Our Team

Raffi Pailagian MBA Bsc, DipFP

I have been a Financial Advisor since 1999, working with professional and small business clients to help them structure their finances effectively to build and manage their wealth. I specialise in portfolio management, self-managed superannuation, and tax management strategies.

The most satisfying aspect of my job is building friendships with long-term clients and seeing them achieve their retirement and lifestyle goals. These friendships lead me to trek to Everest Base Camp in 2018 to raise funds for cancer research in honour of those clients and friends I had lost to cancer. This is my why.

I love being involved in the community and charitable fundraising programmes for those less fortunate. Giving back to the community and helping others is very important to me. I volunteer as a scout leader, basketball coach and College Board member. I am also a golf tragic, CrossFit novice and am keen to go on more high-altitude treks!

Zareh
Deyirmendjian DipFP

I have been working in the finance industry since 2009 and have over 6 years’ experience as a financial planner and finance broker. I help young families with their mortgages, investments, superannuation, and wealth protection plans and specialise in helping clients who require debt management advice as a cornerstone of their financial plan.

Knowing I am able to make a difference in my client’s lives by building a long-term professional relationship based on trust, respect and honest is the best part of my job. The satisfaction I get when I notify a client of the loan approval for their dream home, or the establishment of their investment portfolio to fund their children’s education is my why.

When I’m not working to help my clients achieve their goals, I play basketball and golf, and cherish the time I spend with my family – especially my daughter.

Jonathan Harris CA, SSA, CFP

I have been a Financial Adviser and Retirement Specialist for over 10 years, working across and range of both large and small institutions.

I work diligently to understand my clients and create an integrated plan that brings together all aspects of their financial life, assuming the role of guiding clients to allow them to be the hero of their own journey.

I specialise in advice on investment, asset allocation, retirement planning, and tax effective income streams.

I am at my best when I am helping to establish order from chaos, and simplifying complex, often long-term financial concerns. No matter how complicated or chaotic a situation may seem at first, I can find a way through to a solution. This is a skill my clients seem to appreciate, and this is my why.

I enjoy cycling, raising awareness of good health and spending time with my family.

Anthony Simpson
DipFS, Adv DipFS, Aff. FINSIA

I began working in financial services in 1991 after a short stint in the military. I love working with all types of clients, ranging from young singles and couples to pre and post retirees, helping them understand their finances, and grow and protect their wealth. I specialise in portfolio management, superannuation, insurance, and tax minimisation.

Over the years I have seen the power good advice can have in people’s lives. I am inspired by watching my clients take control of their financial futures and achieve financial independence. I am a firm believer in educating my clients and spend time making sure the complex world of investing and financial planning advice is simple to understand. I love putting a smile on my client’s faces. This is my why.

In my downtime I enjoy the beach lifestyle and the outdoors with my family. I am a big AFL fan (go the Tigers!) and love a game of golf or a surf.

John Alford

I started in the financial services industry as a Junior Equities trader in 1984 and quickly progressed to Senor Trader enjoying a great experience on the trading floor in both Sydney and New York. In 1991 I started my financial planning career.

I live by the mantra “if you take care of your client, they will take care of you”. A principle that must work as I reflect 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 have helped them achieve.

I specialise in making the complex seem simple, so that my clients gain a clear understanding of our detailed investment, tax, and retirement strategies. My clients can sleep peacefully at night knowing their affairs are in place and being looked after. This is my why.

I have been known to make the odd great tackle or line break on the rugby field, and enjoy the odd long lunch if the weather puts on a show in beautiful Manly.

Megan Bartlett BComm, CPA(FPS), CFP

Over my 19 years as a financial adviser, I have discovered people often avoid managing their finances as it seems too complicated and confusing. I strive to help my clients understand their financial options and create a strategy that meets their financial needs. My philosophy is that building wealth doesn’t need to be as complex as it seems.

I am passionate about working with the growing number of women I notice taking a role in managing the family finances, and about helping people from all walks of life overcome life’s obstacles to achieve a certain and comfortable financial future.

I cherish the opportunity to help others find financial security so they can focus on doing the things they love. This is my why.

Away from the office I love the simple things in life like family, walks, camping and travel.

Paul Hughes

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.

Krisu Patel BAppFin DipFP

Since 2017, I have been working in the finance industry, helping my clients achieve financial freedom through tailored strategic financial planning, which adjusts in line with their changing life goals, needs and objectives.

My goals are to ensure my clients are living in their dream home, accumulating wealth for the medium to long term, gaining all the tax and Government benefits they are entitled to and protected from the financial consequences of illness or accident so that these life events do not derail them from achieving their financial goals and aspirations. This is My Why!

In doing so, I specialise in Personal Financial Risk management (Life, TPD, Trauma and Income Protection), as well as providing Investment, Superannuation, Self-Managed Super, and overall Financial Planning advice.

Bringing a smile to my client’s faces, building long term relationships and providing them with more certainty is what drives me. I take great pride in the client service I offer, being readily available in their time of need and only a phone call away for ongoing support.

Outside of work, being a very sociable person, spending time with friends and family is very important to me, which being a passionate cricket fan, is regularly combined with playing cricket on the weekends.

Mark Mendoza

I joined MFS in 2016 having spent three years in the banking industry.

My time in banking taught me the importance of customer relationships, and how to provide the best customer experience possible. At MFS I have transitioned to a ‘behind the scenes’ role where I help put together financial plans for our clients and oversee the back-office operations that support our client team.

I like nothing better than to see a plan taking shape and being delivered to a client seamlessly, exceeding their expectations. This is my why.

Philippa Campbell

Prior to joining the MFS team in 2013 as the Client Administration Manager I had my own bookkeeping business, working closely with accountants across various industries. At MFS I worked alongside the directors to support and manage the planning process. While I was busy working, I also completed my Diploma of Financial Planning and other undergraduate studies.

In 2015 my family moved to Singapore, and when we returned in 2019 I re-joined MFS as Practice Manager, a role where I can put to use my knowledge of how the business works and my financial experience.

Putting my knowledge to work to help my colleagues and our clients achieve their goals is my why.

In my personal time I love spending time with my family and travelling to interesting places. On the weekends I can often be found playing soccer, swimming at the beach, or taking a yoga class.

Tamara Alford

Maria Esquirol