At the Momentum Wealth Group, growth is often spoken about in numbers. Assets under management, investor growth, and performance all tell an important story. But behind those figures are the people driving them forward every day.
For Chief Financial Officer Alex Donkin, that story is shaped by steady progress, thoughtful decisions, and a long-term mindset that carries through both his work and life outside it.
Since joining Momentum in 2020, Alex has experienced the business during a period of meaningful growth. Over that time, it has expanded from around $300 million in assets under management to more than $1 billion, with the investor base more than doubling.
While those milestones are significant, Alex speaks about them with a sense of perspective.
“We’ve had strong market conditions at times,” he says, “but we’ve only been able to take advantage of those because the foundations were already there. The right people, a strong brand, and a track record we could stand behind.”
His path to Momentum was not accidental. After five years working in London and time spent in a large global organisation, Alex returned to Perth ready for something different. He was looking for a role where he could be closer to the action, where his contribution could be felt more directly.
Momentum gave him that opportunity.
“It felt like the right stage of the journey,” he reflects. “There was a solid base already in place, but still a lot of room to grow. That’s something I really wanted to be part of.”
In an industry that can sometimes be reactive to short-term market movements, Alex believes one of Momentum’s strengths has been its ability to stay grounded. Rather than shifting direction with every change in the market, the focus has remained steady. Buy well, manage well, and hold for the long term.
“We don’t try to chase every new trend,” he says. “We’ll adjust where we need to, but the core of what we do doesn’t change. Over time, that consistency and performance builds trust.”
That thinking flows through to how the business supports its clients. Whether someone is buying their first home or moving into more complex investments, the goal is to provide a consistent experience at every stage.
“We’re there for the whole journey,” Alex explains. “Not just at the beginning, but as things change over time.”
Much of Alex’s work sits behind the scenes, helping to build the structure that supports that consistency. As the business grows, so does the challenge of maintaining the same level of service. The answer, for him, lies in getting the foundations right. Strong systems, clear processes, and a team that understands what good looks like.
“It’s not always the most visible work,” he adds, “but it’s what allows everything else to keep running smoothly.”
Inside the business, Alex describes the culture as one built on trust and accountability. People are given clear expectations, but also the freedom to work in a way that suits them.
“We put a lot of effort into bringing the right people into the team,” he says. “Once they’re here, you want them to feel trusted and supported.”
That balance is important to Alex personally as well. With three young children at home, his time outside of the office is just as full as his time in it.
“It’s busy,” he laughs. “But in a good way.”
School drop-offs, weekend sport, and family time fill most of his schedule. It is a different pace to the office, but one he values just as much.
“There’s always something going on,” he says. “But those are the moments you don’t want to miss.”
When he finds time, cycling is still a passion. What was once a highly intensive routine has shifted into something more flexible, fitting around family life.
“It looks a bit different these days,” he says. “But I still really enjoy it when I can get out.”
And like many parents, he has found himself rediscovering the simple things again through his children, like the joy of building Lego side by side.
For those earlier in their investing journey or debating taking the leap, Alex’s advice is refreshingly honest.
“There’s always going to be a reason to wait,” he says. “Or a reason to think it’s not the right time.”
Instead, he encourages people to focus on the long term and take that first step.
As Damian says, “It’s the saying about planting a tree,” he explains. “The best time was 20 years ago, but the next best time is now.”
The same thinking applies whether it’s building a career, or taking on new challenges. Start, stay consistent, and be prepared to put in the work.
“There’s no real shortcut,” Alex says. “It comes down to planning and just sticking with it over time.”
As Momentum continues to grow, those principles remain central, both for Alex and for the business as a whole. A clear strategy, a strong team, and a focus on the long term. Because while markets shift and circumstances change, those are the things that tend to last.