The Team
Meet The
We take pride in selecting the best available talent aligned with our collaborative informal business culture.
One aspect of what differentiates us in our market is the depth of our client offering, which is built on a team advisers with different skill sets and specialities, who collaborate to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.
John Alford
Partner / Senior Financial Planner
Hi I’m John.
I stated in the industry as a Junior Equities trader in 1984 and quickly progressed to Senior Trader with some great experiences on the trading floor in Sydney and New York before starting my financial planning career in 1991!
I specialise in making the complex simple so that my clients gain an understanding of our detailed investment, tax and retirement system and can sleep at night knowing that their affairs are in place and looked after. This is My Why!
I live by the mantra that “if you take care of your client, they will take care of you” and I enjoy reflecting on the multiple branches of client referral trees that have grown over the years as a way for clients to say thanks for the goals I’ve helped them achieve.
I’ve been known to make the odd great tackle or line break on the rugby field, and to enjoy the odd long lunch if the weather puts on a show in sunny Manly!
Email: jalford@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Raffi Pailagian
MBA, BSc, DipFP
Managing Partner / Financial Planner
Hi, I’m Raffi.
I have been a Financial Advisor since 1999. I enjoy working with professional and small business clients helping them structure themselves effectively and build and manage their wealth. I specialise in portfolio management, self-managed superannuation, and tax management strategies.
The most satisfying experiences in my role have come from building friendships with clients over the long-term and seeing them achieve their retirement and lifestyle goals. These friendships drove me to trek to Everest Base Camp in 2018 in honour of those I had lost to cancer while raising funds for cancer research. This is My Why!
I actively volunteer as a scout leader, basketball coach and College board member and love being involved in charitable fundraising programs for those less fortunate as giving back to the community and helping others is very important to me.
I am also a golf tragic, CrossFit novice, and would love to go on more high altitude treks!
Email: raffi@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Zareh Deyirmendjian
Partner / Financial Planner & Mortgage Broker
Hi, my name is Zareh.
I’ve been working in the finance industry since 2009 and I help young families with their mortgages, Investments, Superannuation and wealth protection plans.
The best part of my job is knowing I was able to make a difference in my clients lives by building a long-term professional relationship based on trust, mutual respect, honesty and knowledge. I didn’t really understand this when I first started because all I was thinking about was establishing myself as a financial planner, but the satisfaction and joy I get when I notify a client of their loan approval which allows them to purchase their dream home or the establishment of their investment portfolio to fund their children’s education is My Why.
Away from work, I enjoy playing basketball and golf. I also cherish the time spent with my family, especially my daughter.
Zareh has over 6 year’s experience in the financial adviser and is both a financial adviser and finance broker managing all the finance needs of the firm’s clients. Zareh specialises in working with wealth accumulator clients that needs debt management advice as a cornerstone of their financial strategy.
Email: zareh@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Phil Muir
FIAAUST, FIA, DipFS
Senior Adviser
Hi, I’m Phil.
I have been working in financial markets for over 40 years with extensive experience in market, analysis, and research experience as an Actuary.
I am a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia, NZ, UK & USA, and have worked as a Super Actuary with Aetna Life & Casualty, Actuary Head of Client Services with NMLA, GM Life & Chief Actuary of Munich Re Australia, and MD of Gerling Life Re & Director Gerling Group Aust.
With my experience working with insurance and re-insurance organisation I am a firm believer in the importance of personal and business insurance and protection strategies. I have seen first hand the benefit of this protection at claim time and have managed many claims.
I also enjoy working with retiree clients to establish retirement income strategies to meet a clients retirement lifetsyle goals and aspirations.
I am an avid golfer, and a lover of great food and wine!
Email: pmuir@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Anthony Simpson
DipFS, Adv DipFS, Aff. FINSIA
Financial Planner
Hi, I’m Anthony.
I have been in Financial Services since 1991. I love working with all types of clients, ranging from young singles and couples to pre and post retirees, helping them understand their finances, growth and protect wealth. I specialise in portfolio management, superannuation and insurance plus minimising taxation as much as possible.
After a short stint in the military, I sort of fell into financial planning after working for large corporations of many years. Over the years I have seen the power good advice can do to peoples lives. I am inspired by watching my clients take control of their financial futures, guiding them and helping them achieve financial independence. I love putting a smile on my clients face. This is My Why! I am a firm believer in educating my clients and spending time to make sure the complex world of investing and financial planning advice is simple to understand.
My wife and I have a young family and live in the Manly area and we enjoy the beach lifestyle and the outdoors!
I’m a big AFL fan and love the Richmond Tigers (been supporting them since I can remember), love a surf and my golf.
Email: asimpson@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Paul Hughes
Financial Planner
Hi I’m Paul,
After joining the MFS team in 2007 from my previous life as a Computer Technician, I discovered the “Tricks of the Trade” that presented financial opportunities that were available to people who would have been otherwise unaware. Seeing how much our clients have benefited, both financially and through peace of mind from being given quality advice was staggering.
I was hooked, and after working under experienced advisers that have provided me with a world of knowledge in all facets of the financial landscape, I have ventured further to become an Adviser in my own right.
I now provide my clients with strategies to help build their wealth both inside and outside of super, retire comfortably with the knowledge that someone is behind them to help manage their income and investments and help protect assets through insurance policies that are tailored to their circumstances. Although this can be a challenging role, the feeling that I am greatly helping people achieve their goals and sleep easier at night is what drives me to get up every morning and the rewards are indescribable.
Like the rest of the MFS crew I love my golf, but otherwise you will find me on the slopes, camping with my young family or on the Brookvale Oval hill watching my beloved Sea Eagles.
Email: phughes@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Jonathan Harris
Senior Financial Planner
Email: jharris@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Leah Florimo
Financial Planner
Hi, I’m Leah.
I am passionate about working with clients who are building their wealth and are simply too busy focusing on their best professional & personal self that they are needing someone to handle the financial element of their life.
Building partnerships with clients and hearing their life journey and how they have got to where they are today be that personally, professionally & financially is one of my favourite parts of my job.
I draw on my 10 years’ experience in the Financial Planning industry across different roles to help my clients make sense of the complex world that is financial services. This clarity helps them focus on what they want their financial future to look like and the ways in which we will get there together.
I am an avid walker – there is a definite chance if during the weekend you are on the coast line between Palm Beach & The Spit, you will see me.
Email: lforimo@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Megan Bartlett
Financial Planner
My name is Megan, and I am passionate about helping people take control of their money and become financially free.
Over my 17 years as a financial adviser, I have helped my clients to retire earlier than expected, navigate through life changing moments, and save time and money in simplifying their personal finances. Every financial situation is different, and I love the challenge of working out solutions that suits each individual.
As a working mother and wife, I understand how busy family life can be. Finding the time to plan for the future and set personal goals can sometimes seem overwhelming. I enjoy developing financial plans for families to help ease some of the pressure.
When not crunching the numbers, I love spending time with my family, walking along the beautiful Sydney coastline and travelling to discover new places, cultures and experiences
Email: mbartlett@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Adam Khoury
Finance Broker
Email: akhoury@manlyfs.com.au
LinkIn: Profile
Mark Mendoza
Client Manager
Email: mmendoza@manlyfs.com.au
LinkedIn: Profile
Esther Ross
Administration Manager
Email: esther@manlyfs.com.au