Sam is the Director and owner trading as Astute Manly, formerly Dee Why. Sam is also part of the growth of Astute Soldiers Point, with experienced Broker Jason Ross, and Astute St Leonards Stephen Wells. Sam is highly regarded in the industry since 2000, known for his boundless passion, energy and dedication toward client service and solutions, as a fully integrated financial services model.

Over the years, for a five year period, Sam was a regular contributor to live Sky Channel’s “Your Money, Your Call” property and investments segment, a guest panellist with Diana Dorahy, Bridie Barry, and then Margaret Lomas. Sam is recognised as an expert in the area of lending and investments.

With a wealth of experience in banking, finance, and mortgage broking and fully qualified with a Certificate in Accounting, and a Diploma of Financial Services in Finance/Mortgage Broking (Management); Sam brings a measured and experienced approach to the industry, doing all it takes to deliver results for his clients where possible.

Sam is committed to ensuring that clients receive the upmost in service before, during and after their finance needs are met, challenging lenders to earn the right to service clients of Astute Manly. With a very talented group,  there is great longevity and experience within the ranks of this team.

The team has a full financial planning and advice firm with Andrew Foo, Apexx Wealth, offering professional financial advice specialising in superannuation, risk insurance, cashflow and investment strategies. Sam has partnered with Andrew Foo based on his talent and care for clients. His skill and expertise ensure the team are well positioned to look after all the clients financial and advice needs.

Sam has always been a Northern Beaches local, born and raised in Avalon. Sam and his wife Sandi reside in Balgowlah with their three daughters Lily, Maddy and Holly. Sam is a keen rugby, AFL, and cricket supporter with a passion for entering motorsport events, including past success in motorcycle racing pre-kids of course!

Astute Manly are also proud and loyal supporters of the local area, having supported local schools for their fundraising events, charity walks, motorsport and events for many years and is rooted deep in the Northern Beaches community.

Presently studying for his Accounting degree, Jason is a credible and knowledgeable person especially in the important areas of finance. Whether you are seeking a home loan, investment loans, construction loans, or another specialised area of auto and equipment finance, Jason dedicates himself to all your financial needs.

Jason joined the Astute Group after a long association with the firm, its people, and the finance industry.

Jason is well supported by the team at Astute, covering all your needs of Lending, Financial Planning, and Property.

Astute Manly has a close relationship with Andrew Foo from Apexx Wealth who can provide you with objectively sound financial advice. Please find below an extract of Andrew’s bio:

I grew up with a large loving close-knit extended family with very strong family values. My parents emigrated to Australia in the 1980s and called this great country we live in home.

I completed a Bachelor of Business (University of Technology, Sydney) in 2007 focusing on Personal Financial Advice and began my career in financial services as a graduate at Macquarie Bank. Being selected for the only role within the Financial Planning group out of thousands of applicants was truly humbling. I progressed through various managerial roles within the bank and worked closely with many financial advisers and their practices during my time there.

I am very passionate about helping people obtain true objective financial advice. I have found that throughout my time as a financial adviser, people lacked defined goals and this meant their investing activities had no set timeframes or strategic links to specific outcomes in the future. I place a large emphasis on educating my clients around the key concepts of investing and ‘financial risk’ and how it is a critical part in the achievement of their financial goals. I have a desire to see my clients build strong and sustainable financial foundations in their homes.

They key areas of advice we focus on include:

• Superannuation Strategies (including SMSFs)
• Insurance Protection
• Investment Portfolio Creation
• Cashflow Management Planning
• Pre-Retirement and Retirement Planning

I look forward to meeting you if you’d like to get in touch.

Kirsty has been with Sam since 2004. Kirsty is incredibly experienced and talented at her role. For all settlement and after sales requirements Kirsty is a great asset to the firm, a lovely person too. Astute Manly is privileged to have such longevity with a wonderful, kind and hard-working soul.

From the age of 18, Claire has been an inspiration in her role. Claire is now well experienced having been with the firm close to a decade now.   Claire assists and manages the loan submissions, and processing the deals. Liaising with client and banks, they all love dealing with Claire, and Sam especially is grateful and proud to be part of Claire’s journey in the financial world.

Marko comes from humble beginnings, immigrating to Australia at a young age and growing up watching his parents work tirelessly to realise the Australian dream of owning a home. This drive and determination was instilled into Marko, and has inspired his passion of helping others achieve this too.

Marko has been with Astute Manly since early 2021, and has lodged and settled hundreds of loans for the company in that time to tremendous success. Lending is his second nature, and he strives to learn more as he aims to provide his clients the full financial service. He understands exactly what the bank assessors look for, and knows how to present your application to get your needs & objectives approved. He uses every tool available to find the right fit his clients, offering value, experience, speed and precision to get the job done. His service gives clients confidence and understanding in the process, providing comfort and re-assurance every step of the way.

Outside of work, Marko enjoys a very active and social lifestyle. He strives to make full use of every waking minute, whether it be training in the gym or jiu-jitsu, playing football or heading down to the beach for a swim. Marko is also very active in the local Serbian community, making sure to not forget his roots.

– Bachelor of Commerce (Finance Major)
– Certificate IV Finance & Mortgage Broking
– Justice of the Peace NSW
– Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA)

After a 30 year career with international organisations across UK, Europe, Africa and Asia, Stephen created Madison Wells to help local businesses and residents to achieve their corporate and personal goals, as well as sharing his knowledge of business management. Stephen’s career was focused on international sales, services and customer success programs and he has brought that experience to Sydney to act as a mentor and guide for those wishing to change their future.

Stephen’s relationship with Manly goes back 16 years when he bought his first local property and over the years that relationship helped Stephen to manage his assets including motorcycles and cars. Stephen trusted Astute to provide him with the knowledge he needed and this partnership enables Stephen to now share this to a wider audience.

Stephen has a Certificate IV in Finance Broking and is a Graduate of the Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also an Approved Advisor with the Advisory Board Centre.

Stephen is the Managing Director of Madison Wells Pty Ltd a business advisory company that specialises in business and governance improvements. Madison Wells Pty Ltd also trades as Astute St Leonards under the mentorship of Astute Dee Why managed by Sam Ayliffe

Stephen is also a non-executive director with Road Sense Australia, a company focused on reducing Australia’s road toll and also Macquarie Community College, providing foundation skills to the Sydney region. He is also the Convenor of the Motoring Group within the Royal Automobile Club of Australia and the President of a local car club.

Stephen lives with his wife Marta in St Leonards and enjoys travelling, exploring the local history and being involved in classic and historic car racing.

Van is passionate about finance and helping people meet their financial goals. Whether it’s first homebuyers looking for the right deal,  those looking to restructure their mortgage, or someone looking for a personal loan, Van loves it all. With an in-depth knowledge of the industry, Van takes the time to understand each client’s situation and uncovers which lenders offer the policy right for them. Van works to build long-lasting relationships with clients. He actively checks in on progress, is always available to answer questions, and offers suggestions when it’s time for clients to take the next step in their finance journey. If you’re looking to work with someone who is as invested in your journey as you are, get in touch with Van today.