Leadership
Eden Smith
Director & Partner
Eden plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction and advisory philosophy of Bensons Wealth.
With over a decade of experience in financial advice and wealth management, he helps guide the investment thinking and strategic frameworks that underpin the advice delivered to clients. His focus is on ensuring Bensons maintains a disciplined, forward-looking approach to wealth management grounded in the firm’s life-first philosophy, where financial decisions are guided by personal goals and values.
Eden has a particular interest in investment strategy, capital allocation and complex wealth structuring, helping families think carefully about how wealth should be preserved and invested across generations.
As a leader of the firm, Eden is committed to evolving Bensons Wealth while preserving the principles on which it was founded. His priority is building a firm defined by thoughtful advice, long-term client relationships and a high standard of professionalism and excellence.
Qualifications
Master of Financial Planning
SMSF Specialist Adviser™
Currently undertaking the CFA Program
Cameron Smith
Director & Partner
Cameron founded Bensons Wealth with a clear conviction that financial advice should be thoughtful, disciplined and grounded in genuine care.
Throughout his career, he has guided clients through every stage of their financial lives, from building and protecting wealth to navigating retirement, succession and complex structuring decisions. His perspective has shaped the firm’s life first philosophy, where strategy begins with understanding a client’s values and enduring intentions.
Cameron is known for his measured judgement and steady approach. He believes sustainable outcomes are achieved through structure, evidence based thinking and clear communication rather than short term reaction. His leadership has established a culture defined by professionalism, integrity and lasting partnership.
Today, Cameron continues to work closely with clients while stewarding the firm’s direction, ensuring that Bensons Wealth remains principled, privately owned and focused on delivering advice with clarity and purpose.
Away from the firm, Cameron prioritises time with his wife, sons and grandchildren. He is a passionate Tigers supporter and enjoys travelling, valuing the perspective that comes from stepping outside the day to day.
Advisory Team
Christopher Appla
Senior Wealth Adviser
Chris works closely with clients to design considered financial strategies aligned to their ambitions and evolving life stages.
With a background in commerce from the University of Melbourne and formal qualifications in financial planning, he brings both technical depth and practical perspective to his advice. He has specific expertise in retirement planning, investment portfolio construction and wealth structuring, helping clients navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.
His approach reflects the firm’s life first philosophy. Strategy begins with listening. From there, he applies disciplined, evidence-based thinking to build portfolios and financial plans designed to endure through changing market conditions.
Chris is known for his warmth and approachable manner, fostering relationships built on trust and transparency.
Outside the firm, Chris is a long-suffering North Melbourne supporter and enjoys travelling through Europe. Having recently settled down, he looks forward to starting a family in the years ahead.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne
Diploma in Financial Planning
Justin Marshall
Client Director
Justin is often the first point of contact for individuals and families exploring a relationship with Bensons Wealth. He works closely with prospective clients to understand their circumstances, ambitions and priorities, helping determine how the firm’s advice and investment capabilities can best support their financial direction.
Justin brings nearly three decades of experience across financial markets and private wealth management. He began his career with Bell Potter in 1997 and has since held senior advisory roles with leading firms including UBS, EL&C Baillieu and Shaw & Partners. Throughout his career he has worked closely with high net worth individuals and families, managing investment portfolios and contributing to integrated wealth strategies.
His experience across both advisory and investment environments provides a deep understanding of the complexities faced by investors. Justin’s approach is measured and relationship focused, ensuring clients feel informed, comfortable and confident as they begin their relationship with the firm.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Banking and Finance
Michael Peart
Wealth Adviser
Michael joined Bensons Wealth in 2024, bringing a strong technical foundation and a measured approach to investment and wealth strategy.
With advanced qualifications in finance and financial planning, including the Certified Financial Planner designation and a Master of Finance, Michael applies rigorous analysis to portfolio construction, superannuation strategy and complex wealth structures. He works closely with high-net-worth clients, supporting the optimisation of investment portfolios and providing strategic guidance across self-managed super funds, trusts and corporate structures.
Michael is relationship driven in his approach. He believes that honesty, loyalty and technical expertise form the basis of enduring client partnerships. His role within the advisory team focuses on ensuring advice is carefully implemented, clearly communicated and aligned to each client’s broader financial objectives.
Outside the firm, Michael values time with friends and family and enjoys exploring good food and wine. He is equally at home outdoors, whether running, cycling or skiing, pursuits that reflect his disciplined and forward focused mindset.
Qualifications
Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)- Master of Finance
Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
Bachelor of Business (International Business and Finance)
Warren Olivier
Wealth Adviser
Warren brings extensive experience across financial advice and superannuation, including senior roles within one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds.
With a background in economics and formal qualifications in financial planning, he specialises in retirement strategy, income design and capital preservation. Warren works closely with retirees and families to structure financial plans that prioritise sustainability, longevity and confidence through each stage of retirement.
His advice reflects a measured and empathetic approach. Warren understands that retirement planning is not only a financial transition but a personal one. By combining disciplined strategy with genuine care, he helps clients feel secure in both their income and their broader financial direction.
Originally from South Africa, Warren values time with his two sons and remains actively involved in his community through volunteer work with the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club. Fitness and an active lifestyle remain important parts of his routine.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Economics
Diploma of Financial Planning
Nicholas Czerkaski
Wealth Adviser
Nicholas works closely with individuals and families to design considered financial strategies that support clarity, security and enduring outcomes.
He joined Bensons Wealth after more than a decade with one of Australia’s largest listed advisory firms, bringing extensive experience across strategic financial planning and investment management. Nicholas has particular expertise in portfolio construction, retirement strategy and wealth structuring, helping clients navigate complex financial decisions with confidence and discipline.
His approach reflects the firm’s life first philosophy. By understanding each client’s priorities, responsibilities and ambitions, Nicholas develops strategies that align financial structure with the realities of life.
Outside the firm, Nicholas enjoys golf, although he admits his handicap remains a work in progress. A passionate Richmond supporter, he values time with his partner and their two sons.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Business
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
Support Team
Lucy Johns
Client Services Manager
Jacinta Sciusco
Client Services
Jacquelyn Villarin
Client Services
Jim Ababon
Client Services