Meet the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Finalists: Kelly King

November 11, 2025

Get to know ...

Kelly King

Share your story – what inspired you to become a financial adviser?

I became a financial adviser because I believed it could give me something I desperately needed: independence and purpose. I studied full-time while working, hoping this career could be a way out, not just from my hometown, but from a life that felt increasingly unsafe. I was in a violent relationship and work became my refuge. It was the one place I felt capable, secure and in control.

Eventually, my career gave me the confidence - and the financial freedom - to leave. It quite literally changed my life. I’ll always be grateful to the one woman who believed in me before I believed in myself. I started this journey at 19, the youngest authorised rep ever brought on by Colonial Mutual. I’ve stayed because this profession gave me the tools to take my life back and now I help others do the same.

Explain your ongoing Professional Development Plan and career aspirations.

My biggest goal is to help more women step into this industry with confidence. I want to show them they can build practices like mine, where they choose who they serve, how they work and what kind of impact they want to make. That’s central to my vision for a more inclusive, empowering advice industry.

What career achievements are you most proud of?

Launching Iconic Wealth Mandurah in 2022 is one of my proudest moments. I left ANZ after 22 years - with no business background, no client book and a six-month non-compete clause. I had two kids under four and was still studying. Despite the challenges, I built a business from scratch that reflects everything I value. It was a huge leap of faith and I’m proud I took it.

What are you doing to encourage more women to become financial advisers?

I share my journey openly, starting out as a receptionist, becoming an adviser and now a practice owner. I speak about what it’s like juggling motherhood, study and running a business to show others it can be done.

By being visible and real, I hope to inspire women who may not see themselves represented in this space. I also advocate for flexible work structures, because that’s what helped me and it’s what can help more women succeed.

What are you doing to empower more women to engage with their finances and what challenges are you helping them overcome?

Helping women take control of their financial futures is at the heart of everything I do.

I know from experience how powerful financial literacy can be, it’s not just about money, it’s about freedom and safety.

One initiative I’m proud of is the Respect & Protect Pledge, a national campaign to address financial abuse. I also host monthly speaking events that build financial confidence in women, no jargon, no judgement, just honest conversations.