Understanding Your Financial Journey: A Guide to Our Services and Commitments

Part 1: Your Guide to Navigating Financial Advice with Arrowroad Financial Planning

Section 1.1: Welcome to Arrowroad – Understanding This Guide

This document serves as a clear and accessible guide to the financial advice services offered through Arrowroad Financial Planning. We understand that official financial disclosure documents can be comprehensive and sometimes complex. Therefore, this guide aims to help current and prospective clients understand their rights, the services available, and the operational framework of Arrowroad Financial Planning and its licensing partner.

At Arrowroad Financial Planning, our philosophy is rooted in financial empowerment for everyone, regardless of their financial background.¹ We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients, acting as your partner in financial success.¹ This means translating intricate financial strategies into understandable, everyday language, ensuring you are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your financial future.¹ This guide is an extension of that commitment, designed to provide clarity and transparency from the outset of our relationship. The information presented here is aligned with the details you would find in a formal Financial Services Guide (FSG), specifically the FSG issued by our licensee, Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, dated 6 May 2025, which authorises the services provided by Arrowroad Financial Planning.² The full Financial Services Guide from Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd can be accessed on the Arrowroad Financial Planning website at https://arrowroad.com.au/fsg, and its contents, as detailed in our supporting documentation ², form the basis of the information summarised in this document.

The intention is to make the essential information from the formal FSG more digestible. By understanding the framework within which we operate, the services we offer, how we are remunerated, and your rights as a client, you can approach your financial planning with greater confidence. This document is designed to complement the official FSG, which remains the primary disclosure document.

Section 1.2: Why is a Financial Services Guide (FSG) Important?

A Financial Services Guide (FSG) is a document mandated by Australian law, designed to provide consumers with crucial information before they decide to use any financial services offered by an adviser or firm.² Its primary purpose is to help individuals make an informed choice by outlining key details such as:

Who is providing the service and under what license.²
The range of financial services and products the adviser is authorised to provide.²
How the adviser, the licensee, and any other relevant parties are paid for these services, including fees and commissions.²
Information about any potential conflicts of interest or associations that could influence the advice.²
The process for making a complaint if you are not satisfied with the service received.²

The FSG is intended to inform you of certain basic matters relating to the relationship between you, your adviser, and the licensee, prior to any financial service being provided.² It also outlines your rights as a client and the obligations and responsibilities of the licensee and your adviser.² Understanding the contents of an FSG empowers you to ask relevant questions and ensures transparency in your dealings with financial service providers. This understanding is foundational, as the quality of your financial decisions can be significantly enhanced when you are fully aware of the framework governing the advice you receive.

Part 2: The People and Structures Behind Your Advice

Section 2.1: Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd – Your Direct Partner

Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd is the entity with whom you will primarily interact when seeking financial advice and ongoing services. We are dedicated to partnering with you to achieve your financial aspirations, adapting your financial plan to evolving life circumstances and nurturing your financial dreams.¹

In the regulatory structure of financial services in Australia, Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd operates as a Corporate Authorised Representative, holding ASIC Authorisation Number 1285229.² This means that while you engage directly with Arrowroad, the authority to provide financial services is granted by a licensed entity, which oversees our activities and ensures compliance with financial services laws. This structure is common in the financial advice industry and provides a framework of accountability.

Section 2.2: Our Licensee: Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd

The entity that holds the necessary license for Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd to provide financial services is Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd (Platinum).² Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd holds Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) number 558788 and its Australian Company Number (ACN) is 677 078 250.² The Financial Services Guide relevant to the services provided by Arrowroad is issued by Platinum and is dated 6 May 2025.²

As the licensee, Platinum authorises Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd and its advisers to provide financial services and to distribute the FSG on its behalf.² Platinum is ultimately responsible for the financial services provided by its authorised representatives, including the advice you receive from Arrowroad. This licensing structure ensures that there is a layer of oversight and that the services provided meet the regulatory standards set by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Platinum can be contacted via admin@platinumwealthadvisory.com.au.⁴ It is important to note that there are other entities with similar names in the financial sector; the specific licensee for Arrowroad Financial Planning is Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, AFSL 558788, ACN 677 078 250.²

Section 2.3: Meet Your Adviser: Mark Opie

Mark Opie is the Director and Principal Financial Advisor at Arrowroad Financial Planning.⁵ He is also an Individual Authorised Representative of Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, with ASIC Authorisation Number 1005602.² Mark has been a finance professional since 2004 and completed his post-graduate studies in 2006, bringing nearly two decades of experience to his client engagements.² He is described as an invaluable contributor to his clients’ success, dedicated to helping them achieve their aspirations and dreams.⁵

Mark’s qualifications and the specific areas in which he is authorised to provide advice are detailed in his Adviser Profile, which forms part of the FSG.² This ensures that clients are aware of the scope of his expertise.

Mark Opie: Qualifications and Authorisations

Category	Detail	Source(s)
Qualification	Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning	²
ASIC Authorisation	Individual Authorised Representative No. 1005602 (authorised by Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, AFSL 558788)	²
Years of Experience	Finance professional since 2004; 19 years of experience (as of early 2024 data)	²
Authorised to Advise On	Deposit and Payment Products, Government Debentures, Stocks, or Bonds, Life Products (Investment Life Insurance & Risk Life Insurance), Managed Investment Schemes, Superannuation & Retirement Savings Account Products, Securities, Margin Lending, Tax (financial advice services)	²
Contact Email	mark@arrowroad.com.au	⁵

This table summarises Mark Opie’s credentials and the breadth of financial products and services he is authorised to advise on. This level of detail is provided to build client confidence and ensure clarity regarding the expertise available through Arrowroad Financial Planning.

Part 3: The Financial Services Available to You

Section 3.1: Scope of Our Advice and Services

Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, and by extension its authorised representatives like Arrowroad Financial Planning, are licensed to provide financial advice and deal in a range of financial products. These generally include deposit and payment products, standard margin lending, securities (such as shares), Retirement Savings Accounts, superannuation, life insurance (both investment and risk products), and government-issued debentures, stocks, and bonds.²

The advisory services offered are comprehensive, covering many important areas of financial planning.² These include, but are not limited to:

Wealth creation strategies
Retirement planning
Redundancy advice
Superannuation strategies and management
Risk insurance planning (e.g., life insurance, income protection)
Estate planning considerations
Centrelink payments and entitlements
Cash flow management and budgeting
Debt repayment strategies
Structuring of investment portfolios
Advice on borrowing to invest (gearing)
Guidance on complex company and trust structures ²

The financial planning process typically involves several key steps:

Identifying your financial needs, objectives, and personal circumstances.
Establishing realistic and reasonable financial goals.
Determining your risk profile to understand your tolerance for investment risk.
Exploring various strategies and financial products, including their costs, benefits, potential risks, and returns, to help you achieve your goals within legal and available solution limits.²

While these are the general services available through Platinum’s network, the specific services Mark Opie is authorised to provide are detailed in his Adviser Profile, as summarised in the table above.² This ensures that the advice you receive is tailored to your situation and falls within his authorised areas of expertise. The aim is to provide holistic financial planning that addresses a wide spectrum of client needs, moving beyond simple investment selection to comprehensive wealth management.

Section 3.2: Our Approach to Product Recommendations – The Approved Product List (APL)

To ensure that the financial product recommendations made by its advisers are suitable and align with your financial goals, Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd operates with an Approved Product List (APL).² The use of an APL is a common practice in the financial advice industry, designed as a quality control measure by licensees.

Platinum’s stated priority is to provide advice that is in your best interests. This advice is based on thorough research and consideration of a wide range of available products.² Platinum only recommends investment products that have been researched, analyzed, and subsequently approved by Platinum for inclusion on the APL.² This process aims to ensure that any product recommended has met certain quality and suitability criteria.

Furthermore, Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd states that it does not have direct relationships or associations with product issuers.² This is an important aspect of managing potential conflicts of interest, as it suggests that the selection of products for the APL is not unduly influenced by commercial arrangements with specific financial product manufacturers. While an APL guides product selection, the overarching legal duty for advisers is to act in the best interests of their clients when providing personal advice. The use of an APL, when combined with a commitment to research and the client’s best interests, aims to provide a framework for sound product recommendations. However, it’s important for clients to understand that advice will generally be limited to products on this APL. The conditions under which an adviser can claim to be “independent” are strictly defined by law, and typically, the receipt of commissions or the use of a potentially restrictive APL means such terms cannot be used.⁷

Part 4: Understanding Fees and How We Are Paid – A Transparent Look

Section 4.1: Our Commitment to Transparency in Remuneration

A cornerstone of a trusted advisory relationship is a clear understanding of how your adviser and the licensee are compensated for the services provided.² We are committed to full transparency in this area. The specific methods of remuneration and the fees applicable to the services provided by Mark Opie are detailed in his Adviser Profile, which is part of the FSG.² Furthermore, the exact details of all remuneration and fees related to any personal advice you receive will be fully disclosed in your Statement of Advice (SoA) before you decide to proceed with any recommendations.²

Arrowroad Financial Planning and its licensee, Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, are primarily remunerated through two main channels:

Direct fees for service: These are fees paid by you, the client, for the advice and services received.
Commissions from product providers: These are payments made by insurance companies or other product issuers when their products are implemented as part of your financial plan.²

Understanding these remuneration methods is crucial for appreciating the full context of the advice relationship.

Section 4.2: Fees for Service – What You Pay Directly

When you engage Arrowroad Financial Planning for advice, various direct fees may apply. These fees can be based on a percentage of funds invested or under advice, hourly rates multiplied by the hours worked, an agreed dollar amount for the specific service provided, or a combination of these methods.² All fees quoted and charged include 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and are payable to Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd. Platinum then remits 100% of these fees to Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd.²

The typical fees for services provided by Mark Opie and Arrowroad, as outlined in the FSG documentation ², include:

Initial Consultation: The initial consultation with Mark Opie is charged at a rate of $440 per hour.
Statement of Advice (SoA) Preparation Fee: This fee covers the development of your personalised financial plan. It can range from $545 to $16,500, depending on the complexity of your situation and the advice required.

For example, for investment advice involving an amount of $300,000, the SoA preparation fee is $5,950.
For insurance-only advice, the SoA fee is $495.
Upfront Fees (Implementation): If you proceed with implementing investment recommendations, an upfront fee may apply. This typically ranges from nil to 5.5% of the investment amount. For superannuation-related advice, this fee is capped at 5%.
For instance, an investment of $100,000 made using a platform might involve an upfront fee of 3%, which amounts to $3,000.
Ongoing Fees (e.g., Annual Review Service): For ongoing management and review of your financial plan and investments, an annual fee is charged. This typically ranges from 0.5% to 1.5% per annum of the funds under advice.

For example, a portfolio valued at $300,000 may incur an ongoing portfolio review fee of 1% per annum, equating to $3,000 per annum.
The specific annual review fee is disclosed as ranging from $2,950 to $16,500 per year.
For a maintained investment portfolio, an annual portfolio management and review fee of $4,950 is applicable.
Ad Hoc Advice: For advice provided on an as-needed basis outside of a formal review, an hourly rate of $440 applies.

A plan preparation fee may also apply if recommendations are developed but not implemented. The fee for the preparation of the SoA will always be agreed upon with you before any advice is provided.² Providing concrete examples and ranges, as detailed in the FSG, helps make the cost of advice tangible, allowing clients to better understand potential outlays and promoting informed decision-making.

Section 4.3: Commissions – Payments from Product Providers

In addition to direct fees, Arrowroad Financial Planning and Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd may also receive commissions from product providers, particularly for insurance products.² Commissions are payments made by the insurance company (the product provider) and are calculated as a percentage of the premium you pay for the insurance policy.²

There are generally two types of commissions for insurance products ²:

Upfront or Initial Commissions: This is a commission paid when the policy first starts. For life insurance products, this can be up to 66% of the first year’s premium.

For example, if your first year’s premium is $1,500, an upfront commission of 66% would be $990.

Ongoing or Trail Commissions: This is a commission paid in subsequent years while the policy remains in force. For life insurance products, this can be up to 33% of the annual premium.

Using the same $1,500 premium example, an ongoing commission of 22% (a common rate mentioned in conjunction with a 66% upfront in some scenarios) would be $330 annually. If a level commission option is chosen (where upfront and ongoing rates are more similar), the rate could be up to 33%, or $495 on a $1,500 premium.

It is important to understand that Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd retains a portion of all commissions and fees received, typically between 0% and 40%. The remainder is then passed on to the adviser or the authorised representative firm, in this case, Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd.²

The receipt of commissions is a significant factor in the context of adviser independence. Under Australian law (specifically Section 923A of the Corporations Act), financial advisers who receive commissions or other benefits that could influence their advice are generally restricted from using terms like “independent,” “impartial,” or “unbiased”.⁷ Full disclosure of all remuneration, including any commissions, will always be provided in your Statement of Advice (SoA).² This transparency allows you to understand all the ways your adviser is compensated.

Summary of Potential Fees and Commissions (Illustrative, based on Platinum FSG for Arrowroad)

Service/Product Type	Fee/Commission Type	Basis of Charge	Illustrative Range/Amount	Payable To/Shared With
Initial Consultation (Mark Opie)	Fee	Hourly Rate	$440 per hour	Platinum, then 100% to Arrowroad
Statement of Advice (SoA) Preparation	Fee	Fixed Dollar (complexity-based)	$545 – $16,500 (e.g., $5,950 for $300k investment SoA; $495 for insurance SoA)	Platinum, then 100% to Arrowroad
Investment Implementation	Upfront Fee	% of Investment Amount	0% – 5.5% (Super capped at 5%). E.g., 3% on $100k = $3,000	Platinum, then 100% to Arrowroad
Ongoing Portfolio Review/Management	Ongoing Fee	% of Funds p.a. or Fixed Dollar p.a.	0.5% – 1.5% p.a. (e.g., 1% on $300k = $3,000 p.a.). Fixed: $2,950 – $16,500 p.a. (e.g. $4,950 p.a.)	Platinum, then 100% to Arrowroad
Ad Hoc Advice	Fee	Hourly Rate	$440 per hour	Platinum, then 100% to Arrowroad
Life Insurance	Upfront Commission	% of First Year’s Premium	Up to 66% (e.g., $990 on $1,500 premium)	Product Provider to Platinum; Platinum retains 0-40%, rest to Arrowroad
Life Insurance	Ongoing Commission	% of Annual Premium	Up to 33% (e.g., $330 on $1,500 premium using a 22% rate example)	Product Provider to Platinum; Platinum retains 0-40%, rest to Arrowroad
Life Insurance (Level Commission Option)	Commission	% of Premium	Up to 33% (e.g., $495 on $1,500 premium)	Product Provider to Platinum; Platinum retains 0-40%, rest to Arrowroad

Note: All fees include 10% GST. This table is illustrative and exact fees/commissions will be detailed in your Statement of Advice. Data sourced from.²

This table provides a consolidated overview of the potential costs, enhancing clarity and helping clients understand the financial aspects of engaging our services.

Part 5: The Advice Process – Your Journey with Us

Section 5.1: Information We Need From You

The foundation of sound personal financial advice is a thorough understanding of your individual circumstances. To provide you with advice that is tailored to your specific needs and goals, we will need to collect information about your financial situation, objectives, and personal circumstances.² This is often referred to as the “know your client” obligation, a critical regulatory requirement.

The amount and type of information we require will depend on the financial services you need and the complexity of your situation.² This process involves gathering details about your assets, liabilities, income, expenses, risk tolerance, investment preferences, and short-term and long-term financial goals, based on the information you provide.² Providing accurate and complete information is essential, as this data forms the basis upon which our recommendations are formulated. The quality and appropriateness of the advice you receive are directly linked to the quality of the information you provide. This is a collaborative process, and your active participation is key to developing a successful financial plan.

Section 5.2: Key Documents You Will Receive

As part of the formal advice process, you will receive several important documents designed to ensure you are fully informed before making any decisions. It is crucial to read these documents carefully.

Statement of Advice (SoA): If we provide you with personal advice (that is, advice that takes into account your objectives, financial situation, and needs), you will receive a Statement of Advice (SoA).² The SoA is a comprehensive document that will clearly outline:

The advice being provided to you.
The basis on which the advice is given, including the information you provided and our assessment.
Any factors, such as our research or market analysis, that may have influenced the advice.
A full disclosure of how Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd and your adviser (Mark Opie/Arrowroad Financial Planning) will be remunerated for the advice, including all fees and commissions.² You should carefully read the warnings contained in the SoA, check any assumptions we have made, and review the basis for our advice before deciding whether to proceed with any recommendations.²
Product Disclosure Statement (PDS): If a specific financial product (other than securities like direct shares) is recommended to you as part of our advice, we are required to provide you with a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for that product.² The PDS is prepared by the product issuer (e.g., the fund manager or insurance company) and contains important information about the product, including:

Its key features, benefits, and risks.
The costs and fees associated with the product.
Other significant characteristics or terms. It is vital that you obtain and read any relevant PDS before applying for a financial product or making any decision in relation to it.²
Record of Advice (RoA): In situations where further advice is provided to you verbally, and this advice relates to a previous SoA and does not involve a significant change to your strategy (and your personal circumstances have not significantly changed), this further advice will be documented in a Record of Advice (RoA).² You have the right to request a copy of any RoA prepared for you, and we must keep these records for up to seven years.²

Understanding these documents is a key part of being an informed investor and client. They are designed to protect your interests and ensure transparency throughout the advice process.

Part 6: Important Considerations and Your Protections

Section 6.1: Managing Potential Conflicts of Interest

Transparency regarding any potential conflicts of interest is a key regulatory requirement and a commitment we uphold. The Financial Services Guide (FSG) itself will provide details of any potential conflicts of interests that might arise in the provision of financial services.²

As discussed in Part 4, the ways in which we are remunerated – through direct client fees and commissions from product providers – are fully disclosed. The use of an Approved Product List (APL) is another area where potential influence could arise. Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd manages this by stating they do not have direct relationships or associations with product issuers, and product selection for the APL is based on research and analysis aimed at serving the client’s best interests.²

Our overriding duty is to act in your best interests when providing personal advice. All recommendations are made with this duty in mind, and all relevant information regarding remuneration and associations that could be perceived as a conflict will be clearly detailed in your Statement of Advice (SoA).

Section 6.2: Instructions for Investment Funds and Forms

Protecting your assets is paramount. There are strict guidelines regarding the handling of investment funds and client instructions:

Transferring Investment Funds: You should only transfer investment funds for a financial product directly to the approved financial institution that issues that financial product. This will be specified in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a similar official document from the product issuer.²
Crucial Warning: Never transfer investment funds to any other entity or person, including your financial adviser, Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd, or Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, for the purpose of direct investment. Advisers and advisory firms are generally not permitted to hold client monies directly for investment in this manner. Funds should always go to the product issuer or a regulated custodian.²
Signing Documents: You should not sign any blank forms. Ensure all forms are completed fully and accurately before you sign them. Furthermore, you should not appoint your adviser as your attorney or authorized signatory on your accounts or investments, unless under specific, legally documented Power of Attorney arrangements that are separate from the standard advisory engagement.²

These measures are in place to safeguard your financial interests and prevent unauthorized transactions or fraud. Adhering to these guidelines is a critical component of protecting your investments.

Section 6.3: Professional Indemnity Insurance

Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, as the licensee, maintains Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance.² This insurance is designed to cover claims relating to the conduct of the licensee and its authorised representatives (including Arrowroad Financial Planning and Mark Opie) in the provision of financial services.

The details of this PI insurance are provided in the FSG.² This insurance provides a layer of protection for clients, offering a potential avenue for compensation in the event of financial loss due to errors, omissions, or negligent advice provided by the firm or its advisers. It is a regulatory requirement for AFSL holders and demonstrates a commitment to accountability.

Part 7: Your Rights – Privacy and Complaints

Section 7.1: Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Protecting your personal information is a responsibility we take very seriously. Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd collects, holds, uses, and discloses personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988. A comprehensive Privacy Policy is maintained by Platinum and is available on their website; this section summarises key aspects relevant to your engagement with Arrowroad Financial Planning.²

We collect your personal information for a range of purposes, primarily to:

Provide you with financial advice and services tailored to your needs.
Facilitate your applications for, and investments in, financial products.
Verify your identity as required by law (e.g., Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act).
Respond to your enquiries and provide ongoing customer service.
Process payments and manage our administrative and operational tasks.
Conduct research to improve our services.
Manage our relationship with you.
Assess applications for products or services.
Organise events or provide you with information about other services.
Comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.²

The personal information collected is necessary for us to provide our services and meet our legal obligations, and typically includes details about your identity, contact information, financial situation, and your financial needs and objectives.²

Your personal information may be disclosed to other organisations that assist us in providing services to you. These can include other authorised representatives of Platinum, other financial advisers, fund managers, insurance providers, IT service providers, and external service providers for operational purposes. We may also disclose your information to law enforcement or government agencies if required or authorised by law.²

If your personal information is disclosed to overseas recipients, Platinum will take reasonable steps to ensure that the overseas recipient complies with the Australian Privacy Principles or is subject to a privacy regime that is at least substantially similar.² For full details on how your personal information is handled, please refer to Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd’s Privacy Policy.

Section 7.2: How to Make a Complaint – Our Dispute Resolution Process

We strive to provide high-quality financial advice and service. However, if you are not satisfied with any aspect of our services, you have the right to make a complaint.² Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd has an internal dispute resolution (IDR) process designed to address your concerns promptly and fairly. Platinum is also a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), an external dispute resolution scheme that is free for consumers.²

Here are the steps to follow if you wish to make a complaint:

Making a Complaint: Step-by-Step

Step	Action	Contact/Details	Expected Timeline
1	Contact Your Adviser	Initially, please discuss your concerns with your adviser, Mark Opie. Many issues can be resolved at this stage.	If not resolved within 3 business days, it will be escalated. ²
2	Lodge Complaint with Complaints Officer	If your complaint is not resolved with your adviser, or if you prefer, you can lodge your complaint directly with Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd’s Complaints Officer.	Phone: 0452 574 504 Email: admin@platinumwealthadvisory.com.au Mail: PO BOX 413, South Morang, VIC 3752 ²
3	Acknowledgement & Response	You will receive an acknowledgement of your complaint from Platinum. They will investigate your complaint and provide you with a written response.	Acknowledgement within 24 hours (or 1 business day). Final response no later than 30 calendar days after receiving the complaint. ²
4	External Dispute Resolution (AFCA)	If you do not receive a satisfactory outcome from Platinum’s IDR process, or if your complaint is not resolved within the 30-day timeframe, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).	Online: www.afca.org.au Email: info@afca.org.au Phone: 1800 931 678 (free call) Mail: AFCA, GPO Box 3, Melbourne VIC 3001 ²

Data sourced from.² General AFCA contact details are consistent with public AFCA information.¹⁰

This structured process ensures that your concerns are heard and addressed in a timely and transparent manner, with recourse to an independent external body if needed.

Part 8: The Value of Advice and Staying Informed

Section 8.1: The Broader Value of Financial Advice

Engaging with a financial adviser is about more than just selecting investments. Comprehensive financial advice can add significant value to your financial well-being in numerous ways. Research, such as the “Adviser’s Alpha” concept developed by Vanguard, suggests that financial advisers can potentially add around 3% in net returns for their clients over the long term, although this is not an annual guarantee and can be irregular.¹² This value is derived not just from portfolio construction but from several key areas:

Behavioural Coaching: Perhaps the most significant contribution an adviser can make is helping clients maintain a long-term perspective and stick to their financial plan, especially during periods of market volatility when emotional decision-making can be detrimental.¹²
Asset Allocation: Advisers help design an investment portfolio with an asset mix that is suitable for your financial situation, risk tolerance, and time horizon.¹²
Cost-Effective Implementation: Advisers can guide clients towards lower-cost investment solutions, which can have a substantial positive impact on long-term returns.¹²
Financial Planning: Good advice helps navigate the complexities of the financial landscape, including the interplay of taxation, superannuation, and social security systems, which can be challenging for individuals to manage on their own.¹⁴ Studies have indicated that individuals who receive advice tend to accumulate significantly more assets over time compared to those who do not.¹⁴

The value of advice often lies in achieving peace of mind, financial security, and confidence that you are on track to meet your life goals.¹²

Section 8.2: Our Ongoing Commitment and How to Contact Us

Arrowroad Financial Planning is committed to providing ongoing service and support, adapting your financial plan as your life circumstances and goals evolve.¹ Financial planning is not a one-time event but a continuous journey, and we aim to be your trusted partner throughout.

We encourage you to ask questions about any aspect of the information contained in this guide, the formal Financial Services Guide, your financial plan, or any other matter related to your financial well-being. Open communication is key to a successful advisory relationship.

You can contact Arrowroad Financial Planning or Mark Opie through the following channels:

Email (Mark Opie): mark@arrowroad.com.au ⁵
Website: arrowroad.com.au ¹
Adviser Profile: Contact details for Mark Opie are also available in his Adviser Profile, which forms part of the FSG provided by Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd.²
Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd (Licensee): For matters relating directly to the licensee, such as formal complaints or privacy queries, contact details are provided in the relevant sections of this guide and in the FSG.²

Mark Opie’s typical office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and Friday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.⁶ We look forward to assisting you on your path to financial success.

Conclusion

This guide has aimed to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the services, structures, fees, and client rights associated with Arrowroad Financial Planning, operating under the license of Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd. The foundation of our approach is transparency, client empowerment, and a commitment to acting in your best interests.

Key takeaways include:

Understanding the Structure: Arrowroad Financial Planning Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative ASIC No. 1285229) and its adviser Mark Opie (Individual Authorised Representative ASIC No. 1005602) are authorised by Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd (AFSL 558788) to provide financial services.
Informed Decision-Making: The Financial Services Guide (FSG), dated 6 May 2025, along with documents like the Statement of Advice (SoA) and Product Disclosure Statements (PDS), are crucial for making informed financial decisions.
Transparency in Remuneration: Fees for service and commissions from product providers are the primary forms of remuneration, with full details always disclosed in the SoA. The specific fee structures and commission rates applicable are detailed in the FSG and summarised herein.
Client Protections: Mechanisms such as Professional Indemnity insurance, strict rules for handling client funds, a clear privacy policy, and a robust complaints process (including access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority – AFCA) are in place to protect client interests.
The Advice Process: A collaborative approach, starting with a thorough understanding of your needs and culminating in tailored recommendations, underpins the service.

Navigating the world of financial advice requires clarity and trust. By understanding the framework outlined in this document and the official FSG, clients are better equipped to engage confidently with their financial adviser and work towards achieving their financial goals. We encourage ongoing dialogue and are available to answer any questions to ensure your financial journey is a well-informed and positive one.

Works cited

Arrowroad Financial Planning, accessed May 6, 2025, https://arrowroad.com.au/
arrowroad.com.au, accessed May 6, 2025, https://arrowroad.com.au/fsg
Current details for ABN 57 677 078 250 – ABN Lookup, accessed May 6, 2025, https://abr.business.gov.au/ABN/View?id=57677078250
Platinum Wealth Advisory Pty Ltd, accessed May 6, 2025, https://platinumwealthadvisory.com.au/
About – Arrowroad Financial Planning, accessed May 6, 2025, https://arrowroad.com.au/about/
Mark Opie – Financial Adviser, accessed May 6, 2025, https://www.adviserratings.com.au/adviser/1005602/Mark-Opie
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