South Yarra Wealth Management

About South Yarra Wealth Management

South Yarra Wealth Management stands as Melbourne's premier boutique wealth management firm, catering exclusively to high-net-worth individuals and sophisticated investors since 2010. Located in the prestigious South Yarra district, the firm combines institutional-quality investment strategies with the personalized service of a boutique advisor.

Their client base includes successful entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, and established families who demand more than standard financial planning. South Yarra Wealth Management offers bespoke solutions that integrate complex investment structures, tax optimization, and intergenerational wealth transfer strategies.

Founded by Alexandra Kensington, a former managing director at a global investment bank, the firm was established to address the gap between mass-market financial services and the sophisticated needs of affluent clients. Alexandra's 25+ years of experience in private banking and wealth management brought institutional expertise to Melbourne's high-net-worth community.

The South Yarra location was selected for its proximity to Melbourne's business and cultural elite, allowing the firm to serve clients who value discretion, sophistication, and proximity to the city's finest amenities.

Company History and Growth

Beginning as a solo advisory practice in a luxury office overlooking the Yarra River, South Yarra Wealth Management has grown selectively through client referrals and strategic partnerships. What started with Alexandra and two support staff has evolved into a team of 15 specialists, including investment managers, tax advisors, and estate planning experts.

In 2014, the firm expanded to include private equity and venture capital advisory services, responding to client demand for alternative investment opportunities. This led to partnerships with leading private equity firms and venture capital funds.

The firm weathered the 2020 market volatility exceptionally well, with their diversified strategies and active risk management preserving client capital. This period reinforced their reputation for sophisticated portfolio management and crisis resilience.

Today, South Yarra Wealth Management oversees $2.1 billion in client assets and serves 180 high-net-worth families across Australia and internationally. Their growth remains selective, maintaining the personalized service that distinguishes them from larger institutions.

Philosophy and Approach

At South Yarra Wealth Management, the philosophy centers on "Sophisticated Wealth Preservation and Growth." They believe that true wealth management transcends mere investment returns—it encompasses legacy building, tax efficiency, risk mitigation, and lifestyle optimization.

Their approach begins with comprehensive wealth diagnostics, assessing not just financial assets but also business interests, real estate holdings, and complex ownership structures. This forms the foundation for integrated wealth strategies that optimize across all asset classes and jurisdictions.

Independence and objectivity are paramount. South Yarra maintains no proprietary products or fund relationships that could compromise their objectivity. Clients receive truly independent advice tailored to their unique circumstances.

The firm emphasizes proactive wealth management, anticipating market cycles, regulatory changes, and life transitions to ensure clients' wealth objectives are consistently met.

Meet the Team

Alexandra Kensington - Founder and Managing Director

Alexandra brings 28 years of experience in private banking and wealth management. Her career includes senior roles at major global banks and private wealth firms. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charterholder with specialized qualifications in portfolio management and alternative investments.

Alexandra is known for her sophisticated investment strategies and ability to navigate complex financial structures. She's a board member of several industry associations and contributes to wealth management publications.

Richard Harrington - Investment Director

Richard oversees portfolio management and investment strategy. With 20 years in institutional investing, he specializes in multi-asset portfolio construction and alternative investments. Richard holds a Master's in Finance and is a CFA charterholder with experience managing billions in institutional assets.

Richard leads the firm's investment committee and is responsible for implementing sophisticated investment strategies across client portfolios.

Victoria Chen - Tax and Estate Planning Specialist

Victoria focuses on complex tax planning and estate structures. As a qualified lawyer and Tax (Financial) Adviser, she specializes in international tax optimization and estate planning for high-net-worth individuals. Victoria has extensive experience with offshore structures, trusts, and succession planning.

Victoria regularly advises on cross-border wealth management and tax-efficient structures for internationally mobile clients.

Marcus Thompson - Client Relationship Manager

Marcus ensures seamless client service delivery and relationship management. His background in luxury hospitality gives him unique insights into high-net-worth client expectations. Marcus coordinates all client communications and manages the firm's premium service standards.

Marcus is particularly skilled at understanding the non-financial aspects of wealth management, including lifestyle and family dynamics.

Dr. Elena Rodriguez - Risk Management Advisor

Elena specializes in risk assessment and mitigation strategies. With a PhD in Financial Economics and experience in quantitative risk modeling, she helps clients understand and manage complex risk exposures across their portfolios and businesses.

Elena develops customized risk management frameworks that balance return objectives with appropriate risk tolerances.

Core Services

Advanced Investment Management

South Yarra Wealth Management offers institutional-quality investment solutions:

• Multi-Asset Portfolio Construction: Sophisticated portfolios spanning traditional and alternative assets
• Alternative Investments: Access to private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and structured products
• Tax-Efficient Investing: Strategies to minimize tax drag while maximizing after-tax returns
• Currency Management: Hedging strategies for internationally exposed portfolios
• Customized Benchmarks: Performance measurement against personalized objectives

Tax Optimization and Estate Planning

Comprehensive tax and succession planning for complex wealth structures:

• International Tax Planning: Optimization across multiple jurisdictions and tax treaties
• Estate Structures: Complex trusts, foundations, and succession planning
• Business Succession: Tax-efficient transition of family businesses and investments
• Philanthropic Planning: Tax-advantaged charitable giving and foundation structures
• Asset Protection: Strategies to safeguard wealth from legal and economic risks

Private Banking Services

Full-service private banking for high-net-worth clients:

• Cash Management: Multi-currency accounts and sophisticated cash flow management
• Credit Facilities: Structured lending solutions and credit optimization
• Insurance Solutions: High-limit coverage for assets, liability, and key person protection
• Art and Collectibles: Advisory services for alternative asset investments
• Lifestyle Management: Coordination of concierge and lifestyle services

Business Advisory

Strategic advice for business-owning clients:

• Business Valuation: Independent valuation services for ownership transitions
• Management Buyouts: Structured financing for business acquisitions
• Employee Equity Plans: Tax-efficient compensation structures
• Exit Planning: Comprehensive strategies for business sale or IPO
• Family Office Setup: Establishment of dedicated family wealth management structures

Case Studies and Success Stories

The Harrington Technology Empire

The Harrington family, founders of a successful software company, approached South Yarra with $150 million in business value and complex succession needs. Over eight years, South Yarra helped them:

• Structure a tax-efficient business sale yielding $280 million after tax
• Establish a family office for ongoing wealth management
• Create trusts and foundations for multi-generational wealth preservation
• Diversify investments across global markets and alternative assets
• Develop a comprehensive philanthropic strategy

"South Yarra transformed our business exit into a legacy-building opportunity," says Jonathan Harrington.

International Executive Succession Planning

A senior executive with multinational corporations and complex international assets needed sophisticated estate planning. South Yarra's expertise helped:

• Optimize tax liabilities across five jurisdictions
• Structure international trusts for asset protection
• Coordinate with offshore legal and tax advisors
• Develop currency hedging strategies for global assets
• Create succession plans for business interests and investments

The client achieved $15 million in tax savings while ensuring seamless wealth transfer to beneficiaries.

Family Business Legacy Preservation

The Chen family owned a manufacturing conglomerate worth $500 million. South Yarra assisted with:

• Business valuation and restructuring for family succession
• Establishment of family governance structures
• Tax-efficient wealth transfer mechanisms
• Professionalization of family office operations
• Philanthropic foundation setup for family values alignment

The succession preserved family control while minimizing tax impact and ensuring business continuity.

Client Reviews

Industry Insights and Trends

South Yarra Wealth Management stays at the forefront of wealth management innovation:

Private Wealth Evolution

The firm anticipates the convergence of traditional wealth management with technology, sustainable investing, and alternative assets.

Regulatory Complexity

Increasing regulatory requirements demand sophisticated compliance and reporting structures for high-net-worth clients.

Family Office Proliferation

The rise of single-family offices requires specialized advisory services for governance, operations, and investment management.

Impact Investing Growth

Sustainable and impact investing is becoming integral to wealth management, aligning financial returns with social and environmental objectives.

Digital Wealth Platforms

Integration of advanced technology platforms for portfolio management, reporting, and client communication.

Why Choose South Yarra Wealth Management?

• Institutional Expertise: Investment strategies used by the world's largest institutions
• Complete Independence: No proprietary products or conflicted recommendations
• Sophisticated Solutions: Complex structures for complex wealth challenges
• Global Network: International advisors and partners for cross-border needs
• Discretion and Privacy: Absolute confidentiality in all client matters
• Premium Service: Personalized attention with institutional capabilities
• Proactive Management: Anticipating changes before they impact wealth
• Legacy Focus: Multi-generational wealth preservation and transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your minimum investment requirement?

South Yarra Wealth Management typically works with clients having $5 million or more in investable assets. However, they consider exceptional cases with lower thresholds for comprehensive planning needs.

How do you charge for your services?

Fees are customized based on complexity and assets under management, typically ranging from 0.75% to 1.5% annually for investment management, plus project-based fees for specialized services.

Do you provide services internationally?

Yes, South Yarra serves clients globally with a network of trusted international partners for tax, legal, and investment advisory services.

How often do you review client portfolios?

Portfolios are monitored continuously with formal reviews quarterly. Major market events or life changes trigger immediate reassessment.

Can you help with family office setup?

Yes, South Yarra specializes in establishing and managing single-family offices, providing governance, investment, and administrative services.

What differentiates South Yarra from private banks?

South Yarra offers the sophistication of private banking with complete independence, customized solutions, and no product conflicts.

Future Outlook and Advice

Looking toward 2026 and beyond, South Yarra Wealth Management sees unprecedented opportunities in the evolving wealth management landscape. The firm continues to invest in technology and global partnerships while maintaining their commitment to personalized, sophisticated wealth management.

Key advice for high-net-worth individuals: Focus on tax efficiency, diversify globally, plan for longevity, and establish strong governance structures. Remember that wealth preservation often requires more sophistication than wealth creation.

South Yarra encourages affluent families to start comprehensive wealth planning today. Their initial consultation provides a confidential assessment of your wealth management needs and potential opportunities.

Contact Information

Level 12, 456 Toorak Road, South Yarra

(03) 9827 5432

wealth@southyarrawealth.com.au

southyarrawealth.com.au

Service Areas

• Investment Management
• Tax Planning
• Estate Planning
• Private Banking
• Business Advisory
• Family Office Services

Certifications

• Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Tax (Financial) Adviser (TA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• ASIC Compliance