2018 Speakers

TOBY POTTER - CHAIR, IMAP

Toby is Chair of the Institute of Managed Accounts Professionals (IMAP) the industry association for advisers using managed accounts, Managed Account operators and investment managers

Toby has been involved in managed accounts since establishing one of the first managed account providers in 2004. He speaks frequently in industry and public forums about retail financial services.

WES GILLET, MC

Wes Gillett is a financial services leader with a record of growing B2B and retail channels in the highly competitive platform environment for over 25 years. He has extensive distribution, training, consulting, negotiation, and senior client management experience in some of the industry’s best known brands. Wes has lead a number of sales teams, most recently taking HUB24 from a $400m FUA business to over $6 Billion FUA in around 4 years to be the fastest growing platform in our marketplace. Wes has qualifications in business, mathematics and education, has 2 young daughters, and an extended family of surfboards and guitars.

Laird Abernethy – COLONIAL FIRST STATE

As Head of Retail Sales Laird is responsible for the sales and service functions of Colonial First State’s leading platforms, FirstChoice and FirstWrap. Laird joined CFS in August 2009 with responsibility for the CFS Alliance programme before heading up the CFS Investment Sales team in 2013. Laird moved into the Head of Retail Sales role in 2016.

Laird has worked in the financial services sector for 19 years with various Distribution roles at BT Financial Group, Asgard and Russell Investments. Laird has a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Economics and Marketing.

Michael Armitage - Milliman

Michael has over 22 year’s experience in capital markets and the alternative investment industry including over 15 years as a portfolio manager within volatility and overlay trading strategies at banks and alternative investment managers in the US and UK.

Previous roles have included quantitative research and portfolio construction within the multi-manager and fund of hedge fund industry. More recently, Michael was the head of alternatives fund research for S&P Capital IQ in Australia. The role granted Michael a distinct understanding of the managed fund industry in Australia and intermediated research.

Terry Bell – Business - Health

Terry has spent over 30 years in the financial services industry, specializing in advising leading companies and broker-dealer groups in the distribution of their products and services. His particular expertise is in the independent intermediary distribution channel, chiefly in wealth management and life insurance.

Terry has presented at many industry forums and is regularly quoted in key industry publications.

Tom Bignill - Mason Stevens

Thomas co-founded Mason Stevens in February 2010.

Having been involved with managed accounts since their infancy in Australia, Thomas has a strong vision for the growth and development of the managed accounts industry. Thomas and his team are committed to enhancing the investment and client service models of financial advisory practices in Australia.

Prior to Mason Stevens, Thomas was Head of Equity Market Services & Direct Clients at Next Financial, which was acquired by Wilson HTM in 2009. He started his career in financial markets in 1995 at Bankers Trust and held senior investment advisory roles at Merrill Lynch and Bell Potter.

Thomas sits on many investment committees bringing years of experience in asset allocation, portfolio construction and governance to practices across Australia

Andrew Buchan - HLB Mann Judd

Andrew heads the Wealth Management and Superannuation divisions at HLB Mann Judd Brisbane, bringing to the role over 20 years’ experience in financial planning.

Prior to becoming a financial planner, Andrew was a teacher in South West Queensland for nine years. He then undertook a Bachelor of Business degree, majoring in Economics. To add further depth to his qualifications, he has completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, and a Diploma of Financial Planning.

Andrew is also an accredited self-managed superannuation fund specialist advisor and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Ongoing educational and professional development ensures Andrew is always up to date with the latest industry standards.

Lindsay coates - Netwealth

Lindsay Coates is a Senior Distribution Manager with over 20 years’ experience in financial services both in Australia and the UK. Lindsay has a well-rounded financial services background with roles in fund management and platform distribution combined with consultancy work resulting in the successful launch of an AFSL and a vertically integrated fund management business.

 Lindsay joined netwealth 6 years ago and has previously represented Macquarie and Colonial Geared Investments in Queensland.

Rob Coyte – Shartru Wealth

Robert is a highly experienced financial advisor having owned and operated financial planning practices for the past 16 years. Overall Robert has 21 years experience in commercial banking, financial markets, stockbroking and financial planning.

Robert started his career with Westpac, accumulating 5 years experience in Commercial Banking and Financial Markets. Robert joined the financial planning sector in 1999, doing his training with AMP.

In 2008 Robert successfully applied for his own AFSL with his Centre Capital business. In 2012 Robert became the Chief Executive Officer of Shartru Wealth

In addition to undertaking advisory duties Robert has sat on Investment Advisory Committees and Compliance Committees for holders of AFS Licenses.

Robert is well qualified and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and is a Certified Financial Planner. Robert is a Fellow of FINSIA.

Bianca de Melo - Macquarie

Bianca De Melo is the NSW state sales manager for the Wealth Intermediary Team in Macquarie Banking & Financial Services division.

Her team is focused on working with Businesses to transform their practices and enable their growth strategies. Her previous role was Head of Managed Account Product at Macquarie. Bianca has over 15 years’ experience at Macquarie, with the majority being spent in the managed account business in roles including Head of Managed Account Operations and Managed Accounts Business Manager.

Bianca is a responsible manager on the Bank’s managed account license and delivers market knowledge and insights to drive the managed account development roadmap.

She has 21 years of experience in the financial services industry including previous roles at State Street, Bankers Trust and Deutsche Bank.

Lukasz de Pourbaix - Lonsec

Lukasz de Pourbaix is the chief investment officer for Lonsec Fiscal Holdings and is responsible for bringing together Lonsec’s broad investment research capability and established portfolio construction experience to deliver packaged investment solutions for financial advisers and their clients.

He has been with Lonsec since 2008, when he joined the group as general manager, investment consulting, before progressing to his current role in 2015. Prior to this, Lukasz held research and consultancy roles at ING and BT Investment Management.

Alex Donald - Ironbark

Prior joining Ironbark Asset Management, Alex Donald was Head of Investment Sales for Colonial First State. He was responsible for the distribution of Colonial’s investment products in the Australian retail market, including research houses ratings, platform representation and the activity of the national sales team, as well as helping develop new products. 

Alex began his career at Hill Samuel Asset Management in 1996 as an equities analyst on their global equities desk. He moved to Australia in 2001 and joined Zurich Investments where he helped restructure Zurich’s retail sales business and as Head of Key Accounts was responsible for Zurich’s research house, platform and dealer relationships. 

Alex has a BA Hons degree in Politics and French from the University of Wales, Swansea

NEAL DUNNE - MOORE STEVENS

Neal is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), as well as an SMSF Specialist Advisor and has over 20 years’ experience as a Financial Adviser. He has held senior roles at HSBC Private Clients, Mercer Wealth Solutions, as an Executive Manager at Commonwealth Private Bank and most recently as General Manager of the Private Wealth Division of Paradigm Wealth Management

Jeff Gebler - Milliman

Jeff joined Milliman in 2004 as a member of the Chicago FRM practice. Before transferring to Australia, Jeff worked on numerous retirement guarantee projects: product development and pricing, financial projections, and development of programs designed to manage the embedded risk on an ongoing basis.

In addition to working on U.S. projects, Jeff has focused on Milliman's European clients, including helping to launch the first retirement guarantees in Germany and Spain. Since transferring to Milliman's Australian practice, Jeff has been involved in numerous local product development and risk management assignments.

Prior to Milliman, he worked in the actuarial area of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Illinois.

Sean Graham - Assured Support

Sean is a Principal of Assured Support Pty Ltd and the Director, Sales and Strategy with OpenAFSL Pty Ltd. Since 1996, Sean has specialised in financial services law, compliance and risk management and has extensive experience in Distribution, stockbroking, product manufacturing and advice.  

In addition to his consulting and policy roles with Suncorp, BT, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia and Mills Oakley Lawyers, he has held senior executive roles with the Millennium3 Financial Services Group and subsidiary companies, Commonwealth Bank and Colonial First State. 

Sam Henderson - Henderson Maxwell

Sam is the financial guru on Network 10′s award-winning The Project, and can be seen as host of Foxtel’s Sky News Business program Your Money Your Call-Retirement every Friday night live at 8pm.

He is also the author of The One Page Financial Plan (2013), SMSF DIY Guide (2012) and Financial Planning DIY Guide (2011).

Sam regularly contributes to a host of print media including Money magazine and the Australian Financial Review and is a regular keynote speaker for the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the Retirement Expos around Australia.

Sam Henderson is CEO and Senior Financial Advisor at Henderson Maxwell

Sam has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Financial Planning), a Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Financial Services, an Advanced Diploma of Marketing Management and is an Accredited Mortgage Consultant, direct share specialist and an expert in Self Managed Superannuation Funds. Sam lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with his partner and three children. He enjoys surfing, crossfit, boating, snow skiing and reading about business and finance.

Jonathan Hoyle - Stanford Brown

Jonathan gained a Masters in Biochemistry from Cambridge University, and then spent 15 years in the global financial markets, mainly on the London bond trading floor of US investment bank, JPMorgan.

In 2006, he jumped on a plane to Sydney with his Gold Coast wife and two children, and has been here ever since. 

He joined Stanford Brown in 2008 to build its Private Wealth division. He has chaired the Investment Committee since its inception in 2009 and became the firm’s Chief Executive Officer in 2015.

He is passionate about helping build an Australian financial advice business that is the benchmark for professionalism, excellence and trust.

In the summer, he can be found watching his son's cricket matches in Wahroonga or at Manly surfing with his daughter; and in the winter, he plays an increasingly inept game of soccer for Manly Allambie Over-35s. You may also find him on the hill at Brookvale with his Chairman watching their beloved Manly Sea Eagles

Jonathan Kilborn - Cardena

Jonathan has 20 years of experience providing financial advice, 15 of those as a Principal at Cardena. Prior to starting Cardena (then known as Arrive Wealth Management), Jonathan provided financial advice as part of the team at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Jonathan is a Financial Planning Specialist with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (CA), a Certified Financial Planner™ with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). He has also lectured at UTS as part of the financial planning major in the Bachelor of Business degree. 

Jonathan aims to provide highly specialised advice and holistic advice aligned to the specific needs of each client. He believes that building a comprehensive and detailed financial strategy is the foundation for all future financial decisions.

Ty Laird - Gamma Wealth

Ty Laird joined Gamma Wealth Group (Gamma) in January 2012 following 5 years at both Macquarie Bank and Goldman Sachs JBWere in various financial and investment advisory roles

Ty holds a Masters of Applied Finance (QUT), a Bachelor of Business (Business & Human Resource Management), a Diploma of Financial Planning and is currently studying the CPA program.

Zac Leman - BT

Over 15 years Zac has acquired extensive experience in the wealth management and platforms industry, with particular in-depth focus on Managed Accounts. Zac’s experience spans developing and implementing SMA solutions for boutique SMA provider, Mason Stevens and delivering dealer group tailored investment solutions for high net worth clients and advisers of Next Financial.  

Zac’s expansive career has also seen him tackle various other roles, including Portfolio Manager with pioneering boutique SMA provider Direct Portfolio, focusing on equity research and portfolio construction and management. At BT Zac brings together his extensive knowledge of managed accounts, platforms and investments to develop unique solutions for financial planners and their clients. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Applied Finance.

James Louw - Morningstar

James is Head of Advice and Investment Solutions, leading Morningstar’s  strategic business initiatives and partnerships in the financial advice and wealth management sector.

James has approximately 23 years of financial services experience in professional advisory firms, primarily with firms specialising in investment and wealth management services. He has held senior leadership and executive positions in these firms, including advising key clients. James’ previous role was the Head of Shadforth based in Tasmania, a leading national financial advisory firm.

James’ career in Australia began at Morningstar as the Head of Institutional in the investment management business

James is a graduate of Oxford University where he was awarded an Oxford Blue and studied Economics and Politics. He has also graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, Honours degree and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning Law. James is also a qualified Chartered Accountant with the institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CANZ). Outside of business, James has also previously been a Non-Executive Director of Cricket Tasmania.

James McCowan - Wealth Management Matters

James is the General Manager of Wealth Management Matters and WMM Portfolio Services.

WMM was established in late 2016 by WCA Chartered Accountants in Lismore.

WMM is all about supporting like minded integrated wealth management business with all the tools and support they need to focus on helping clients achieve their goals and objectives.

Rob McGregor - GPS Wealth

Rob had more than 18 years' experience in some of Australia's leading financial institutions before launching his own successful financial practice in 2001 in Noosa Heads on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

He created Pathway to Wealth - the simple steps to financial success. The program achieved recognition as a 2009 Finalist of the Asset Innovation Awards hosted by the Australian Financial Review.

He also created the CARE Investment process in 2001, a sophisticated investment methodology that was easy for his retired clients to understand and a process that combined the best of modern portfolio theory with the practical reality of behavioural finance and personal customisation.

Rob and business partner Greg Holman launched financial planning group GPS Wealth in 2012. GPS has become arguably the most awarded financial planning group in Australia, having won Dealer Group of the year at the IFA awards in 2015 and 2016 and Licensee of the year in the Core Data excellence awards in 2015, 2016, 2017.

Rob now trains and mentors financial advisers around the country in building their ideal practice, working with ideal clients giving great advice.  He still runs his own successful boutique Financial Planning practice in Noosa. Rob is a passionate surfer and lifesaver who is actively involved in the Marcoola Surf Club.

NICK MITCHELL - NETWEALTH

Nick Mitchell is Head of Distribution at Netwealth, overseeing the platform and managed accounts Sales team. He previously held positions in Melbourne as State Manager at BT Investment Management, Senior Business Development Manager at BNP Paribas Investment Partners, Communications Manager at WHK Group, and as an Administrator at Ennismore Fund Management (London). Nick holds a Diploma of Financial Planning and a Masters of Applied Finance. 

GREG NEWMAN - HUB24

Greg Newman holds a Diploma of Financial Planning (RMIT) and has over 28 years’ experience in financial services covering Asset Management, Platforms, Banking and Dealer group management. 

Greg worked in Asset Management with Colonial First State Fund Managers and BT Asset Management for over 12 years. Greg was a founding executive with Avanteos (now Colonial FirstWrap) and has over 18 years of experience in the platform market most recently with HUB24 as Head of Distribution. 

Greg has held various dealer group roles as Head of Distribution GESB (Government Employees Super Board) and State Manager for BT Advice where he was responsible for 135 advisers across 3 states.Greg is passionate about improving outcomes for advisers and clients through the application of Managed Portfolios.

BERNARD O’CONNOR – AKAMBO PRIVATE WEALTH

Bernard is a co-founder of Akambo Private Wealth and brings a wealth of experience from his 33 years in the equity, fixed interest, currency and futures industries. He has worked at numerous firms including McCaughan Dyson, Ord Minnett, Bell Potter, UBS and Citigroup as a Vice President in the Private Client Group. Bernard’s main areas of expertise is investment advice and management of risk both locally and internationally.

He is RG146 industry accredited and has obtained accreditation in futures and derivatives locally and internationally has US series 7 equity qualifications.

Bernard is well known in the industry, giving lectures on risk management, equity investing and technical analysis for the ASX and the Australian Technical Analysis Association across Australia

TONY RUMBLE - THE WEALTH PARTNERSHIP

Dr Tony Rumble is Director Wealth Management at The Wealth Partnership, a self-licensed boutique wealth management group specializing in HNW and SMSF clients. Tony has a lengthy career in the financial services and taxation industry with over 30 years experience in the investment banking, taxation and funds management sectors.

Tony’s special interest is in the use of ASX listed investments as a means of enhancing control, tax efficiency and cost reduction for HNW and SMSF clients, and is the founder of Australia’s leading educational course for financial advisers, LPAC Online

STEVE THOMAS - NETWEALTH

Steve joined Netwealth in September 2014 and is responsible for driving the growth of the private label managed accounts business. Prior to that, Steve has enjoyed a lengthy career in financial services having gained experience in senior roles across administration, IT, product, platform strategy and sales.

Steve’s core recent focus though has been on platform strategy and development at a number of leading Australian platforms including Navigator, Avanteos, Colonial First State and currently Netwealth. 

Steve is passionate about the industry and particularly the evolving new business models that are creating sustainable long term benefits to advisers and their clients.

PETER TURBACH - ASSURED SUPPORT

Peter has worked for more than 20 years in the financial services sector in both Canada and Australia and has been involved with all aspects of advising and operating MDA’s for the last 8 years. Peter’s experience ranges from acting as Chairman for investment committees to managing operations and P&L.

An expert in MDA management, investment programs and committees, technical systems and platforms, Peter is also a Responsible Manager (RM) specialising in MDA compliance and operations.

VINNIE WADHERA - BETASHARES

Vinnie is responsible for BetaShares’ distribution strategy to institutional investors and financial advisory groups. Vinnie has extensive experience in the investment management industry. He has held senior distribution roles with ING Australia, Allianz Dresdner Asset Management and Third Link Investment Managers. 

Prior to that he was Head of Research at AMP Financial Services responsible for fund manager selection & review and model portfolio construction. Vinnie has attained the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

SUE WALLACE – COLONIAL FIRST STATE

Sue has been with the Colonial First State team since April 1998. She has held a variety of roles during this time, including Head of IT, National Account Manager and since 2012, Head of Product Solutions.

Sue is currently the Executive Manager for Colonial First State’s IFA Strategy program, a number of initiatives designed to support the independent adviser market. In this role, she is leading the development of Managed Accounts on FirstWrap as well as Portfolio Service, a solution developed in conjunction with CommSec to manage directly held and custodial assets in one place.

Sue has more than 20 years’ experience in the wealth management industry.

Passionate about building teams that achieve awesome results, Sue is inspired and motivated by any new challenge. Sue believes that, with anything in life, you must ‘walk a mile’ in the other persons shoes, and if you do this you will always understand and see so much more of the picture.

Sue is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is heavily involved in various bodies that advocate for the advancement of women in the financial services sector.

CHRIS WILLATON – AKAMBO PRIVATE WEALTH

Chris has been working in the wealth management industry since 1987, starting out at stockbroking firm McCaughan Dyson.

He has since worked with Prudential Bache Securities, ANZ, and with Citigroup as a Vice President in the Private Client Group.

He has extensive experience in managing investment portfolios and trading strategies over Australian and international equities and associated derivative products, in addition to providing broader investment solutions.

Chris has RG146 industry accreditation, has extensive experience in advising on options and other derivative products, and has obtained US Series 7 qualifications.

He has a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Masters Degree in International Business from the University of Melbourne

MARK WILLS – STATE STREET GLOBAL ADVISORS

Mark is a Managing Director of State Street Global Advisors and Head of the Investment Solutions Group, Asia Pacific. He is responsible for developing and implementing tactical and strategic multi asset class solutions for institutional clients. Mark joined SSGA in August 2011.

Previously Mark worked at Goldman Sachs JBWere in Australia, where he held a number of roles, most recently as an Executive Director in Transition Management. Prior to that role he worked in Equity Derivatives.

Mark has earned a Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University and a Masters of Business in Applied Finance from the University of Technology.