Vivacè Advisory Named SMSF Firm of the Year at the 2025 National SMSF Awards

A Caloundra boutique firm proves regional practices can compete and win against Australia's largest SMSF providers.

Vivacè Advisory has been awarded SMSF Firm of the Year at the 2025 SMSF Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions in Australia's self-managed superannuation fund industry. The awards ceremony, held on 24 October 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, celebrated excellence across 16 categories with SMSF Adviser and principal partner OKX.

Founder Stacy Giovinazzo accepted the award on behalf of the Vivacè Advisory team, marking a milestone achievement for the Sunshine Coast-based practice that has grown entirely through client referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations.​

Why This Award Matters

The SMSF Firm of the Year category is widely regarded as the keynote award of the evening, attracting 10 finalists from across Australia. Judges evaluated firms based on leadership, financial performance, innovation, business development, workplace culture, and contribution to the national SMSF sector.​

Vivacè Advisory's win is significant given the competitive landscape, Australia now has over 653,000 SMSFs managing more than $1.05 trillion in retirement assets, representing approximately 24% of the nation's total superannuation pool. The sector recorded its strongest growth since 2017 in the 2024/2025 financial year, with net establishments at record highs.​

What Sets Vivacè Advisory Apart

Several key differentiators contributed to the firm's national recognition:

100% Australian Operations

Unlike many competitors who utilize offshore administration support, Vivacè Advisory maintains all operations within Australia. "We have a major concern for data security and we don't want to be the weak link in the chain," says Stacy Giovinazzo. This commitment ensures client data remains protected under Australian privacy standards.​

Dual Licensing Model

Vivacè Advisory holds both AFSL (Australian Financial Services Licence) and tax agent licensing, enabling a complete 360-degree service model. This dual capability allows the team to provide both compliance-focused "rear-view mirror" services and forward-looking strategic advice, something few boutique practices can offer.​

Organic Growth Through Service Excellence

The firm has spent zero dollars on marketing in its first seven years of operation. "I am the marketing team. Our growth has been entirely organic due to our service levels," explains Giovinazzo. This testament to client satisfaction demonstrates the power of exceptional service in building a sustainable practice.​

A Regional Success Story

Based in Caloundra on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Vivacè Advisory represents an inspiring narrative for regional professionals. As reported by Sunshine Coast News, the win proves that boutique coastal firms can compete at the highest national level against metropolitan heavyweights.​

"It's nice to be recognised Australia-wide against some big guys, that what we're doing here in our small firm is something big," reflects Giovinazzo.​

The founder hopes this achievement inspires the next generation of SMSF professionals: "Regional firms can absolutely match metro capability and young professionals can have extraordinarily successful careers right here keeping their feet on the ground, or in the sand".​

Built on Family Values

Stacy Giovinazzo established Vivacè Advisory in 2018, coinciding with the birth of her daughter. The business philosophy has always centered on growing alongside family commitments while maintaining an unwavering focus on client outcomes.​

Client support during the awards nomination process highlighted the depth of relationships the firm has built. "Considering many are aged 55 through to my oldest client at 96, and some don't even use computers, that meant the world to me," says Giovinazzo, reflecting on clients who actively supported the nomination despite technological barriers.​

Looking Ahead

Despite national recognition, Vivacè Advisory remains committed to its Sunshine Coast roots while continuing to serve clients across Australia. The firm's focus on personalized SMSF accounting and strategic advice, property acquisitions, and estate planning ensures clients receive comprehensive support throughout their retirement journey.​

The 2025 SMSF Awards also recognized other outstanding professionals and firms including National Audits Group, TaxSmart Cafe, Accurium, Greven & Co, and SuperMate across various categories.​

About the SMSF Awards

The SMSF Awards is an annual program hosted by SMSF Adviser that identifies top businesses and professionals across Australia's self-managed superannuation fund industry. The program recognizes trailblazers leading the way in SMSF advice and accounting by championing professionalism, quality advice, and innovation.​

Ready to experience award-winning SMSF advisory services? 

Contact Vivacè Advisory to discuss how our team can help you take control of your retirement future.