Rob Atherton is Head of International Wealth at Melbourne Capital Group (MCG), an independent financial advisory firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he leads the firm’s international financial planning proposition across Asia Pacific and beyond.

A UK Chartered Financial Planner with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), a Certified Financial Planner through the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM), and a Chartered MCSI with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), Rob has more than 20 years’ experience advising clients, founding and successfully exiting financial planning businesses, and mentoring the next generation of advisers across the UK and Asia.

Now based in Malaysia, Rob works with both Malaysian nationals and expatriate clients, giving him a practical perspective on how advice differs across jurisdictions, cultures and regulatory environments. His work combines UK-style holistic financial planning with the realities of cross-border wealth management.

Having started his own career through an adviser academy, Rob is passionate about developing the next generation of advisers. He is proud to be part of the team behind the Melbourne Capital Group Academy, a bespoke employed academy providing structured one-to-one training, mentoring and professional development, alongside the firm’s international internship programme, creating opportunities for graduates, career changers and future financial planners.

Rob is proud to be part of Melbourne Capital Group, a CII International Professional Partner firm authorised by both the Securities Commission Malaysia and the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA). The firm’s advisers hold qualifications from all three UK professional bodies, alongside Malaysia’s leading professional bodies, including FPAM and the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC), together with expertise in Sharia-compliant financial planning.

Outside work, Rob has embraced life in Malaysia with enthusiasm, from exploring the country to developing a well-documented appreciation for durian.

On this panel, Rob brings an international perspective on what UK advisers can learn from advice markets around the world. He believes the future of financial planning depends on developing exceptional people, raising professional standards, and sharing the best ideas across borders, so that more individuals and families can benefit from truly holistic financial planning.