Who we are
Infocus is a national advisory firm dedicated to empowering advisers with the independence, infrastructure tools, and support they need to grow their businesses. For over 31 years, we’ve combined the scale of a leading organisation with the personal touch of a founder-led business, always staying true to our values of respect, integrity, and client-first advice.
We exist to provide exceptional financial advice that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Through our unique partner program, we enable advisers the flexibility to run their businesses their way, backed by the infrastructure, technology, and resources that allow them to scale while providing bespoke, client-first advice. We unite high calibre firms across Australia under a common identity and purpose.
Our Story
Founded in 1994 by Darren and Stephanie Steinhardt, Infocus started as a single practice and has grown into one of Australia’s most respected national financial advisory firms.
From the outset, we saw that many advisers lacked the autonomy to fully shape their businesses and serve clients the way they wanted. Despite their expertise, traditional business models and limited support held them back. We created a solution by empowering advisers with control and flexibility, backed by our in-house technology, investment management, and governance solutions.
Three decades later, our commitment remains unchanged: to empower advisers with the tools, resources, and network to thrive, while always keeping clients and best interest advice at the heart of everything we do. Darren and Stephanie continue to play an active role in the business, ensuring that Infocus stays true to its founding principles while continuously innovating for the future.
our timeline
how we lead with purpose
Respect
Respect
Every client’s journey is unique, and we take the time to listen, understand, and provide advice that’s truly personal. We put your needs first - always.
Hard Work and Dedication
Hard Work and Dedication
We go the extra mile. Whether it's crafting personalised financial strategies or providing ongoing support, we’re committed to delivering results that empower our clients to achieve their financial goals.
Taking Appropriate Risks
Taking Appropriate Risks
Risk is a part of every financial journey - but the right approach makes all the difference. We help clients and advisers make informed, strategic choices that open doors to new opportunities for long-term wealth creation.
Loyalty
Loyalty
We’re in it for the long haul. Our client relationships are built on trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to financial success. We’re here to guide, support, and champion your goals every step of the way.
Honesty
Honesty
We believe in keeping things simple and transparent. Our approach is all about clear, honest communication - no jargon, just straightforward advice. As an independent, non-bank-owned firm, we're free to always put your best interests first, ensuring you feel informed, supported, and confident in every decision you make.
Decency
Decency
Doing the right thing isn’t just a principle - it’s how we operate. We treat everyone with kindness, respect, and fairness, fostering a culture of transparency and ethical practice where trust thrives. Our aim is to empower you to confidently pursue your financial dreams, knowing we’re always here to back you up.
Our Team
Roy McKelvie
Non-Executive Director and Chairman
Roy McKelvie
Non-Executive Director and Chairman
Roy McKelvie has served as a member of the Infocus Board since 2016 and as Independent Non-Executive Chairman. With over 35 years of leadership experience in global financial markets, he provides strategic oversight, ensures strong corporate governance, and drives the Group’s long-term success.
Roy’s career spans senior roles across the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Before joining Infocus, he was CEO of Transfield Holdings and MD & CEO of Gresham Private Equity in Sydney. His leadership experience also includes key roles at Deutsche Bank and 3i Group, where he developed a reputation for driving growth and managing complex investments.
A proven leader with a track record of success in both operational and financial management, Roy currently chairs several high-performing companies, including Encompass Corporation, Pathify Holdings Inc., Sonder Group Limited, and Tavas Holdings Limited.
Roy holds a BSc in Production Engineering from the University of Strathclyde and an MBA from the University of Edinburgh Business School.
Darren Steinhardt
Founder and Managing Director
Darren Steinhardt
Founder and Managing Director
Darren Steinhardt is the visionary behind Infocus, which he founded with his wife, Stephanie, in 1994. With over 34 years in financial services, Darren’s passion for helping Australians become “financially fit” has shaped Infocus into one of the country’s most respected national financial advisory firms.
Starting as a single practice on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Darren saw an opportunity to empower financial advisers with greater autonomy, flexibility, and the right support to serve their clients effectively. Under his leadership, Infocus has grown into a nationwide network, offering market-leading advisory, technology, and investment management solutions that help advisers thrive.
Darren is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (AIM), a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Finance.
Craig Holland
Non-Executive Director, Chair of Research & Investment Committee
Craig joined Infocus in November 2020 and plays a key role as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Research & Investment Governance Committee, shaping the Group’s strategic direction with a focus on risk management and investment oversight.
With 16 years at Deloitte, Craig’s expertise covers corporate advisory, tax, and investments. He led the Deloitte Private Tax Group in Melbourne, was a member of the National Executive, and served as Chief Operating Officer of Deloitte Private.
An entrepreneur at heart, Craig founded Generation Private in 2017, a multi-family office that provides bespoke solutions for high-net-worth families. Prior to this, he served as a director during the successful sale of The Good Guys to JB Hi-Fi in November 2016.
Craig holds a Bachelor of Economics (Accounting), a master’s degree in Taxation, and key professional qualifications including CPA and GAICD.
Outside of Infocus, Craig holds various leadership roles across industries, including Director of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, Menarock LIFE, Chairman of John Hughes Group, and Board Member of Kaldor Public Art Projects, among others.
Jonathan Hubbard
Non-Executive Director, Chair of Audit and Risk Committee
Jonathan (Jon) Hubbard has been a valued member of the Infocus Board since 1 July 2013, serving as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. In this role, he ensures Infocus is well-governed, delivers sustainable long-term returns, and consistently meets its responsibilities to clients through rigorous financial oversight and risk management.
A seasoned company director, Jonathan brings extensive expertise in strategy, business development, industry reform, finance, risk management, accounting, and audit. Before joining the board, he spent 24 years at PwC, including 12 years as a Partner in the Advisory practice, specialising in the energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors across Melbourne, London, and Brisbane.
Outside of Infocus, Jonathan serves as a director of Tavas Holdings Limited and has held board roles with the Australian Energy Market Operator Limited, CS Energy Limited, and Territory Generation.
Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, is a Chartered Accountant (CAANZ), and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
David Hasib
Non-Executive Director
David Hasib plays a key advisory role in shaping the Group’s strategic direction as both a Financial Adviser and Non-Executive Director. Through his work on the Board and the Research & Investment Governance Committee, David helps guide decision-making that benefits advisers and their clients.
Outside of his role at Infocus, David is the founder and active leader of a Sydney-based wealth advisory firm. With over 30 years in financial services, he’s built a reputation for cutting through complexity – whether it’s investments, structuring, asset protection, or tax management – and helping clients make confident, informed decisions.
David is also committed to the ongoing development of the industry, offering his insight and expertise to influence positive change and support the next generation of advisers.
Ben Beckton
Executive General Manager – Advisory
Ben Beckton is a passionate financial services leader with a strong focus on empowering advisers and driving business growth. Since joining Infocus in 2014, Ben
has played a key role in strengthening its national advisory network and delivering best-practice advice solutions.
As Chief Commercial Officer, Ben oversees the self-employed financial planning businesses within the network and manages Infocus Advisory, the salaried advice arm. He works closely with Regional and Advice Operations Managers to provide advisers with the tools, support, and strategic guidance needed to succeed.
Ben’s career began in his family’s financial planning business, AVIVA, in regional Victoria. There, he developed deep expertise in adviser partnerships and service, contributing to significant business growth.
In the wake of the Banking Royal Commission, Ben played a key role in expanding the Infocus network, successfully helping nearly 40 advisers launch their own practices.
Ben holds a Diploma of Financial Planning, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, and serves on the boards of select client businesses in which Infocus holds an equity partnership.
Darren Steinhardt
Founder and Managing Director
Darren Steinhardt is the visionary behind Infocus, which he founded with this wife, Stephanie, in 1994. With over 34 years in financial services, Darren’s passion for helping Australians become “financially fit” has shaped Infocus into one of the country’s most respected national financial advisory firms. Starting as a single practice on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Darren saw an opportunity to empower financial advisers with greater autonomy, flexibility, and the right support to serve their clients effectively. Under his leadership, Infocus has grown into a nationwide network, offering market-leading advisory, technology, and investment management solutions that help adviers thrive. Darren is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Finance.
Hayley Briggs
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Hayley Briggs joined Infocus as Chief Financial and Operating Officer in January 2025, bringing over 25 years of experience in senior financial leadership roles across global financial institutions. She oversees the Group’s financial and operational performance, including financial planning, cash flow management, financial analysis, and people & culture strategy.
A highly accomplished finance executive, Hayley has a proven track record of driving business growth and profitability through strategic financial planning, forecasting, and analysis. Before joining Infocus, she spent six years at JP Morgan, leading strategic financial planning, forecasting, and reporting functions. Her career also includes senior roles at Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch, where she managed complex global financial operations and played a key role in organisational transformation.
Recognised for her ability to lead change in complex environments, Hayley is passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
Hayley is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA).
Jeff Mitchell
Chief Investment Officer
Jeff Mitchell joined Infocus as Chief Investment Officer in August 2018, bringing over 25 years of experience in financial markets, asset consulting, and private wealth management. He oversees all investment-related advice, policy, and governance at Infocus, with a focus on portfolio construction, investment research, and strategy selection. Additionally, Jeff heads Alpha Investment Management (Alpha), where he initiated the SMA program, now managing circa $2.5 billion in funds.
Prior to Infocus, Jeff headed the investment research group at Australian Unity Personal Financial Services (PFS), managing capital markets and portfolio construction. He was also a portfolio manager for PFSIM, overseeing multi-strategy and equity Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs).
Jeff is a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and holds a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment, a Diploma of Financial Planning, a Diploma of Technical Analysis, and a Diploma of Management.
Matt Forgarty
Executive General Manager – Strategic Relationships
As Head of Strategic Relations at Infocus, Matthew (Matt) Fogarty is responsible for driving strategic growth and managing key partnerships. He leads the Infocus Partner Program (IPP), where he helps advice firms leverage capital, operational support, and integrated systems to achieve sustained growth.
With over 25 years of experience in private wealth, financial planning, and risk management, Matt has held senior leadership positions, including CEO of Fitzpatricks Private Wealth and Head of Private Wealth at Kelly+Partners Chartered Accountants. He has a proven track record in leading high-performing teams, developing compelling advice propositions, and driving business transformations that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Business and is an Affiliate of the Australian Insurance Institute.
Steve Davis
Executive General Manager – Business Services
Steve Davis joined Infocus in August 2018 and is responsible for risk and compliance, IT infrastructure, and PlatformplusWMS – the Group’s integrated advice software and WRAP platform. With over 40 years in financial services, he is a strong advocate for quality financial advice and the power of great teams.
Before Infocus, Steve was CEO of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services, where he grew the adviser network from 48 to 180 and funds under advice from $480 million to $6.5 billion. He expanded services to include finance and general insurance broking, grew the finance broking book from under $50 million to over $800 million, and launched the first new Trustee Company in Australia in over 40 years. He also spent 15 years in senior roles at Perpetual, leading financial planning, investment management, and compliance.
An active industry contributor, Steve has been involved with the FSC Advice Board and key policy discussions. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds multiple qualifications in financial markets and financial planning.
Ben Beckton
Executive General Manager – Advisory
Ben Beckton is a passionate financial services leader with a strong focus on empowering advisers and driving business growth. Since joining Infocus in 2014, Ben
has played a key role in strengthening its national advisory network and delivering best-practice advice solutions.
As Chief Commercial Officer, Ben oversees the self-employed financial planning businesses within the network and manages Infocus Advisory, the salaried advice arm. He works closely with Regional and Advice Operations Managers to provide advisers with the tools, support, and strategic guidance needed to succeed.
Ben’s career began in his family’s financial planning business, AVIVA, in regional Victoria. There, he developed deep expertise in adviser partnerships and service, contributing to significant business growth.
In the wake of the Banking Royal Commission, Ben played a key role in expanding the Infocus network, successfully helping nearly 40 advisers launch their own practices.
Ben holds a Diploma of Financial Planning, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, and serves on the boards of select client businesses in which Infocus holds an equity partnership.
Karl KlenarsQLD & ACT
QLD & ACT
Karl joins us as Regional Manager (QLD), based at our Sunshine Coast Head Office. He began his financial services career in 2000 and brings over two decades of experience across organisations including Whittaker Macnaught, Professional Investment Services, Centrepoint, Count Financial, CBA, and others. Karl has worked in a wide range of roles—from paraplanner and research manager to senior executive and AFSL Responsible Manager. He has held national leadership positions in practice development, recruitment, and advice coaching, and was also an accountable person for remediation programs following the Royal Commission. After a brief stint with a Queensland-based industry fund, Karl returns to his passion—supporting advice firms.
Outside of work, Karl enjoys offshore fishing and is a proud dad of four, now embracing the final stretch of parenthood with his youngest entering Year 12.
George KovanisNSW, ACT & WA
NSW, ACT & WA
Darren Steinhardt is the visionary behind Infocus, which he founded with his wife, Stephanie, in 1994. With over 34 years in financial services, Darren’s passion for helping Australians become “financially fit” has shaped Infocus into one of the country’s most respected national financial advisory firms.
Starting as a single practice on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Darren saw an opportunity to empower financial advisers with greater autonomy, flexibility, and the right support to serve their clients effectively. Under his leadership, Infocus has grown into a nationwide network, offering market-leading advisory, technology, and investment management solutions that help advisers thrive.
Darren is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (AIM), a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Finance.
Jemma BoucherVIC & SA
VIC & SA
With over 17 years of experience at Infocus (Australia), I specialise in helping financial advice practices run smoothly and successfully, so clients receive the highest standard of service and support. My background in advice operations, practice management, and adviser transitions means I understand what it takes to create efficient, compliant, and client-focused businesses. I work closely with advisers and partners to ensure they have the right strategies and tools to deliver real value. My goal is simple: to help advisers do their best work, so you can achieve the best possible financial outcomes.
Outside of work, Karl enjoys offshore fishing and is a proud dad of four, now embracing the final stretch of parenthood with his youngest entering Year 12.
Dean SaundersHead of Business Growth
Head of Business Growth
Dean is a strategic growth leader with over 20 years of experience across financial services, technology, and advisory markets. As Head of Business Growth at Infocus, he is focused on driving national expansion by supporting adviser recruitment, strengthening strategic partnerships, and improving business efficiency across the network.
Dean holds an MBA from the University of the Sunshine Coast and brings a strong background in consultative sales, practice management, and client-centric strategy. His experience includes helping firms navigate industry change, adopt modern advice technologies, and build scalable, compliant businesses. Dean is passionate about helping advice businesses grow sustainably while staying focused on delivering great outcomes for clients.
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