios and nimble practice management approach.
To move your financial planning practice forward with a licensee that provides so much more than just a licence, please take a moment to explore our website and follow us on social media. We invite you to get to know us and learn how we can provide the licensing and business services you seek, and deserve.
For a confidential discussion about business and licensing services, please contact Rob Skinner, Head of Practice Engagement & Growth or Neil Younger, CEO and Managing Director on 02 9904 2792.
At Fortnum, we are known for our caring, energetic approach, adviser-aligned licensee ownership and a highly collaborative community of financial planning practices. We provide freedom within a proven framework which has a robust approach to risk and governance that creates opportunity for financial planners to build their ideal financial planning business.
Chris Fallico, Principal and Financial Adviser, Acadia Wealth Advice
Chris is the Principal and Financial Adviser of Acadia Wealth Advice, located in Cronulla, Sydney. Acadia Wealth Advice is one of Fortnum’s leading, client-centric practices.
