Mark Stephen  is an authentic and strategic leader with a proven background in growing successful integrated advice businesses incorporating wealth management, financial planning, business advisory, SMSF’s, tax, and accounting. He is an accomplished CEO and business development executive with over 30+ years of experience in Financial Services that is highlighted by leading high-performing advice teams and communities by focusing on strategic growth and strong business development & improvement. He is a leadership professional and strives to attain a high-performance culture as well as creating stakeholder wealth.
Prior to joining Civitas Services Mark was the CEO of Lonsdale Financial Group (Lonsdale) from 2010 to 2020; before Lonsdale over six years as National Practice Development Manager with Bridges Financial Services & Australian Wealth Management. He also spent over fourteen years in various senior executive roles with AMP in Melbourne and Sydney.
Mark played a critical leadership role in stabilising and retaining the Lonsdale adviser network after acquisition by IOOF in 2011. He developed a high-performance management and leadership team that not only instilled a high-performance culture but re-focused and achieved significant growth, expansion, and industry recognition as a highly regarded integrated advice network across Australia. He was responsible for growing and maintaining a strong community of advice businesses and professionals under the principle of “strength in partnership” and “one community – one journey – with a common purpose”.
He has a successful track record in strategic planning and execution within the wealth management industry and is a well-regarded thought leader in industry direction. He is a passionate consumer advocate with a “client first” approach. He assists with facilitation and strategic planning with some of Australia’s leading Industry bodies (SMSF Association, FPA) and other funds management and financial services firms.
Mark has excellent interpersonal, leadership, change management, team building, and motivation skills and takes great pride in “making others better” through his stewardship.

Murray Swilks is driven by seeing small businesses succeed and is passionate about contributing to a business structure that provides superior outcomes for clients and advice businesses alike. Beginning his career in the accounting space for a mid-tier accounting firm in the 90’s, he has built up his expertise in understanding the small business landscape, the intricacies of financial services, and key drivers of success and profit. His work ethic and dedication have seen his business clients excel in this space and continue, with momentum, towards their ultimate measure of success. His forensic ability to expose the inhibitors of success and his genuine care lays the groundwork for business to reach their full potential

Mike Browne’s career spans across finance, financial services, and financial planning. In his most recent role, he was the owner of a successful financial planning business within the Lonsdale Financial Group achieving national awards.

Mike’s contributions during this 20-year period led to his practice being recognised as a leading firm within the group, and he was subsequently appointed as both a leading Adviser in the Lonsdale Chairman’s Council, and as a board member of the CEO’s Round Table.

Throughout his career, Mike has generously shared his knowledge and expertise with other Business Principals.

In his role as Regional Representative with Civitas, Mike will continue to offer his expertise and guidance, as he mentors and coaches practices who are embarking on establishing their own AFSL.

Jaime is an experienced professional who has dedicated over two decades to collaborating within financial services. Having led a Licensee and Private Wealth businesses she brings experience across advice, governance, research, portfolio construction, product development, and distribution.

Her focus is now providing consulting services to groups of many different sizes, an experienced responsible manager, serving on advisory boards and as a non-executive director of Mason Steven. Jaime has developed a reputation for her ability to support businesses to grow, navigate complex challenges and make sound judgments.

As a sought-after thought leader in her field, Jaime frequently speaks at industry conferences and events, sharing her insights and expertise.

James McCowan brings an impressive career in wealth management and financial planning, with previous roles at Lonsdale Financial Group, Aspire2 Wealth, and currently serving as General Manager and Director at Wealth Management Matters.

With extensive experience collaborating with AFSL partners, James has consistently driven efficiency improvements and streamlined operations, transforming practices into high performing businesses. His approach emphasises compliance, strategic business expansion, and building strong client relationships. Passionate about innovation, James prioritises building cooperative partnerships, aligning strategic goals, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

As Business Partner, James assists practices to navigate the complexities of AFSL requirements, providing strategic solutions to enhance operational efficiency, and developing robust portfolio strategies that help practices deliver exceptional value to their clients.