Welcome to Conversations on Wealth — a podcast series exploring financial complexities, opportunities and strategies for people looking to make more informed decisions about their financial future. Brought to you by ROPAN Financial Services, each episode draws on years of experience helping people at different stages of life navigate their finances with greater clarity and confidence. In this episode, host John Calabro is joined by ROPAN Director Rodney Gilham and financial adviser Romi Bitar for a conversation about shared values, building trusted relationships and the importance of putting clients first. With more than 25 years of experience in financial planning, Romi joined ROPAN in 2025 following the merger of his East Gippsland practice, Financial Solutions Victoria, with the ROPAN group. Romi reflects on the decision to bring his business into ROPAN, having explored opportunities with several other financial planning organisations. Ultimately, it was the alignment in values, professional standards and commitment to client care that made ROPAN the natural choice. Throughout the conversation, Romi shares his approach to financial advice, the importance of understanding each client’s individual circumstances and the responsibility that comes with helping people make decisions about their financial future. He also reflects on the past 12 months, the positive experience of working alongside Rodney and the wider ROPAN team, and the reassurance of knowing his long-standing clients will continue to receive the personal attention and professional guidance they have come to expect. As Romi prepares for the next chapter of his career, he discusses his transition into a new role supporting financial planning professionals across Australia. The move will also see him relocate from East Gippsland to Melbourne, where he will pursue another of his passions — soccer coaching — with an established Melbourne club. Celebrating 25 years of ROPAN The conversation also provides an opportunity to reflect on an important milestone for ROPAN Financial Services, as the business celebrates 25 years since its establishment in 2001. Rodney looks back on the journey from a small financial planning practice to the broader organisation it is today, acknowledging the people, relationships and trust that have contributed to its longevity. It’s also been a particularly busy and rewarding year for the group, with significant office renovations, new team members, the introduction of clients from Financial Solutions Victoria and continued growth across the business. While much has changed over the years, Rodney explains that ROPAN’s commitment to personalised advice and genuine client relationships remains central to everything the team does. Looking ahead, Rodney also shares details of an upcoming visit to King Island, where ROPAN will reconnect with its local client community and host an information event featuring presentations from investment organisations. This episode is an opportunity to get to know Romi, hear about the people and principles behind ROPAN, and celebrate an important chapter in the group’s history. We hope you enjoy the conversation. Disclaimer: Discussions within this podcast are of a general nature and do not constitute personal financial and investment advice. It is of critical importance to seek your own independent professional advice before making any investment decisions appropriate to your personal financial needs, situation and objectives.
