The Trusted Adviser

Future-Proofing Advice Firms – Neil Kendall of Tupicoffs on AI, Cyber Security & Client Portals

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne sits down with Neil Kendall, Managing Director of Tupicoffs and former Chair of the FAAA, to explore how forward-thinking advice firms can leverage technology to lift compliance, protect client data, and deliver a better client experience. Neil shares how his firm uses AI-powered tools like Theta Lake for full-spectrum compliance monitoring, MyProsperity for secure data aggregation, and Salesforce FSC to maintain live, daily balance sheets for every client. From reducing PI premiums to automating training insights and boosting cyber resilience, Neil’s approach is a blueprint for modernising financial advice.

Building a Brand with Keith Barrett of Reverb Media

In this episode, Rob Pyne sits down with Keith Barrett, Managing Director of Reverb Media, to explore the power of public relations in financial services. With a background in journalism and two decades in the media industry, Keith shares how strategic storytelling and well-executed PR can help financial planning firms stand out, build trust, and engage meaningfully with both clients and industry. From thought leadership to crisis management, Keith explains how long-term brand building can drive real business outcomes.

🎧 Start Here: The Trusted Adviser Trailer

New to The Trusted Adviser Podcast? This short trailer gives you a quick feel for the show — what it’s about, who it’s for, and why it’s worth following. Hosted by Rob Pyne, each episode features honest conversations with industry leaders in financial advice.

Building Enduring Advice Practices — Insights from Anthony Warr & Bianca Musico of Warr Hunt

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne is joined by Anthony Warr and Bianca Musico from Warr Hunt — a firm renowned for its leadership in mentoring, team development and succession planning. Bianca reflects on her journey to becoming the FAAA Certified Financial Planner of the Year in 2024, while Anthony shares the foundational principles that have positioned Warr Hunt as a multiple finalist for Professional Practice of the Year.
Together, they unpack the firm’s unique "diamond team" structure, their use of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and how they’ve embraced technology to enhance client experience. Bianca also opens up about her podcast Cracking Mum Maths and her mission to empower more women in finance.
Whether you’re mentoring the next generation, building your team, or rethinking your firm's direction, this is an episode filled with practical insights and inspiration.

Unlocking Private Markets: Insights from James Damicoucas & Tom Bernard of Frontier Advisors

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser Podcast, host Rob Pyne is joined by James Damicoucas and Tom Bernard from Frontier Advisers to explore the growing accessibility of private markets for financial advisers. They discuss the rise of evergreen funds, key investment structures, and how advisers can integrate private equity, private debt, unlisted property and infrastructure into client portfolios. The conversation covers liquidity considerations, risk-return profiles, and essential due diligence steps for advisers looking to diversify beyond traditional asset classes. Tune in for expert insights on navigating private markets and making informed investment decisions.

Fast-Tracking Growth: Breaking Business Barriers with Eliza De Pardo

 
In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, Rob Pyne sits down with Eliza De Pardo, founder and director of De Pardo Consulting, to discuss the key insights from her latest white paper, 10 Fast Track Insights: Clearing the Pathway for Growth. With over two decades of experience advising financial firms in the U.S. and Australia, Eliza shares practical strategies for tackling compensation challenges, aligning leadership teams, improving hiring practices, and leveraging technology effectively. They also dive into the critical role of human capital in driving business success, the impact of workplace culture on growth, and how firms can avoid the pitfalls of poor decision-making. Whether you're leading a financial planning firm or looking to refine your business strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you build a high-performing team and achieve sustainable growth.

Building a Wealth Management Powerhouse with Cameron Passmore from PWL Capital

 
In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, host Rob Pyne sits down with Cameron Passmore, CEO and Portfolio Manager at PWL Capital and co-host of the Rational Reminder Podcast, to discuss the journey of PWL Capital, its commitment to evidence-based investing, and the firm's recent OneDigital transaction.
Cameron shares the key milestones that have shaped PWL’s success, from embracing a client-first philosophy and integrating financial planning with investment management to navigating industry shifts toward fee-based advice. He also delves into the importance of company culture, attracting top talent, and structuring a firm for long-term growth.
Key topics covered:✅ The evolution of PWL Capital from 1996 to today✅ Shifting to fee-based advice and embracing evidence-based investing✅ The power of team culture in financial planning firms✅ Lessons from content marketing and podcasting in growing an advice business✅ Insights into the OneDigital partnership and what it means for the future of PWL
Whether you’re a financial planner, business owner, or simply interested in what it takes to scale an advisory firm while staying true to core values, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
🎧 Listen now and gain valuable lessons from Cameron’s 30-year journey in financial advice!

Leadership, Culture and Success with Paul Shepherd and Teneale Laister from Alman Partners

In this episode, host Rob Pyne sits down with Paul Shepherd and Teneale Laister from Alman Partners, an award-winning financial planning firm. They explore what it takes to build a successful and sustainable financial planning business by focusing on team culture, leadership frameworks, succession planning, and client service excellence.
Paul and Teneale provide an in-depth look at their staggered generational ownership structure, their commitment to building a strong team culture through the Heartstyles framework, and how their "AP Way" methodology ensures consistency and accountability across the business.
For financial planning business owners seeking to create a high-performance firm driven by strong leadership, an empowering culture, and sustainable growth, this episode delivers valuable insights!

AI Advances in Financial Advice with Nick Downey and Sam Patterson from Direct Wealth

In this episode of The Trusted Adviser, host Rob Pyne sits down with Nick Downey and Sam Patterson from Direct Wealth to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial planning industry. As leaders at the forefront of AI adoption, Nick and Sam share how Direct Wealth leverages AI to enhance efficiency, scale advice delivery, and personalise client interactions like never before.
The conversation dives deep into AI's potential to revolutionise workflows, address inefficiencies, and elevate the financial planning profession by augmenting—not replacing—advisers. From real-life applications to philosophical insights about the future of work, this episode offers a masterclass on integrating technology with human expertise to deliver better outcomes for clients and businesses alike.

Partnering for Success: Insights from David Haintz of Merchant Investment Management

In this insightful episode, Rob Pyne welcomes David Haintz, a seasoned wealth management expert and representative of Merchant Investment Management. With 35 years of experience in financial advice and business coaching, David shares his expertise on critical topics such as profitability and productivity ratios, client selection strategies, and Merchant's role in helping advisory firms grow through acquisitions.
Discover actionable insights for building high-performing financial planning firms, leveraging AI, and navigating industry trends. David also delves into the unique approach Merchant takes as an equity partner, fostering long-term growth and alignment with their partner firms.