Financial Advisers
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Alex O'Loughlin
Director & Senior Adviser
Alex joined the Ballinger’s team in July 2013 just after graduating from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Commerce. He couldn’t wait to embark on further studying, completing a Diploma in Financial Planning in 2014 and Certified Financial Planner Certification (CFP®) in 2019. Read more.
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Jordan Myers
Director & Senior Adviser
Jordan joined Ballinger’s as a junior paraplanner in December 2013 and is now one of the Senior Advisers within the team. He completed a Bachelor of Business degree in 2014, a Diploma of Financial Planning in 2015, and qualified as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) in 2018. Read more.
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Andrew Lindner
Senior Portfolio Manager
Andrew is a Senior Portfolio Manager and joined the Ballinger’s team in January 2024. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) degree in 2012 and a Diploma of Financial Planning in 2013. Read more.
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Sam Glohe
Financial Adviser
Sam joined the Ballinger’s team in April 2020 as a trainee paraplanner and has progressed to an Associate Adviser role. He manages a small (and growing) portfolio of clients and provides support to the Senior Advisers. Read more.
Client Service / Paraplanning Team
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Blake Picton
Client Service Manager
Blake graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle in 2024 and is an experienced client service officer. He is currently studying for his Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.
Blake wants to build a career as a financial adviser because he has developed a strong interest in investing and financial literacy, along with the desire to help people achieve their financial goals and be someone clients can genuinely trust.
Outside of work Blake will usually be surfing, spearfishing, or taking his German Shepherd cross for a walk around Speers Point.
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Jayne Connolly
Client Service Manager
Jayne joined Ballingers in mid-2025 and quickly established herself as an integral part of the team. Exceptionally organised, proactive, and highly capable, she approaches her role with a level of professionalism and maturity well beyond her years.
With three years of administration experience, Jayne has built a strong foundation in client service and operational support. She takes initiative, embraces responsibility, and is mastering her role with confidence and precision.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family. Most weekends you will find her playing representative netball or out camping with her partner and friends.
Management Team
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Stephen Ballinger
Director & Senior Adviser
Stephen is the person behind the Ballinger’s name and reputation. He established the business in 2000, after 14 years of experience in banking, actuarial firms, superannuation, tax, accounting, and financial planning. Read more.
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Gemma Ryan
Office Manager
As the first point of contact for clients, providers, and key stakeholders, Gemma plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless and professional experience at every interaction.
With exceptional administrative capability and strong organisational leadership, Gemma oversees office management, compliance coordination, and operational processes with precision and efficiency.
Gemma brings eight years of experience running her own small business and holds a degree in Business (Marketing & Management). Prior to this, she built her career managing prestigious hospitality venues, where excellence in service, discretion, leadership, and operational precision were paramount.
Outside of work, Gemma enjoys spending time with her family exploring nature, dancing with friends, and diving into psychology textbooks and journal articles.