Pitcher Partners cemented as wealth advice leaders after latest Barron’s rankings 

A total of eight wealth advisers from Pitcher Partners’ Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane firms have been recognised in Barron’s prestigious list of Australia’s Top 150 Financial Advisers for 2025.  

From the national Pitcher Partners network, three advisers are ranked among the top 25 of the nation’s leading wealth strategists, cementing the firm’s position as a leader in financial advice.   

The recognised advisers include David Bedford (ranked 12), Adam Stanley (ranked 14), Kellie Davidson (ranked 24), and Brendan Peacock (ranked 112) from the Melbourne firm, Sydney’s Jordan Kennedy (ranked 103), Martin Fowler (ranked 128), Andrew Wilson (ranked 149) and Edward Fletcher (ranked 119) from Brisbane.  

Across Australia, Pitcher Partners wealth management practices have 32 specialist advisers, backed by 124 team members working to improve the financial future of their clients, with nearly $10 billion of funds under advisement.  

Securing that future, according to Kellie Davidson, who makes her 6th appearance in the list, often means confronting a common blind spot in retirement planning.  

“Many people underestimate the true amount needed to maintain established lifestyles over the long term,” she said.  

“Even wealthy individuals often assume their assets will be sufficient, sometimes overlooking factors such as inflation, increased longevity, and rising healthcare or aged care costs.”  

David Bedford, who has climbed the rankings from 42 in 2022 to the network’s highest ranked adviser this year, said he took pride in the independently researched investment advice that Pitcher Partners Melbourne provides.  

“The independence of investment advice is under constant scrutiny, particularly as many investment advisors are tied to banks, fund managers, investment houses and stockbrokers.  

“Pitcher Partners Melbourne’s independently researched advice and its wide choice of investment options on a fee-only basis represents the best conflict free opportunity for clients to meet their objectives.” 

Adam Stanley, a 20-year veteran also from the Melbourne firm who has consistently ranked in the top 20, said the accolade reflects the firm’s focus on building lasting client relationships.  

“A properly structured long-term investment approach can be life-changing, and my mission is to develop a professional and personal relationship to help secure their financial futures,” he said.  

Brendan Peacock added: “Together we protect and grow their financial wellbeing to enable them to pursue their financial goals. With tailored strategies and thoughtful planning, the commitment extends to preserving and transferring wealth across generations, creating a lasting legacy for future family prosperity.” 

Pitcher Partners’ client-first philosophy is supported by a commitment to innovation.   

“When disruptive technologies emerge, as we’re currently experiencing with AI, our innovative mindset enables understanding and adoption for the benefit of our clients’ financial futures,” said Edward Fletcher. “Our fee-for-service model is also key to ensuring quality, client-centric advice.”  

The Pitcher Partners investment philosophy centres on three principles:  

• Optimising returns through strategic asset allocation, rigorous manager selection, and identifying both opportunities and risks.  
• Managing risk through diversification of assets and research, combined with active market monitoring.  
• Minimising fees and taxes through a high level of tax awareness and long-term investment approaches.  

Andrew Wilson from the Sydney firm said there were distinct character traits that set Pitcher Partners advisers apart.  

“We’re personable, clued in, and refreshing,” he said. “We lean into tough conversations, we’re problem solvers who search for value others miss, and we present advice in an actionable way. In today’s marketplace, that’s a powerful value proposition.”  

Jordan Kennedy added: “Our superpower lies in connecting people and listening for opportunities. Client education is central to our philosophy, and in constructing investments, we’re always thinking beyond the numbers and leveraging our network.”   

Martin Fowler said bringing consistency and clarity to relationships was important, and he emphasised results and excellence over fanfare.   

“We’re there for the whole journey – during their working life and when they start planning for retirement, and we’re by their side as they transition into and throughout retirement, helping them navigate the world with confidence,” he said.  

The Top 150 Financial Advisers list, created by The Australian and Barron’s, is Australia’s most prestigious finance professional ranking. Advisers are ranked on a number of categories, including client assets managed, experience, and the quality of the adviser’s business.