SWA Financial Planning is a fiercely independent and 100% staff-owned financial advice business based in Wollongong, NSW, Australia. We exist for one reason: to deliver exceptional financial advice without compromise.
Founded as Symes Warne & Associates during the early 1980s recession, driven by a passion for helping people navigate financial uncertainty.
Rebranded to SWA Financial Planning, reflecting our evolved ownership structure and senior management team.
Recognised as one of Australia's most respected independent boutique financial planning firms with a team of highly qualified specialists.
We hold our own AFSL, receive no product commissions, and are 100% staff-owned. This freedom allows us to act solely in your interest.
Our conservative approach means we ask 'what can go wrong' before considering potential returns. Your life savings deserve nothing less.
Our team holds the highest qualifications in the profession — CFP, CPA and specialist accreditations across key planning areas. We go beyond meeting compliance standards and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of best-practice in the industry.
We build genuine long-term partnerships with our clients. Our low staff turnover and stable team reflect the culture we have built over four decades.
of financial advisers in Australia can legally call themselves independent. When you work with SWA, you can be confident that every recommendation is made solely in your interest — free from product incentives, corporate influence, or hidden conflicts.
The term 'independent' is protected under Australia's Corporations Act. Financial advisers can only use it if they meet strict legal criteria designed to eliminate conflicts of interest. SWA proudly meets every one of these requirements.
We do not receive commissions from any product issuer. Our revenue comes solely from the fees our clients agree to pay us.
We have no ownership links, associations, or restricted product lists imposed by any financial product issuer.
We do not charge fees calculated on the volume of business placed, and we do not accept gifts or benefits that could influence our advice.
Holding our own AFSL means we answer only to our clients — not a bank, insurer, or corporate parent company.
Before recommending any investment, the first question we ask is: what can go wrong? The potential return is not considered until we have a thorough understanding of the risks.
We assess downside risk before considering upside potential.
We seek the highest quality investments that deliver the greatest value for our clients, while also considering the fees and costs.
Free from product affiliations, we select investments solely for your benefit.
