"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."
– Henry Ford
Our story
Thabojan Rasiah founded Rasiah Private in 2017 after some 18 years in the financial advice industry.
After gaining early experience in small suburban practices, Thabojan sought out the most talented in the industry and was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with one of the best — Kevin Bailey, founder of The Money Managers and now on the Rasiah Private Advisory Board. Thabojan was offered equity partnership after a short time and the business enjoyed significant growth. In 2008, The Money Managers joined some of the best boutique practices in the country in a merger that formed Shadforth Financial Group, which listed on the Australian stock market after a few years. The success of the business attracted the wealth giant,IOOF, to
acquire Shadforth.
The team at Rasiah Private has benefited from exposure to some of the best minds in financial advice, as well as the unique experience of working in and operating a business that has transitioned from a successful boutique practice, through to various mergers and acquisitions and finally a stock-market listing. This experience has enabled a sound understanding of how a true professional services firm should function.
We are a firm owned and controlled by advisers who are able to put clients first without any interference from institutions or banks. Rather than worrying about short-term profits to external shareholders, Rasiah Private can deliver professional, ethical advice that benefits both clients, and the wider community.
Thabojan Rasiah
Thabojan Rasiah is an experienced and respected financial adviser who is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in the advice industry.
He entered the financial advice profession 18 years ago, and has been recognised as one of the Top 50 Advisers in Australia by Wealth Professional in 2012 and by the Australian Financial Review’s 2011 Smart Investor Masterclass. He is a platinum-level adviser on the Adviser Ratings site — the highest level possible —
and was listed in the Top 10 Financial Planners in Melbourne. Most recently, in 2017, he was recognised as one of the 50 Most Influential Financial Advisers in Australia by Financial Standard.He appears on 3AW and ABC talk-back radio as a finance expert, contributes columns in The Age/Sydney Morning Herald and has also written a monthly finance column for the national senior’s newspaper, Fifty-Plus News. You can also find his commentary in the finance sections of The Herald Sun, especially in relation to retirement issues.Thabojan is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), the internationally recognised and pre-eminent representation of professional financial planners around the world. He continues to serve on various committees at the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), with a particular passion for raising the professionalism and education standards in financial advice. He is also a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA).Thabojan is also deeply committed to education, holding a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. He is currently studying a Masters of Applied Finance and Investment.Prior to founding Rasiah Private Wealth Management in 2017, Thabojan worked with a number of boutique financial planning businesses before taking up a role with Shadforth, one of the biggest financial advice practices in the country. This has given him vast experience with clients from all walks of life, from young wealth accumulators through to high-net-worth clients. In particular, Thabojan has developed specialist knowledge in providing advice to medical practitioners and women in transition.
Simone Murray
Simone has an extensive background within both the Accounting and Financial Planning industries specialising in medium to high net worth individuals and their related entities.
I believe the combination of both my tax and investment knowledge has enhanced my ability to offer quality advice to my clients over the years.
In September 2017 I made a personal decision to exit my long-term business partnership and take a break and reconsider what I wanted to do with my future. I decided to pursue my passion of traveling and a long-held dream to learn the French language in France. On my visits back to Australia I picked up some contract paraplanning work and contract financial planning positions to keep abreast of the industry.
Justin Grima
Justin has over 15 years of experience in financial planning, with roles spanning client services, paraplanning, advising, business coaching, training, and consulting. He’s passionate about finding innovative ways to enhance client experiences.
After starting his career supporting advisers in a financial planning practice, Justin joined ANZ Financial Planning as a financial adviser, focusing on risk insurance, superannuation, and retirement planning. In 2016, he moved to Insignia Financial (formerly IOOF) as a consultant, supporting businesses in refining their advice processes and using technology for efficiency. By 2022, Justin was appointed Manager of the Advice Enablement team, coaching businesses in best-practice advice processes and technology.
In 2024, Justin joined Rasiah Private Wealth Management as Practice Manager, where he’s committed to helping financial planning businesses deliver exceptional client experiences.
Outside work, Justin enjoys beach outings and exploring the Mornington Peninsula with his wife and daughter. He also loves playing tennis and basketball and cheering on the North Melbourne Kangaroos in the AFL.
Nivashna (Niv) Maharaj
Niv began her career in medical laboratory science, working in private pathologies and hospitals in New Zealand and Australia after completing her bachelor's degree. Over time, she transitioned into the financial sector, starting at one of the big four Australian banks in 2010. She explored different areas within banking and worked in various financial planning businesses before finding her passion in wealth management. Niv joined the bank's financial planning division as an Adviser Associate, where she gained extensive knowledge and experience in banking, superannuation, insurance, and investment strategies.
In May 2023, Niv joined Rasiah Private Wealth Management as Client Relationship Manager, leading and managing the offshore Client Services team. She collaborates with Financial Advisors on strategic advice execution and directly assists clients to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience. Niv's extensive experience and client-focused approach make her a valuable asset to Rasiah Private Wealth Management.
Away from work, Niv enjoys spending quality time with her husband, young daughter, and pet Cavoodle. In particular, she enjoys hosting and dining out with family and friends and finding opportunities throughout the year for small family getaways – usually to somewhere tropical!
Claire Abenes
Claire is our Client Service Officer (CSO) who joined Rasiah Private in January 2022. Being the first CSO to join the business, she has made a significant impact in building our processes while also being an integral part in shaping the client service team that we have today. With a natural inclination towards understanding the challenges that clients may encounter, Claire approaches her role with a deep sense of compassion and understanding.
Claire’s experience from handling all our client matters has increased her ability to empathise with our clients, which not only enhances their experience but also strengthens our relationships with them. She continues to be a leader in the Client Services team, offering her support and guidance to all her colleagues.
Outside the realm of client services, you’ll find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen or exploring other cultures.
Jessa Suarez
Jessa stepped into her role as Client Services Officer at Rasiah Private Wealth Management in October 2022, where she proficiently integrates administrative responsibilities, proactive collaboration & a willingness to provide our client’s excellent service.
Her unwavering dedication consistently drives exceptional outcomes, contributing to team success and ensuring utmost client satisfaction. Jessa's commitment to continuous learning is palpable, evident in her professional growth within the organization.
Beyond work, she prioritises personal growth, embodying a proactive approach to both her career and life. She finds joy in exploring new destinations through travel, enjoying the therapeutic rhythms of music, the ‘occasional’ selfie and relishing quality time with loved ones on weekends.
Danica Sescon
Danica is a vibrant individual, & through divine appointment inherited the middle-child role in her family - this has naturally infused her with a blend of leadership and teamwork skills. With a background in accounting where she honed her skills at a renowned automobile company, Danica took a leap of faith into the world of financial planning, embracing the challenges and witnessing significant personal and professional growth.
Beyond her career, Danica is a dedicated advocate for young children with special needs and the elderly, driven by her desire to make a positive impact. In her downtime, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of family gatherings, the companionship of her beloved dogs, and expressing her unique sense of style through fashion. Being an island girl at heart, Danica finds solace and peace by the beach, where the soothing waves offer her a sense of tranquility. Her adventurous spirit shines through as she confidently navigates new destinations, earning her the title of ‘Captain Dan’.
Our Advisory Board
Kevin Bailey AM
Kevin is one of the most respected leaders in the financial planning sector and has been a key driver behind some of the major changes in the profession. His dedication to philanthropy and the community is also well known and he was recognised in the 2017 Australia Day Honours awards.
A certified financial planner and former director of the Financial Planning Association, Kevin received a Distinguished Service Award in 2002 and was made a Fellow of the FPA in May 2005. The Federal Government appointed Kevin
to the National Advisory Committee on Ageing from 2001 to 2004. He has also been a member of the Melbourne chapter of ASIC’s Business Consultative Panel and an expert witness in several legal cases. Kevin is the author of Your Money Guide and Money Guide 2. He has also presented radio talkback programs for the ABC and 3AW, and previously contributed a weekly finance column for The Herald Sun, as well as several journals and magazines.Kevin was the Honorary Consul General for East Timor from independence in 2002 until 2013. He is a director of the Investment Advisory Board of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of East Timor, which manages over $10 billion from their petroleum resources. He was also a director of Action Aid Australia and remains active in providing aid to East Timor, India and other developing economies through several charitable organisations.
Barry Fry
Barry is well known in the legal fraternity, having been an integral part of the firm Maddocks since 1961 and a partner at the firm for 51 years.
Barry’s vast experience is centred around private client services, which incorporates will making, estate planning, estate litigation and trusts law. He has handled a large number of ‘family provision’ claims under the new Wills Act, is a trustee of several perpetual charitable estate trusts and acts for a number of Trustee Companies and charitable organisations. Barry acts as a LEADR
accredited mediator in commercial disputes and is a Law Institute of Victoria Wills and Estates Accredited Specialist. He is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria, RPA Lawyers Association and the Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia.Barry has written widely on insurance and estate issues for a range of journals and publications and has also presented at a number of seminars on the issue of estate planning.
Martin Lane
Martin commenced employment in public practice in 1974, yielding over 40 years’ experience working directly in both Chartered and Public (CPA) professional accountancy practices, in a variety of sized firms, from single partner to a large Chartered Professional Accounting practice.
Martin’s wide experience gained over the years give him a sound basis for quality advising of SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) business clients, assisting them with business direction and growth. Martin along with Jon Moller commenced
public practice as Lane Moller Partners (later to become LMP Accountants) in 1994 until 2008, at which time Martin retired as a partner from LMP Accountants after completing a succession plan. Martin is still working part time in LMP Accountants and managing his portfolio of SME clients. Martin lived in the Northcote during his early adult life, later moving to North Ringwood and then building his family home in the neighbouring leafy suburb of North Croydon, wherein he has resided for the past 21 years. He is married with one son, enjoys the wine offerings of the Yarra Valley, good food, travel, his passions are Gym and 4WD experiences.He is an active member of the Footmen Foundation and Charitable Trust, a local charity run by business people to support those in need in the local community.
Jon Moller
Experienced accountant Jon Moller started out in public practice in 1984, giving him more than 33 years’ experience in both the Chartered (CA) and Public (CPA) areas of accountancy practice. Jon created the firm, LMP Accountants, in 1995 with his then-partner Martin Lane, before handing over the managerial reins in 2008. Jon remains in the LMP business, where he continues to contribute his expertise and experience to the team of 17, including 13 accountants.
Jon has a passion for helping his clients through honest and ethical advice and
looks forward to many more years at the firm. He is married with four adult children. Jon commenced employment in public practice in 1984, yielding over 33 years’ experience directly in both the Chartered (CA) and Public (CPA) areas of accountancy practice. Jon created the firm, LMP Accountants, in 1995 with his then partner Martin Lane and was a partner there until 2008 at which point they handed over the reins. Jon continues in the LMP business, which is now a team of 17 including 13 accountants. He continues to bring his expertise and experience to all those around him.Jon’s passion for helping his clients through honest and ethical advice means he looks forward to many more years at the firm. Jon is married with four adult children.
Testimonials & reviews
Awards & recognitions
Rated as a
‘Top 10 Financial Planner in Melbourne’
‘Platinum Rated Adviser’
On Adviser Ratings website
Voted in the
‘50 most Influential Financial Advisers’
In Australia, by Financial Standard (2007)
Listed in the
‘Top 50 Financial Advisers’
In Australia, by Wealth Professional (2012)
Ranked in the
‘Top 50 ARF Smart Investor for Financial Planning’
By Financial Review (2011)
