Meet our founder and get to know his story.
“The future of advice is personal. Always has been, always will be.”
Why I founded Antipodean
Financial advice is about more than numbers on a page. It’s about clarity, confidence, and making choices today that shape the life you want tomorrow. The right advice doesn’t just protect wealth it unlocks opportunities.
My story
I didn’t plan to be a financial adviser. I started out in global banking, working on investment products and strategy. But life had other ideas. After I lost my role during the GFC, and a divorce, life pushed me in a new direction.
That moment — as hard as it was — turned out to be the best thing for me. It gave me resilience and a deeper perspective. I retrained, first as tax agent, then completed my financial planning exams and learnt the ropes under a veteran adviser who had once advised me.
Starting from nothing, I built my own practice and eventually launched Antipodean Advisory.
It was the logical step. My background in banking and product design gave me technical expertise, but my own setbacks gave me something more important: empathy. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, unsure, and weighed down by financial decisions. That’s why my advice today isn’t just about numbers — it’s about helping people move forward with confidence.
As my dad used to say:
“Get professional advice and you’ll make the least number of mistakes. It can fundamentally change the path of your wealth.”
That lesson stuck with me — and it’s the foundation of why I do what I do.
Outside the spreadsheets
I’m originally from New Zealand, and I’ve called Australia home since 1992. My family’s history — migrating, starting over, working the goldfields — matters to me. It’s a reminder that resilience and fresh starts are part of who I am, and part of what Antipodean stands for.
My approach to advice
Money is personal. That’s why my focus is always on people, not products.
When you work with me, you can expect:
Straightforward advice
Make choices today without sacrificing tomorrow. If that means working less, travelling more or simply feeling in control, we help your money support your life.
Empathy
Personal connection
— I meet clients face-to-face, after hours, or on weekends if that’s what works best. I come to you when needed.
Risk-managed portfolios
— Built to grow your wealth while protecting what matters.
Generosity with knowledge
— I share solutions and insights up front, because I believe in helping people avoid mistakes, whether they become a client or not.
Why clients choose me
- I take the time to listen and understand their story.
- I’ve lived through challenges, so my advice comes with perspective, not judgement.
- I’m calm, unflappable, and not emotionally attached to their money, which means I can see options they might not.
- I do the work myself — from strategy to portfolio design.
- I’m responsive and consistent — “Michael has my back.”
- I give them clarity through modelling showing how different decisions play out, so they can see the impact before making a move.
A final thought
I believe advice is the game-changer that gets people unstuck. It shows the path forward, balances today with tomorrow, and helps you live the life you want — without second-guessing every decision.