Building Success Together
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Nik Lal
Nik has an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning), Degree in Business Management, Post Graduate Degree in Management and is an accredited SMSF specialist.
Nik has worked in the financial services industry for over 17 years and been advising with Sherpa Financial Group since 2008. Nik is committed to assisting clients in achieving their lifestyle and financial goals by delivering personalised financial planning through client’s various life stages.
Nik is passionate about family, loves holidaying with his young family and takes a very keen interest in cars.
Authorised Representative Number: No. 328672
Sapan Verma
Sapan has an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting and a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Mathematics and Statistics. He is also an accredited Margin Lending, Derivatives and SMSF specialist.
Sapan has worked in the financial services industry for over 12 years and specialises in Investment Planning for Mum and Dad investors as well as entrepreneurs, businesses and high net worth families. Sapan strives to assist clients in maximising their financial potential through implementing financial planning strategies personalised to their unique situation, whilst ensuring these strategies add significant value both financially and from a lifestyle perspective. Sapan loves to travel to warmer places, especially during the Melbourne winter. He loves his sports and is a passionate cricket follower.
Authorised Representative Number: No.1255864
Sowmya Fernandes
Sowmya holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and has commenced the Diploma of Financial Planning.
Sowmya has worked primarily in the accounting and administration sector for over 20 years and entered the financial services industry in 2016. She joined Sherpa Financial Group in 2018.
In her leisure time, Sowmya spends time with her 12 year old daughter at home and also enjoys reading, cooking and spending time at parks and beaches with her family and friends.
Irinder Roopra
Irinder holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Economics and a Diploma of Financial Planning.
Irinder has vast years of experience within both the banking and financial industries. Over the last 10 years she has been working with Financial Planning businesses in the role of office operations and supporting advisers and their clients.
Outside of work, Irinder loves being outdoors, going on short trips exploring Melbourne, nature walks and connecting with friends and family.
Kelsey Maskell
Kelsey has spent several years working with a Financial Planning and Accounting practice in country Victoria, where she grew up. Kelsey has recently moved back to Melbourne and has a vast experience in Client Services which makes her a key attribute to the team at Sherpa Financial Group.
Kelsey is our newest member of the team and she enjoys being part of the team at Sherpa because of the supportive and welcoming environment and her interaction with a wide range of clients.
In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as camping and being outdoors. Kelsey is passionate about all sports especially AFL, Cricket and NBA and most weekends you will find her at the football supporting Geelong Cats.
Paras Sikka
Paras holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Financial Planning.
Paras has worked within the Financial Services industry for over 3 years and along with his specialised experience in accounting, Paras is passionate about the work he does at Sherpa Financial Group, because the needs of the clients are always put first, and because of the progressive culture that the director nurture.
Outside of work, Paras enjoys an active lifestyle including cycling and running.
Nicki De Lorenzo
Nicki has completed a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and the Diploma of Financial Planning.
Nicki has over 20 years experience within the Financial Services industry and joined the team at Sherpa Financial Group in 2010.
Nicki’s favourite pastime is spending time with her young family. She also loves dining out, reading a good book and going for long walks.
Dana Sultan
Dana holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English.
Dana joined the Team at Sherpa in 2023. Being a part-time Primary Teacher and Customer Service Representative for 6 years has given her the motivation and drive to meet and exceed client expectations through dedication and hard work.
During Dana’s spare time, she enjoys playing with her 2 dogs in the park and volunteers at a Children's Outreach Program in the Mountainous Area every Sunday.
Chris Cabanero
Chris holds a Bachelor degree of English and Linguistics.
Chris joined the team at Sherpa in 2022. Chris honed his detail-oriented skills through the Education industry for 3 years specializing in product and learning assessment as well as immersive social conversations.
Chris enjoys listening to various music genres, has an adventurous nature when tasting new and exotic foods, and has a soft spot for his friends & family.
Ces Riccioni
Ces has a wide variety of skills and experience drawn from his 30+ years' in the financial services industry. His experience spans sales, strategic development, national operations management, alliances, people management and mergers and acquisitions.
Since becoming a business coach and consultant in 2004, Ces has used his skills and experience to help business owners and corporate executives to maximise their business success through strategic planning, financial management, people management, productivity improvement, client engagement and mergers and acquisitions.
Outside of work, Ces loves spending time with his family and friends, barracking for his beloved Richmond Football Club, and playing soccer every week.