Michael Driessen

GDA Financial Services Pty Ltd

Platinum

22 Yrs Experience

Hobart, TAS 7000

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I help professionals, retirees, and small business owners cut through financial complexity so they can make confident, informed decisions about their future. With over 20 years of experience and nearly two decades at GDA Group, I’ve built a reputation for delivering advice that is strategic, personalised, and always client-first.

As a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), SMSF Specialist Adviser, and holder of a Master of Financial Planning, I combine technical expertise with a commitment to ethical, transparent advice. My holistic approach covers investments, superannuation, retirement planning, family wealth protection, and self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). Clients tell me they value clarity, discipline, and practical strategies that stand up to scrutiny and deliver peace of mind.

My work has been recognised nationally: in 2025 I was named Australian Financial Professional of the Year, SMSF Adviser of the Year, and received the Adviser Innovation Excellence Award. I’ve also been a finalist in the Adviser of the Year Awards (IFPA), the FS Power50 Most Influential Advisers, and the IFA Holistic Adviser of the Year. These honours reflect my dedication to innovation, leadership, and client-first service.

Beyond my professional role, I believe in giving back. I’m an active member of the Rotary Club of Hobart, a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Tasmanian Fire Service, and a mentor to emerging advisers. I’m passionate about raising professional standards and promoting financial literacy in the community.

Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing investments, or navigating the complexities of SMSFs, my goal is simple: to provide advice that is tailored, transparent, and built to last—so you can move forward with confidence.

Superannuation
Insurance Protection
Retirement & Pension
Self Managed SuperFunds
Aged Care
Complex Investments
Socially Responsible
Small Business Advice
Tax Strategies
Growing Assets

We offer an initial consultation at no cost to you. This meeting is designed as a relaxed, obligation-free opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll learn more about your goals, circumstances, and how we might be able to help.

Following this conversation, if we believe we’re a good fit, we’ll outline the next steps and provide a formal Letter of Engagement. This document will detail the scope of work and our fee structure, tailored to your specific needs.

5.00 December 2025

Michael is professional, friendly, and takes time to get to know his clients.

His approach is knowledgeable and helpful, and he takes his ethical and legal obligations seriously.

The whole team at GDA are helpful and great communicators

5.00 November 2025

Michael is an excellent communicator with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Michael is responsive, easy to talk to and provides solid, practical information that is easy to understand.

5.00 October 2025

Michael’s experience and knowledge in financial planning has given me confidence in his ability in managing my portfolio. He listens to my questions and concerns as well as what life style I wish to live in retirement and has put together investments to fulfil my needs. He keeps abreast of the global markets and is prompt to advise on making changes if necessary. I like being with a small financial services firm where I’m know not only to Michael but other team members as well. I am happy with communication from Michael and can contact him at any time if necessary.

5.00 October 2025

I have always found Michael to be easily approachable, extremely knowledgeable, and reliably dependable in many areas of financial planning. His expertise and advice in helping me to wisely invest my savings, then in buying my own home, was truly outstanding. Since then, he has been instrumental in helping me to plan financially for retirement.

Michael is a man of genuine integrity, and has gained my deep respect and trust. His advice and guidance over the years is immensely appreciated.

5.00 October 2025

I have always found Michael very very, very knowledgeable and always gives great advice on our self manage super fund. He is also considered a good friend and we have used his expertise in managing our super for many years, and I would suggest anyone that needs any sort of financial assistance to contact him.