Overview 

Russell’s career spans 30+ years working for large national and international business in the finance sector, covering all facets of investing – including trusts and estates (ANZ Trustees), stockbroking (J B Were), funds management (ANZ) and international trading markets (Reuters). 

In 2004 he made the exciting move into wealth management as a means to use all his financial knowledge and experience for the benefit of others. Obtaining his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification in 2008 and in 2010 Russell became an Accredited Estate Planning Specialist through the FPA. 

In recognition of his achievements in professional development, work with the local community and client testimonials, Russell was awarded the FPA’s Certified Financial Planner Best Practice Award for Melbourne in 2011. 

“I have been an investor through the ‘87 share market crash, the ‘90s bond crisis, the dot com bust and the GFC ….. these experiences have taught me how to manage and maximise clients’ wealth.” 

Russell and Kauri Wealth are an Authorised Representative of The Leaders Investment Manager Pty Ltd, Authorised Representative Number 1001046 since 2005. The Leaders Investment Manager Pty Ltd AFSL 240776. 

Specialties: Investment management, share investment, superannuation, family trusts, estate planning, stockbroking, investment markets, international investment markets 

Authorisations 

Russell is authorised to provide advice and deal in the following financial products: 

• Life Products including Investment Life Insurance Products & Life Risk Insurance Products; 
• Interests in Managed Investment Schemes including Investor Directed Portfolio Services; 
• Deposit & Payment Products; 
• Retirement Savings Accounts (“RSA”) products; 
• Debentures, Stocks or Bonds issued or proposed to be issued by a Government; 
• Securities; • Superannuation; 
• To wholesale and retail clients. 

Qualifications 

• Certificate IV in Finance & Mortgage Broking – Provider: National Finance Institute – 2015
• Certificate in Margin Lending – Provider: Kaplan – 2013
• Accredited Estate Planning Strategist – Provider: FPA – 2010
• Certified Financial Planner – Provider: FPA – 2009
• Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning – Provider: FINSIA – 2007
• Diploma of Financial Markets – Provider: Securities Institute of Australia – 1993 

Russell Lees Financial Advice Fees and Charges 

As the licensee, Leaders collects all advice fees. Leaders then pay the fees, less an agreed amount (the licensee fee), to my Practice. Kauri Wealth then pays me out of the fees and commissions it receives from Leaders by either salary or profit.