Business & Finance Sep 04, 2026

Are Independent Financial Advisors Better Than Bank Advisors?

By Simon2012

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The word independent sounds reassuring, but in financial advice it is not just a nice adjective. It has real weight.

What independence really means

In Australia, advisers need to be careful using terms such as independent, impartial, or unbiased. The point is simple: you should understand whether the adviser has product ties, commissions, or restrictions that could influence recommendations.

Do not assume. Ask directly.

How bank advice has changed

The old bank advice model has changed significantly over the years, and many major banks have stepped back from personal financial advice. Still, the broader comparison matters: is the adviser free to recommend from a wide range of options, or are they limited?

What to compare

Compare licensing, fees, ownership, product relationships, adviser experience, service scope, and how conflicts are managed.

The better adviser is the one who can clearly explain their recommendations and show why they suit you.

Why not have a chat to our friendly team? Book a time: https://partnersinplanningaus.setmore.com/book or give us a call on 1300 880 100.