2026 Advice Fee Benchmarking Report

Constantly busy but not truly moving forward?
Processes breaking the moment things get “too busy”?
Team stretched thin because work sits with the same people?
Growth slowing because your operating model hasn’t evolved?

High‑performing advice firms share a common trait: operational maturity. Developed by VBP, in partnership with Zurich, Optimum Operating Models for Advice Firms captures the operating model choices behind firms achieving EBIT margins of 35–40 per cent, strong team engagement and consistently high client outcomes.

Pricing is one of the most important levers in any advice business. It shapes profitability, determines whether a firm has the capacity to resource and service its clients well, and directly affects a firm's ability to win new clients and retain them by delivering genuine value for money.

Despite this, pricing decisions are often made with little visibility into how other firms in the profession approach the same questions.

The 2026 Advice Fee Benchmarking Report is VBP's proprietary, data-driven look at how Australian advice firms price their services in 2026. Drawing on survey responses from 143 firms representing approximately 500 advisers, it shows real fee ranges and fee structures across five common client scenarios -along with insight into new client growth across the profession.

Advice firm leaders reviewing or resetting their fee structure

Practice managers preparing for pricing discussions with their team

Firms wanting a benchmark to inform (not replace) their own pricing strategy

David shares what makes VBP stand out from other providers and how his partnership with us has helped Invest blue grow sustainably.

David Stephen

Managing Director, Invest Blue

Sarah shares how VBP’s seamless onboarding and support have helped her build a cost-effective and efficient team.

Sarah Stein

Head of Bookkeeping, Blackwood Advisory

Todd explains how VBP’s agility and exceptional support have enabled PWG to expand sustainably.

Todd Synon

Head of Operations, Partners Wealth Group (PWG)

Emily shares how VBP’s dedicated team drives innovation and efficiency, making them true partners in Ensombl’s growth.

Emily Blanch

Chief Product Officer, Ensombl

What firms charge for initial advice and ongoing services across five client scenarios: pre-retirees, business owners, retirees, high-net-worth clients and wealth builders
How firms structure those fees - fixed, hybrid, asset-based and combinations of these - and why
Insight into new client growth across participating firms over the past 12 months
The truth about regional pricing versus metro pricing
Practical guidance on how to use benchmarking data responsibly in your own pricing decisions

Important note: This report isn't a rulebook. It won't tell you what to charge. What it does is give you real, de-identified data points from your peers to sense-check your own pricing decisions; with a clear reminder that pricing should reflect the value you deliver and the sustainability of your business, not simply what the market will bear.

Get your copy of the 2026 Advice Fee Benchmarking Report

Who is this report written for?

Advice firm leaders reviewing or resetting their fee structure

Practice managers preparing for pricing discussions with their team

Firms wanting a benchmark to inform (not replace) their own pricing strategy

Who is this report written for?

Advice firm leaders wanting structure that supports growth

Teams experiencing workflow bottlenecks, duplication, or inconsistent delivery

Firms unsure whether they need pods, pooled support, hybrid teams, or a Practice Manager

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Inside the report

What Sets VBP Apart