Australian ETF industry breaks $150b barrier
The Australian ETF industry reached $150 billion in funds under management during June 2023, according to analysis of security exchanges ASX and CBOE by Betashares.
Don’t over-estimate trustee demand for financial advice: IFS
While some industry super funds are interested in expanding their advice offering post-QAR, many others are wary about meeting any potential further expectations to give advice and would rather steer clear of it.
ASFA urges closure of retirement savings gender gap
Peak body ASFA is calling for the government to close the gap in retirement savings between women and men.
Mason Stevens appoints Toussaint as CFO
Specialist wealth platform provider Mason Stevens has appointed Laurent Toussaint as chief financial officer. He will commence in the role after he departs Count, which was announced yesterday. Toussaint will replace Wayne Twomey, who will work to ensure a smooth transition before his retirement. Toussaint has 25 years of experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions, … Read more
Global equity funds most popular Australian launches
Global equities are the go-to choices for Australian investors, capturing a 22 per cent slice of the pie in the latest 100 funds launched by Equity Trustees. Of the 100 funds, there are 53 domestic fund managers and 47 global fund managers. Thirty-five (66 per cent) of the domestic managers are based in Sydney, 16 … Read more
Managed funds experience $2.8b outflows
Managed equity funds have seen the worst quarter in five years, with outflows across all fund types totalling a net $2.80 billion in Q2, according to the latest Fund Flow Index from global funds network Calastone. Australian investors have fled the funds for the perceived safety of fixed income and cash, Calastone concluded Q2 marked … Read more
‘Net-zero absolutely achievable’: Qantas CEO Alan Joyce
In one of his first interviews since announcing his retirement after 15 years in the role, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce credited superannuation investors with helping the airline make progress towards its ESG commitments. He also urged listed companies and their investors not to shy away from supporting social causes such as marriage equality and the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
State Street appoints global sustainability head
State Street Corporation has appointed executive vice president Jessica Donohue as head of global investment insights, sustainability, and impact; replacing Rick Lacaille, who announced his retirement earlier this year. In this role, Donohue will oversee State Street’s sustainability efforts and bring together investment insights and solutions to deepen the consultancy’s relationships. Donohue has held a … Read more
Rest appoints WTW as asset consultant
Profit-to-member super fund Rest has appointed Willis Towers Watson as an asset consultant to its board and the board’s investment committee. The appointment follows a competitive tender process that began in October 2022, and will improve independent advice within Rest’s investment governance framework. JANA Investment Advisers will continue as the asset consultant to Rest’s investments … Read more
Don’t price in a recession just yet, says Morningstar CIO
Speaking during a week-long visit to Australia, Dan Kemp, Morningstar’s London-based global chief investment officer, says the biggest challenge most investors face is behavioural because they try to predict the future course of events by relying on a single theme or narrative.
Integrating biodiversity into investment decisions
Greater access to information from companies and associations on geospatial analysis combined with the acceleration and exponential destruction of the ecosystem has prompted biodiversity to becoming a hot topic in making investment decisions. Conexus Financial managing editor Julia Newbould talks to Newton Investment Management global head of sustainable investment Therese Niklasson. Participant: • Therese Niklasson, … Read more
AZ NGA bolsters legal and M&A teams
AZ Next Generation Advisory has appointed Andrew Symes as general counsel and company secretary, and Yasemin Onat as head of mergers and acquisitions. Symes will head AZ NGA’s legal, risk, and corporate governance function. He previously held the same role at Yellow Brick Road. His career has spanned advice, lending, broking, and wealth management, also … Read more
