AZ NGA secures broader Sydney presence via new deal

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

3 December 2025

Business services provider, AZ NGA, has added to its extensive network of advice partners, this time with Sydney Financial Planning, in the effort to broaden its Sydney-and-surrounds footprint.

First founded in 1988 by Bill Bracey and operating for over 38 years, Sydney Financial Planning brings over $600 million in assets under advice into the AZ NGA fold, as well as 18 employees including five financial advisers.

AZ NGA chief executive, Paul Barrett, said the firm – also with its Wollongong-based office trading as Illawarra Financial Planning – provides an opportunity to tap into the “high-growth corridor” between Sydney’s eastern suburbs and Illawarra region.

“Sydney Financial Planning has a loyal engaged clientbase, a strong brand and reputation, and a robust, client-centric advice model that has been developed and refined for over 38 years,” he said.

“Over that time, Bill has trained and mentored a number of exceptional advisers, who are still with the business today. There is a lot of cultural alignment between both firms and total agreement about accelerating growth and unlocking potential.

“Sydney Financial Planning has a structured development plan and adviser pairing model, which is designed to enhance the experience of PY advisers and up-and-coming client services employees.”

Bracey noted the structure and support offered by AZ NGA to continue delivering for clients as the driving force behind the decision to partner.

“My philosophy is that I’m in the business of trust and relationships and when I’m not doing that, I’m a financial planner, and AZ NGA gets it,” he said.

“This partnership provides continuity and certainty for employees and clients, and also support to help us grow at a faster rate and provide career development opportunities for team members and future leaders.”

“It brings fresh energy, which is important because I’m in my early 60s, and I need to ensure that the business doesn’t get stale and stagnant but embraces new ideas and innovative thinking to push it forward.”