Our Approach
A different starting point for financial advice
Paxton Bridge was founded in 2009 by David Murdoch, a financial adviser with a simple belief: most people don’t need more financial complexity, they need clarity.
Over time, David observed a consistent pattern. Clients didn’t struggle because they lacked intelligence, discipline, or success. They struggled because their financial world had grown complicated, fragmented and disconnected from what mattered most.
The aha moment for many clients comes when they realise: it’s not about money first, it’s about alignment, understanding and direction.
Paxton Bridge exists to help individuals and families step back from complexity and make financial decisions with confidence, intention and perspective.
Our Philosophy
Clarity before strategy
At the heart of Paxton Bridge is a belief that financial decisions are human decisions.
Our philosophy is built on a few core principles:
Values-led conversations
We use tools such as values cards to uncover what truly matters, because good financial decisions reflect personal values, not just numbers.
Family Alignment
Wealth impacts more than one person. We prioritise shared understanding and communication between partners and across generations.
Long-term thinking
We focus on direction and sustainability, not short-term outcomes or reactive decisions.
Emotional side of wealth
Money is rarely just logical. Emotions, beliefs and family dynamics play a significant role and they deserve space in the conversation.
This is why we believe clarity comes before strategy.
Without clarity, even the best strategy can feel overwhelming or misaligned.
Introducing Wealth Activism
Our philosophy is brought to life through Wealth Activism, Paxton Bridge’s framework for clarity-led financial planning and asset management.
Rather than focusing solely on what’s visible (assets, structures, outcomes), Wealth Activism starts below the surface — exploring values, priorities and decision-making.
This approach helps clients move through three living levels:
We help clients move through three living levels of wealth:
Conscious Control
Understanding your financial position and bringing structure to your assets.
Defined Focus
Creating a clear, values-led pathway for future financial decisions.
Living Legacy
Preparing assets to support family, purpose and intergenerational continuity.
Together, these stages create a foundation for confident, intentional financial decisions.
Meet the Team
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David Murdoch
Wealth Activist
David prides himself on working closely with individuals, families, and businesses to help them activate their wealth.
David holds a Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance), a Graduate Diploma of Marketing and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning).
Married with four children, David understands the need to balance a budget that caters for today’s needs, as well as future aspirations and any challenges that may arise along the way.
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Penny Hannan
Operations Manager
Penny has a background in project management and contract administration, and plays an integral role in delivering quality service to our clients.
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Jess Hamilton
Client Services Associate
Jess’ role is to support David and Penny, and assist with office administration.
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John Ray Estimo
Financial Planning Assistant
John supports Penny and Jess in the delivery of quality advice and service to every client.
Learn about our client wins
