Our Journey: Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader
Where We Began
Built on Passion. Driven by Purpose.
“We wanted to achieve professional standards, integrity, an unrivalled commitment to clients, long-term relationships, succession, and empowerment. And when we did, it exceeded our expectations; it fed into an extraordinary culture for our people — our clients and team.”
~ John Hewison, Founder & Chairman
Our story began in October 1985, when John Hewison founded Hewison & Associates with a mission: to redefine financial advice by prioritising professional excellence, integrity, and client-first relationships. Unlike many in the field, John did not come from a financial background but from the corporate sector, where he held senior executive roles, including at Brashs—a powerhouse in music and electronics retail during the 80s. However, witnessing how financial advisers were often driven by commissions rather than client interests, he saw an opportunity to create something different.
With a passion for change and the courage drawn from his young family, John took a bold step toward reshaping the industry. His vision led to a model where transparency, trust, and long-term relationships became the foundation. Over nearly four decades, his commitment to these principles has transformed financial journeys across Australia, laying the groundwork for what Hewison Private Wealth stands for today: integrity, empowerment, and innovation. From advocating for higher industry standards two decades ago to seeing those standards embedded in government legislation today, John’s vision has left a lasting impact.
How We Will Grow
Continuing The Hewison Legacy.
Our journey has been defined by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. From the 1987 stock market crash to achieving true independence in 1994, Hewison Private Wealth has navigated challenges with agility and foresight. Through the tech wreck, the aftermath of 9/11, the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, and the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, we have continually adapted, emerging stronger for our clients and our team.
Independence remains at the heart of what we do. We have never accepted commissions and have always operated on a transparent fee-for-service model—prioritising value and our clients’ best interests above all else.
As we look ahead, our purpose remains unchanged: to partner with our clients to help them achieve their financial aspirations. With a vision to be the preeminent leader in five-star service, we strive to set the benchmark in delivering unmatched client outcomes and experiences, all while maintaining the freedom that true independence provides.
What We Value
How We Work.
We lead with Independence, Integrity, Innovation, and Expertise. We provide independent, bespoke advice tailored to our clients’ unique needs and financial ambitions. Our commitment to integrity ensures we operate with transparency and trust, guiding clients with clarity and confidence. Constantly evolving, we invest in expanding our knowledge, expertise and industry leadership to elevate both our client experience and our own.
How We Act.
We value Fun, Family, Empowerment, and Excellence. We believe in enjoying the journey, setting high standards, and achieving them together. Relationships are at the core of everything we do—treating our clients and team as family. We empower each other to excel, ensuring that excellence isn’t just a goal but a standard we continuously surpass.