Trying to figure out investment advisor fees in Brisbane? You’re not the only one. One minute you’re reading about five-great advice plans, the next someone’s telling you an app will do it for next to nothing.
And with new rules kicking in this year, the whole thing feels even murkier. In 2025, advisers need to be upfront (real upfront) about what they charge, when they charge it, and what you’re getting in return.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re a business owner, a couple trying to grow your super, or just want someone to explain this stuff in plain English, this one’s for you.
Why Fees Matter (Especially This Year)
No one likes being in the dark when it costs them money. And this year, the spotlight’s firmly on advice fees. Here’s why:
- You’ve got to opt in. Every single year. No more “set and forget”, if you’re paying an adviser, you now need to sign off on what you’re paying and what you’re getting for it.
- Aussies are still flying blind. Even in 2025, less than 11% of Australians get proper financial advice. And a big reason? Fees that sound complicated or too expensive.
- Advisers are thinning out. Brisbane’s still got great ones, but with the number of qualified advisers dropping nationally, people are more cautious about who they trust and how much they’re paying for it.
Long story short? If you’re going to invest your money, you want to know exactly where your fees are going. And in the next section, we’ll break down the four main ways advisers in Brisbane charge, so you can spot what’s fair and what’s not.
The Four Ways Brisbane Advisers Usually Charge
Not all advisers charge the same way, and some of the models suit certain people better than others. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll likely see:
| Fee Style | How It Works | Good For | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat fee | You get quoted a single number for the advice work upfront, no surprises later. | People who want cost certainty. | It can seem high if your situation is simple. |
| Percentage of your investments | An adviser charges a % based on how much money they manage for you (like 0.7 % per year). | Works if you’re starting with a smaller balance. | As your balance grows, so do your fees, sometimes without much extra work. |
| Hourly rate | Just like with an accountant or lawyer, you pay for time. | Good if you only need help with one or two things. | It can blow out fast if things get complex. |
| Performance-based fee | You pay a bonus if your investments do well (usually above a set benchmark). | Sounds good in theory, your adviser only wins if you win. | Can encourage risk-taking to chase the bonus. |
What are people actually paying in 2025? Most Brisbane advice plans fall somewhere between $3,000 and $ 7,000 upfront, depending on what’s involved. Ongoing advice can range from $ 2,000 to $ 5,000, and hourly rates usually sit around $350 to $550.
Quick check: Ask your adviser what happens if you pause your ongoing fees. Do the services stop? Do you lose access? The good ones tell you straight.
What Makes Fees Go Up (or Down)?
Advisers don’t pull numbers from thin air; there are a few key things that shape what you’ll pay:
1. How complicated your situation is
Someone with a business, an SMSF, two trusts, and a family estate plan will obviously pay more than someone with a single super fund and a share portfolio.
2. How much money do you want them to manage
Larger investment balances often mean higher asset-based fees. And if your money sits on a fancy platform or in managed accounts, there could be extra admin costs in the background.
3. Compliance load (it’s grown in 2025)
Thanks to new rules, advisers now need to get your permission every year to keep charging fees, and they have to document a lot more behind the scenes. That admin time? It’s built into what they quote.
4. What’s included in the ongoing service
Do you get yearly reviews? Tax-time help? Fast replies when something changes? These extras add real value, but they’ll show up in your ongoing costs too.
What Investment Advice Actually Costs in Brisbane (2025 Edition)
How Marin Wealth Handles Fees Without Surprises
At Marin Wealth, we keep fees simple and honest, so you know exactly what you’re paying, why you’re paying it, and how it fits into your bigger financial picture.
Here’s how our process works:
- Fee-for-service only, that means no hidden incentives, no pushing products you don’t need. Your strategy is built around your goals, not what pays us more.
- Personalised quotes. Every client is different. Once we understand your needs, we’ll provide a clear, tailored quote, so you’re never guessing what the bill will be.
- Ongoing service clarity. If you choose an ongoing plan, we’ll outline what’s included and what it costs. Each year, you’ll receive a Fee Disclosure Statement showing exactly what you paid, what you received, and what’s coming next.
- Annual opt-in. As per ASIC’s rules, we’ll ask you to renew your agreement each year. You’re always in control, no automatic rollovers, no fine-print surprises.
That’s our approach: transparent, personalised, and built to serve, not sell.
Adviser Checklist: Ten Quick Questions Before You Sign
Use this checklist when you sit down with any adviser, Marin Wealth included. It keeps the focus on value, transparency, and long-term fit.
- What exactly will I pay, in dollars, for the first year?
- Are my fees linked to portfolio size, time spent, or a fixed quote?
- Does your firm receive commissions or rebates from any product I might use?
- How do you calculate ongoing service fees, and what do those services include?
- Can I pause or cancel ongoing fees without penalties?
- Who covers administration platform fees, brokerage, and fund MERs, me or the adviser?
- How often will we meet, and who will prepare my review reports?
- Will I see a written Fee Disclosure Statement each year that matches the services delivered?
- What professional standards guide your advice (CFP, AFSL, ASIC code)?
- How will this advice pay for itself, tax savings, cost cuts, or performance gains? Show me an example.
Tip for busy founders: Screenshot this list on your phone and pull it out during the first meeting. Clear answers upfront save headaches later.
Ready for Fee Clarity? Book Your Investment Advice Chat
You work hard for your money, so the price you pay for investment advice should be crystal clear and worth every cent. Marin Wealth’s CFP-led team in the CBD lays out costs up-front, ties every dollar to measurable value, and keeps you in control year after year.
Book a free 15-minute fee clarity call today and bring your current statement or quote. We’ll show where the numbers add up, where they don’t, and how a transparent fee-for-service plan can fit your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are investment advice fees tax-deductible?
Advice directly linked to producing assessable income can usually be claimed. Strategy work on personal insurance or family budgeting generally cannot. Check with your tax agent.
Flat fee or percentage, what’s cheaper long-term?
On balances under roughly $500,000, a flat quote often wins. Above that, compare both: a 0.8 % asset fee on $1 m is $ 8,000 a year, more than many fixed packages.
Can I pause ongoing fees if my circumstances change?
Yes. Under ASIC rules, you approve ongoing fees yearly. If you need to step back, you can choose one-off check-ins instead of a full service package.
Does ASIC cap adviser charges?
No. ASIC mandates disclosure and annual consent, but advisers set their own prices. Market competition (and clear value) keep fees in line.
How often should fees be reviewed?
At least annually. Review sooner if you buy property, change jobs, or your investments shift by more than 10 %. A quick fee check keeps costs aligned with what you use.
