The Barron’s rankings, developed in partnership with The Australian, provide a rigorous, data-driven assessment of advisers nationwide.

In 2024, Stephen Furness was named one of Barron’s Top 150 Financial Advisers in Australia. Based on key quantitative factors—including client assets under management, revenue generated, and overall business quality—this recognition is an objective benchmark of excellence within the industry.

We spoke with Stephen about his approach to wealth management, the moments that have shaped his career, and what he sees as essential to building lasting financial legacies.

You’ve been recognised among Australia’s Top 150 Advisers—what principles guide your approach to wealth management?

At its core, wealth management is about stewardship. It’s about understanding not only the financial landscape but also the broader life goals that wealth should support. For me, this means helping clients make well-informed decisions that bring clarity, resilience, and purpose to their wealth.

Many of the families and individuals we work with view wealth as a tool for greater impact. Whether that impact is measured in financial security, business continuity, or philanthropy, our role is to integrate investment strategy, tax efficiency, estate planning, and risk management into a comprehensive framework that serves their long-term goals.

Looking back on your career, what moments have been most defining for you?

A pivotal moment was the establishment of LDI Connect Asset Management in 2011. Our goal was to provide high-net-worth families and and wholesale investors an investment solution that could offer them the same level of institutional-grade portfolio management that large-scale institutions benefit from. Through our partnerships with WTW, Quilla, and Morningstar, we have been able to provide clients with strategic asset allocation and manager selection at the highest level.

Another defining aspect has been the relationships we’ve built with professional associations like the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA). These partnerships provide us with deep, specialised insight into the unique financial challenges faced by professionals in specific industries. Earning their trust and helping their members navigate financial complexities throughout their careers and into retirement has reinforced the importance of a client-first approach in everything we do. By working closely with these groups, we have developed a nuanced understanding of their needs, allowing us to offer highly tailored strategies that go beyond conventional financial planning.

In a crowded financial landscape, what makes MGD Wealth different?

Our ability to deliver a truly integrated wealth management experience sets us apart. High-net-worth individuals often manage wealth across multiple structures—businesses, trusts, and investment entities—each with unique challenges. We bring all these elements together into a cohesive strategy, ensuring seamless coordination between business affairs, investments, tax planning, estate considerations, and personal risk management.

Additionally, as a privately-owned firm operating under our own Australian Financial Services Licence, we are able to provide advice without external constraints. Our investment philosophy prioritises quality over quantity—we curate a select number of highly researched investment opportunities that meet our rigorous standards of governance and long-term value creation.

Beyond technical expertise, it’s the relationships we build that define us. Many of our client partnerships span decades and extend across multiple generations within the same family, reflecting a deep trust in our ability to guide them through both opportunities and challenges. By working closely with successive generations, we ensure continuity, stability, and a shared financial vision that aligns with their evolving needs and long-term aspirations.

How do you help clients navigate uncertainty in financial markets?

Markets will always fluctuate, and a sound financial strategy must account for both stability and adaptability. Our focus is on building resilient portfolios that are designed to withstand short-term volatility while remaining agile enough to capture opportunities as they arise.

One of the greatest challenges in uncertain times is maintaining perspective. We help clients stay grounded in their long-term objectives, providing a structured decision-making framework that ensures their financial strategy remains aligned with their broader aspirations. By incorporating disciplined asset allocation, risk management, and ongoing governance, we create financial plans that endure across market cycles.

When you think about success in wealth management, what does that look like?

Success in wealth management is deeply personal—it’s not just about numbers on a balance sheet but about providing individuals and families with certainty, continuity, and a sense of purpose in how their wealth supports their lives.

For some, success is knowing they can provide financial security for their children and grandchildren without compromising their own lifestyle. For others, it’s about ensuring a business they’ve built over decades can transition seamlessly to the next generation. And for many, it’s about using their wealth to leave a meaningful impact—whether through philanthropy, supporting causes they care about, or ensuring their legacy is one of stewardship and intention.

At MGD Wealth, we measure success by the confidence our clients feel in knowing that their wealth is structured, protected, and aligned with their values. It’s about making complex financial decisions simple and ensuring that, no matter what stage of life they’re in, they have a trusted partner guiding them forward. That’s what we strive for every day.

If you’d like to learn more about how we help clients build lasting financial strategies, you can read our Client Stories. If you’re seeking personalised financial guidance, we invite you to book a confidential discussion or reach out to our team on 07 3391 5055.

Important Note: Any advice included in this article is general and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain financial product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.