TRAP: The Real Adviser Podcast 90 - BRETT DAVIDSON: The Financial Planning Wizard of Aus
Feb 12, 2026
Brett Davidson, financial services consultant and founder of FP Advance, helps advisory firms scale and rethink incentives. He discusses which small firms are most at risk and why splitting servicing and new-business roles matters. He outlines common mistakes around pay structures and shares practical ways independent firms can grow and preserve culture.
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Episode notes
Personal Take: Family Firm Bought By Consolidator
- Lick Lincoln shared his son's firm was bought by Saltus and is now adapting to new systems and uncertainty.
- He noted acquisitions also create opportunities for staff mobility inside larger networks.
Platform Scale Requires Big AUA Or Deep Pockets
- Tech platforms (e.g., Sekel) can scale quickly but often burn cash until AUA reaches profitable scale.
- Alan and Andy note Octopus-backed Sekel has deep pockets but must prioritise large partners like Monzo.
Watch Partner Priorities In Platform Deals
- Be patient with platform startups: avoid assuming early losses mean failure if backed by deep-pocket owners.
- Watch where vendor attention goes: large partnership clients often get prioritised over smaller white-label users.
