Beyond the Ord-inary with Ord Minnett Noosa
What if you could access world-class financial planning and wealth management services right here in paradise? Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers the new firm that proves you don’t have to compromise when it comes to managing your money.
Gone are the days when you had to travel out of Noosa to access premium financial planning and wealth management – thanks to the recently opened Ord Minnett Noosa, it’s never been easier to access expert advice in this stunning slice of paradise we call home.
Led by Senior Private Wealth Adviser Chris Harris, this branch of Ord Minnett (pronounced ‘minute’), located in Noosa Junction, is a full-service operation with a high-performing team; plush, sound-protected meeting rooms; and best of all, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re supported by one of Australia’s oldest wealth firms, with origins dating back to 1872.
Don’t go thinking this is a regional satellite office – it rivals big-city firms, with Chris and his team ranking among Ord Minnett’s top-performing firms nationally by revenue (something that Chris doesn’t shout about, but is proof of their exceptional client outcomes and expertise).
Chris, who spent more than two decades advising clients from the Buderim Ord Minnett office before heading up the Noosa branch, says that you have to earn your stripes in the investment world before being trusted by high-net-worth individuals.
“I bought my first shares at the age of 20,” he says. “I started out as an accountant, added a Master of Commerce with taxation and business law, then spent time with KPMG before joining Ord Minnett. When I first came to the Sunshine Coast, I had just two clients under management.
Now, thanks to decades of experience and proven results, Ord Minnett Noosa’s manages a diverse client base including business owners, CEOs, retirees and more.
Chris said that each case was unique, depending on the person’s desired strategies, goals and outcomes.
“We can have a conversation with anyone, but I’d say those we can help most are high-net-worth individuals with self-managed super funds, trusts and companies,” Chris explains. “Whether navigating intergenerational wealth transfers, superannuation, investment or philanthropic giving, we focus on forward-thinking advice customised to complex needs.”
The Ord Minnett Noosa service rests on two main pillars: the first is advisory and structuring, and the second pillar is investing, where their prudent, conservative approach has proven itself time and time again.
“Our aim is strong, risk-adjusted returns,” Chris says. “Most high-net-worth individuals aren’t looking for their money to be doubled – they just don’t want it halved.”
He sums up their role succinctly: “We act like the CEO of your personal financial position; you’re the board,” he says. In practice that means Ord Minnett does the heavy lifting – analysing, proposing and implementing – while clients have the final say on everything.
It all starts with a complimentary consultation to see if you’re a good fit. Every two months, each client receives a clear portfolio review outlining asset allocation and any suggested adjustments.
Then once a year, the team liaises with your accountant, particularly around SMSF requirements such as pension minimums and contributions, and sends a tailored pre-30 June recommendations.
Just like the waves rolling onto shore, each client has their own rhythm. If you need four or five catch-ups in a year because life is moving fast, Chris and the team will be there, or if one thorough meeting and regular reporting suits you better, that works too.
Chris is led by each client when it comes to how many details they’re comfortable sharing.
“I never ask them how they made their money, and I never assume a lack of financial knowledge,” he says. An engaging people person, he enjoys the face-to-face aspect of helping people protect and build their wealth and is genuinely interested in people’s stories.
The Ord Minnett Noosa team works collaboratively with purpose: Senior Private Wealth Adviser Chris and Private Wealth Adviser Tom Hartvigsen head up strategy and recommendations across their clients, while Private Wealth Assistant Josephine Cartwright (aka Jo) – who has been with Chris for more than a decade – is the trusted person for client enquiries and the steady hand keeping everything on course.
“The advantage to our collaborative approach is that the client always has coverage – they know the whole team is across their situation, even if one person isn’t available,” Chris says. “We like to think of it as a private bank-style relationship: if a pension needs paying, an ATO bill needs to be sorted or a transfer needs to be verified by phone to prevent fraud, Jo will make it happen with the right checks and friendly reassurance.”
You may recognise Chris’ voice from ABC Sunshine Coast Radio where he provides the 7.30am Finance Report – a daily snapshot of the ASX, global markets and what futures suggest about the day ahead, delivered in his signature calm, informed and conversational style.
At the heart of Ord Minnett Noosa’s success is a dual strength: the heritage and scale of the Ord Minnett national brand combined with the intimacy, responsiveness and lifestyle understanding of a local team.
With around $71 billion in funds under advice nationally (as at 30 June 2025), clients gain access to opportunities many regional firms simply can’t offer – such as a wholesale bond desk that gives qualified clients exposure to defensive assets alongside major funds.
“These sorts of opportunities are just not available anywhere else,” Chris says.
If you’ve ever wondered if you have to go to a capital city for top-tier wealth advice, the answer is ‘absolutely not’.
“Post-Covid, the demographic of Noosa shifted – people relocated here for good, rather than visiting a couple of times a year, which was part of the reason we opened this full-service branch,” Chris explains. “Plus it’s an absolutely beautiful place to be, and the community here is very inspiring.”
Business is thriving and they’re looking to recruit an experienced paraplanner to join the team, with more growth opportunities on the horizon.
With a team who understands the Noosa lifestyle and excels in navigating global financial complexity, working with Ord Minnett Noosa means you can surf in the morning, stroll the National Park after lunch, and trust your financial future is in expert hands.
To start the conversation, book a complimentary, no-obligation chat at the Ord Minnett Noosa branch today – because you don’t have to compromise your lifestyle for financial confidence.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a generic nature. Please seek professional advice tailored to your specific needs before making any investment decisions.
