Sydney Program
- Geopolitics Key Note
- Opportunities in Private Credit
- Structural Opportunities in Emerging Markets: India
- The View from Washington
- Integrating private markets investments into portfolios
- Global Growth opportunities
- The case for an allocation to Global REITs
- Opening up private markets: creating more access and transparency
- FAAA keynote - The 2026 Challenges for Advisers
Melbourne Program
- The changing nature of geo-political landscape - what this means for investment and portfolio construction
- Navigating uncertain global environments – why chaos can be a friend
- Private credit - transparency and disclosures are essential
- Global Factor Investments: Trends, Challenges and Opportunitiess
- The emerging shape of Managed Accounts
- A practitioners guide to risk and returns in fixed income
- Emerging Small and Micro Companies
- Portfolio Management through the Advice Lens
- AFCA Keynote
Book Sydney Thursday 19th March 2026
Book Melbourne Friday 27th March 2026
Principal Sponsor
Conference Presenters
CIO & Founder
arcpoint OCIO
Jacqueline Fernley
Founder & CEO
arcpoint OCIO
Jacqueline Fernley is the Founder of arcpoint OCIO. She leads partnerships with wealth practices, family offices and foundations to deliver decision quality at scale through CIO-level stewardship, institutional governance, and disciplined implementation across public and private markets.
Jacqueline is a senior investment executive with deep experience across listed equities and multi-asset investing. Most recently, she served as Chief Investment Officer at Mason Stevens, leading the asset management function and overseeing approximately $9 billion of client capital.
Her earlier career includes Head of Research at Wilson HTM and senior roles at Magellan Financial Group, alongside positions including Head of Equities at JBWere and Australian Equity Portfolio Manager at Colonial First State Global Asset Management.
Jacqueline is an Independent Non-Executive Director of Microba Life Sciences Ltd and Chair of its Remuneration and Nomination Committee.
She holds a BCom/LLB from Bond University, is a CFA Charterholder and GAICD, and a member of Chief Executive Women (CEW).
CEO - Investment Solutions
Ironbark
Alex Donald
CEO - Investment Solutions
Ironbark
Alex Donald is CEO of Ironbark’s Investment Solutions business and has over 25 years’ of experience in the financial services industry in both Australia and the UK.
Alex is responsible for Ironbark’s Funds Management and Corporate Trustee businesses. He manages the development and execution of the Investment Solutions strategy, and is responsible for overseeing manager selection, product development, and the distribution of Ironbark’s capabilities into the wholesale and institutional markets.
Before joining Ironbark in 2009, Alex was Head of Investment Sales for Colonial First State where he was responsible for the distribution of Colonial’s investment products in the Australian market.
Alex has a BA Hons degree in Politics and French from the University of Wales, Swansea
Director, Senior Portfolio Manager
Russell Investments
Alexander Cousley, CFA
Director, Senior Portfolio Manager
Russell Investments
Alexander Cousley is the Asia Pacific Investment Strategist for Russell Investments. His research and views help guide Russell’s actively managed portfolios. As well as coverage of the Asia Pacific, he is a member of the Risk-On, Risk-Off, and Listed Real Assets SME team, responsible for tactical opportunities and process enhancement.
Alexander is a CFA Charterholder and is a member of the CFA Society of Sydney. Before joining Russell Investments, Alexander worked at BIS Shrapnel as an asset sales consultant for an economic research firm. He advised on a number of large Australian infrastructure deals, including Transgrid, Ausgrid, and the Port of Melbourne. Alexander also built a national freight model for an Australian rail transport company.
Principal - Investments
Mercer
Andrew Stewart, CFA
Principal
Mercer
Andrew Stewart is a Principal in Mercer’s Investments business, based in Sydney. His main responsibilities involve leading the selection of investment managers and strategies within the wealth client segment whilst also providing asset allocation and overall investment strategy advice to clients.
Before joining Mercer in February 2020, Andrew gained more than eight years of experience within the multi-family office and wealth management industries working as an investment manager advising clients on asset allocation, investment selection and overall strategy across the ultra-high- and high-net-worth client space.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and International Business) and Bachelor of Laws (Corporate and Commercial Law) from the Bond University.
He is a holder of the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.
Head of Private Markets Indices
S&P Dow Jones Indices
Ari Rajendra
Head of Private Markets Indices
S&P Dow Jones Indices
Ari Rajendra is Head of Private Markets Indices at S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI).
He leads the development and commercialization of benchmarks that bring transparency and structure to private markets, including private equity, private credit and related asset classes.
Since joining S&P DJI in 2020, Ari has held several product leadership roles, most recently as Head of Thematic Indices, where he was responsible for developing and expanding the firm’s suite of innovative and sustainable thematic strategies.
Prior to S&P DJI, Ari spent 10 years at Deutsche Bank in London as the European lead for Delta 1 Strategy, overseeing index and custom product design, marketing and client solutions. Earlier in his career, he led European Equity Index Research at J.P. Morgan and held roles at UBS and a proprietary trading firm.
Ari holds a master’s degree in electrical and information engineering from the University of Cambridge
Director
BondAdviser
Charlie Callan, CFA
Director
BondAdviser
Charlie is BondAdviser’s Head of Investment Solutions. He is a portfolio manager for BondAdviser’s SMAs, IMAs and model portfolios. Charlie has extensive fixed income markets experience, being wall-crossed as a credit analyst on over 80 transactions totaling in excess of $45 billion in raised capital.
He is a voting member of BondAdviser’s Investment Committee and Credit Committee.
Charlie is also responsible for the design and development of BA’s quant models and systems.
Charlie joined BondAdviser in 2018 as an Analyst, and subsequently became the Head of Research. In prior roles, Charlie has worked at Credit Suisse and Fordham, a business advisory firm that is part of Perpetual Limited.
Charlie is a Chartered Financial Analyst and graduate of The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Accounting).
Chief Investment Officer
Invest BLue
Chris Ogilvie, CFP
Chief Investment Officer, Financial Adviser,
Invest Blue
Chris has been a financial planner since 1999. He started out on his financial planning career working with his father Keith in what became Cornerstone Financial Group – a highly successful, award winning financial planning business.
Chris is a Director of Invest Blue and has been actively involved in the financial planning profession being a past Chairman of the AMPFPA, of which he is a life member.
Chris is passionate about helping clients live their best possible life and believes smart financial decision making is central to achieving this goal.
Investment Analyst
Infinity Asset Management
Chris Reynolds
Investment Analyst
Infinity Asset Management
Chris is responsible for assisting with the management of Infinity’s diversified and sector portfolios, including manager research and the provision of relevant financial market insights and updates to its investor base. He has over 5 years of experience in financial markets.
Prior to joining Infinity Asset Management, Chris was an Associate Portfolio Manager within Viridian Portfolio Management, the portfolio management division of Viridian Advisory, where he assisted in the management of the covered call income strategy and sat on the investment committee.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Melbourne, majoring in Finance and Economics, and has passed CFA Level II.
Chief Investment Officer
Akambo
Chris Willaton
Chief Investment Officer
Akambo
Chris joined Akambo in 2008, shortly after the company was founded, and has been instrumental in shaping its investment offering ever since.
With a career in wealth management since 1987, he began at stockbroking firm McCaughan Dyson before progressing through senior roles at Prudential Bache Securities, ANZ, and Citigroup, where he served as Vice President in the Private Client Group.
Over the years, Chris has developed deep expertise in portfolio management and trading strategies across Australian and global equity markets.
As Chief Investment Officer, Chris oversees, performs, and strategically directs Akambo’s investment suite. He is passionate about creating transparent, forward-thinking solutions that meet the evolving needs of a broad range of investors, from individuals to institutions.
With a strong focus on outcomes and risk awareness, Chris ensures every decision aligns with Akambo’s commitment to quality, clarity, and client success.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Master’s in International Business from the University of Melbourne.
Director Business Development
VanEck
Damon Gosen
Director - Business Development
VanEck
Damon joined VanEck in 2015 and is responsible for business development across the broker and financial planning channels in Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.
With more than 15 years' experience in financial services, Damon has worked in investment roles at AMP Capital and AXA.
With deep experience in funds management and portfolio construction, his key focus is on taking quality, low cost investment solutions to investors.
Damon has an MBA from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Economics from The University of Queensland
Deputy CIS, Portfolio Manager Multi Asset
Evidentia
Deanne Baker
Deputy CIS, Portfolio Manager Multi Asset
Evidentia
Deanne joined Lonsec Investment Solutions (now Evidentia) as Portfolio Manager in late 2019 and is responsible for the management of Lonsec’s multi-asset & retirement portfolios.
Deanne was with the Lonsec Group since July 2007 and holds over 20 years’ experience in managed funds research and portfolio management.
Prior to joining LIS, Deanne was Co-Head of Manager Research at Lonsec, responsible for the quality and suitability of Lonsec’s managed funds research and overseeing an award-winning team of analysts.
Deanne is a member of the Asset Allocation and Manager Selection Committees.
In prior roles Deanne spent 7 years with Invesco (and its predecessor, County Investment Management) where she worked as an Investment Analyst and later, Assistant Investment Manager for multi-asset class and structured portfolios.
Deanne has also previously held roles at Barclays Stockbrokers and Legal & General Investment Management in the UK.
Co-Portfolio Manager
Sands Capital
Danielle Menichella, CFA
Co-Portfolio manager
Sands Capital
Danielle Menichella is a co-portfolio manager of the Sands Capital International Growth, Global Shariah, Global Leaders, and International Leaders strategies and a senior research analyst.
Danielle, who has 25 years of experience investing in equity markets, joined Sands Capital in 2013 as a research analyst primarily covering automotive, machine vision, and specialty chemicals and materials businesses. In 2020, she was promoted to senior research analyst and also joined the Global Shariah portfolio management team. Danielle was named co-portfolio manager of the International Growth strategy in 2022 and of the Global Leaders and International Leaders strategies in 2024.
Before joining Sands Capital, Danielle was a senior analyst at Ashmore Equities Investment Management (now Ashmore Group), which acquired Emerging Markets Management, where she began her career as an analyst.
Danielle received an AB from Duke University. She is a CFA® charterholder..
Chief Investment Officer
Evidentia
Darren Beesley FIAA
Chief Investment Officer
Evidentia Group
Darren is an experienced multi-asset portfolio manager and brings specialist knowledge in portfolio construction, investment strategy, asset allocation, and risk management. He has held roles in funds management and asset consulting over the past 19 years.
Prior to joining Evidentia Darren was Head of Portfolio Management at AMP Capital where he led a team of portfolio managers and analysts responsible for AMP’s range of multi-asset funds including super, pension, goals based, insurance-linked and passive portfolios totalling $80 billion FUM.
Darren also headed the research and development program of the AMP Capital Multi-Asset Group and oversaw portfolio construction, asset allocation and implementation across the group’s set of multi-asset funds.
Prior to joining AMP, Darren was Portfolio Manager for Perpetual’s Diversified Strategies team where he was responsible for a range of multi-asset funds. Mr Beesley has also worked as portfolio manager and dealer at Ankura Capital (quantitative Australian equities), and as an investment analyst at Willis Towers Watson.
Darren is Chief Investment Officer and a Partner at Evidentia. In this role he has responsibility for the Multi Asset component of the investment management function including capital markets research, and asset allocation. He is also the portfolio manager of the Evidentia multi asset portfolios.
Darren is qualified as a Fellow of the Actuaries Institute of Australia (FIAA) and sits on the Actuaries Institute Retirement Income Working Group. He completed a Commerce Degree at UNSW majoring in finance and actuarial studies and was awarded the UNSW Co-op Scholarship in actuarial studies.
Chief Investment Officer
Infocus
Jeff Mitchell CIMA
Chief Investment Officer
Infocus
Jeff Mitchell joined Infocus as Chief Investment Officer in August 2018, bringing over 25 years of experience in financial markets, asset consulting, and private wealth management.
He oversees all investment-related advice, policy, and governance at Infocus, with a focus on portfolio construction, investment research, and strategy selection.
Additionally, Jeff heads Alpha Investment Management (Alpha), where he initiated the SMA program, now managing circa $2.5 billion in funds.
Prior to Infocus, Jeff headed the investment research group at Australian Unity Personal Financial Services (PFS), managing capital markets and portfolio construction. He was also a portfolio manager for PFSIM, overseeing multi-strategy and equity Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs).
Jeff is a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and holds a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment, a Diploma of Financial Planning, a Diploma of Technical Analysis, and a Diploma of Management.
Portfolio Manager
Bell Asset Management
Joel Connell
Portfolio Manager
Bell Asset Management
Joel Connell is a Portfolio Manager with 19 years of experience in the investment management industry.
He joined Bell Asset Management in 2006, initially gaining experience in client service and business development before transitioning to the investment team. In 2024, Joel was promoted from Senior Investment Analyst to Portfolio Manager. He has portfolio construction responsibilities and provides research coverage across the Health Care, Consumer Staples, and Financials sectors, spanning the cap size spectrum.
Joel holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Deakin University, where he was part of the Dean’s Scholars Program, and a Master of Applied Finance from Kaplan Professional Education.
Partner & Portfolio Manager
Trellia Wealth Partners,
Partner & Portfolio Manager
Trellia Wealth Partners
Jonathan is a founding partner of Trellia Wealth Partners, specialising in research, asset allocation, and portfolio construction. He works closely with clients to design and manage managed account solutions, delivering disciplined portfolio outcomes and clear, practical market insights.
With nearly 30 years’ experience across asset consulting and funds management in the UK and Australia, Jonathan has held senior leadership roles including Head of Asset Consulting and Chief Investment Officer. He brings deep expertise in valuation, market structure and risk management.
Jonathan previously led Asset Consulting at van EykResearch and co-founded InvestSense, which later merged with the Betashares Managed Accounts business to form Trellia Wealth Partners.
Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Arts (French and Economics) from the University of East Anglia (England).
Managing Director, Investment Strategist
Wellington Management
Jeremy Butterworth, CFA
Managing Director, Investment Strategist
Wellington Management
As an investment strategist with Wellington Management, Jeremy works closely with portfolio managers as well as the firm’s macroanalysts to articulate our investment views to clients and prospects.
He covers a variety of strategies and asset classes, spanning equities, credit, and alternative investments.
He represents the firm’s global investment capabilities and advises clients, prospects, and consultants
M.D. & Global Market Strategist
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Kerry Craig
Managing Director & Global Market Strategist
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Kerry is a Managing Director and Global Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Kerry brings a wealth of experience to the table, shaping market understanding and informing investment decisions.
Based in Melbourne, Kerry is a key communicator of the latest insights from the Global Market Insights Strategy Team, ensuring clients stay informed on global economic trends and market movements.
Before joining J.P. Morgan, Kerry worked within the UK pensions industry as well as holding economic research positions within the New Zealand government. With well over a decade of experience navigating the complexities of financial markets, he has become a trusted voice in the business and mainstream media, offering insightful commentary on key economic and market themes.
Kerry holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Auckland and is a CFA charterholder, underscoring his deep understanding of the financial landscape.
Senior Portfolio Manager
Global X ETF
Malcolm Dorson
Head of the Active Investment Team &
Senior Portfolio Manager for Emerging Market Equities
Global X ETFs
Malcolm leads teams responsible for fundamental research, portfolio construction, and implementation of the firm’s fundamental active strategies.
Malcolm and his team are also responsible for identifying and communicating investment opportunities across Global X’s extensive pillar of international products.
Malcolm joined Mirae Asset Global Investment in 2015 and took over his role at Global X in 2023.
Previously, Malcolm worked at Ashmore Group, where he served as the lead analyst for Latin American equities.
He has also held roles at Citi and Deutsche Bank. His work has appeared in numerous media outlets including Barron’s, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal.
Malcolm holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School and a master's degree in International Studies from the Lauder Institute.
He also holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Head of Real Estate Securities
Dexus Real Estate Securities
Mark Mazzarella, CFA
Head of Real Estate Securities
Dexus Real Estate Securities
Mark joined Dexus Real Estate Securities (formerly APN Real Estate Securities) team in 2014. Mark is responsible for the management of the Dexus suite of real estate securities funds. Mark is also the Lead Portfolio Manager of the Dexus Global REIT Fund and Dexus Asian REIT Fund.
Prior to joining Dexus, Mark worked for Ernst & Young as a Senior Consultant and was responsible for real estate market research, property valuation, project feasibility studies, scenario analysis, financial modelling for real estate investments, transaction due diligence and bespoke advisory engagements. Mark also spent time within the Ernst & Young corporate finance team in Singapore.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Bachelor of Property and Construction (Property) from the University of Melbourne. He is an Associate of the Australian Property Institute, a Certified Practicing Valuer and a CFA charter holder
Head of Wealth
JANA Investment Advisers
Head of Wealth
JANA
Michael leads JANA Wealth, managing sector engagement, including Family Offices. Michael is also chair of the JANA's Wealth Asset Allocation Committee.
He has a total of more than 36 years of industry experience. Prior to joining JANA, Michael was a Head of Private Investment Consulting at NAB.
He previously held the role of Head of Asset Allocation at UBS Global Asset Management in Australia and Global Head of Asset Allocation and Investment Strategy at Aberdeen Asset Managers in London.
He graduated with a BEc from the University of Adelaide, and subsequently joined the Department of Treasury in Canberra
Managing Director
Sands Capital
Mike Gibb
Managing Director
Sands Capital
Mike is a managing director, business development and client relations. Since joining the firm in 2020, he has led Sands Capital’s expansion in Asia and Australia, relocating to Singapore to open the firm’s Asia office.
Before joining Sands Capital, Mike served as head of stewardship and sustainable investment at Fidelity International in London. Before that, he spent more than a decade with Martin Currie Investment Management, now part of ClearBridge Investment Management under Franklin Templeton.
Mike earned an MBA from the University of Edinburgh and an MA in economic science from the University of Aberdeen.
He is a member of CFA U.K. and a chartered member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, and he holds a certificate in sustainability leadership from the University of Cambridge.
Director Strategy & Strategic Partnerships
BT Platform
Nick Blue
Director – Strategy & Strategic Partnerships
BT
Nick is a Director of strategy and strategic partnerships for the BT Platform business.
Nick has been at BT for 19 years and in the financial services industry for 25 years and is passionate about the role BT plays in supporting advisers and financial advice. He is also an expert on the platform market and how BT can help enable quality advice in the most efficient way.
Nick holds qualifications in Economics, Applied Finance and Financial Planning and is currently completing his studies in the lean six sigma methodology.
Chief Executive Officer
Douglas Funds Consulting
Nigel Douglas
Chief Executive Officer
Douglas Funds Consulting
Douglas Funds Consulting is an independent research firm that undertakes customised fund and client specific research projects as well as investment committee and non-executive director roles.
Mr Douglas has over 30 years financial markets experience with high level expertise in investment manager research, asset allocation and macroeconomics.
Senior Ombudsman
AFCA
Patrick Hartney
Senior Ombudsman
AFCA
Patrick completed a bachelor of law and bachelor of business at La Trobe University prior to commencing his professional career as a lawyer in private practice.
From practising law, Patrick commenced his AFCA career in 2018 initially working in case management. Patrick then moved into people management before entering the decision maker space in 2023.
Outside of AFCA, Patrick has a strong connection to many local sporting clubs and associations. He has filled the roles of coach, captain, committee member, tribunal member and chair and events coordinator.
State Manager
DASH
Peter Panigiris
State Manager QLD/NSW
DASH
Peter has over 10 years experience in the financial advice landscape.
Peter started his career as a paraplanner for a boutique advice firm, before moving to EY where he assisted wealth management and financial advice businesses in order to realise operational efficiencies and provide an exceptional experience to their clients.
Most recently, Peter has held key roles assisting advisers with financial planning software solutions, which span across the entire advice value chain.
Sector Head Equities & FI
SQM Research
Paul Saliba
Sector Head Equities & Fixed Income Fund Research
SQM Research
Paul is the Sector Head Equities & Fixed Income Fund Research at SQM Research working in the fund research department of SQM Research.
He is an investment professional having joined the industry in the late 1990s.
Prior to SQM Paul has worked in roles as a Supervisory Analyst roles with Citigroup and Credit Suisse, Portfolio Manager at Mosaic Portfolio Advisers, Senior Manager Listed Securities & Applied Solution at AMP and Head of Equities & Portfolio Construction at IOOF.
Paul is also the founder and managing director of Evolutionary Portfolio Services.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment and a Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning) and is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia.
Chief Executive Officer
Financial Advice Assoc. (FAAA).
Sarah Abood
Chief Executive Officer
Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA).
Sarah Abood is Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA).
She has over 25 years’ experience working in the financial services industry and she is a passionate advocate for financial planning.
Sarah has a deep understanding of the financial planning profession, and the demands of running a financial planning practice. This was gained from her nine years as CEO of Profile Financial Services, a privately-owned and self-licensed financial planning firm and FPA Professional Practice.
Prior to commencing as FAAA CEO, Ms Abood held the position of chief operating officer at HOPE Housing Funds Management. She has also worked in senior change and transformation, and marketing roles for some of Australia’s leading financial institutions.
Sarah holds a BA from the University of Sydney, an MBA from Macquarie University (MGSM) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Chief Investment Officer
Nanuk
Tom King OAM
Chief Investment Officer
Nanuk
Tom joined Nanuk in 2009 and is a director of the firm, the firm’s chief investment officer and one of the firm’s portfolio managers with approximately 20 years’ investment industry experience in equity funds management, investment banking and private equity.
He was previously an investment manager at Consolidated Press Holdings Limited, an Associate Director with NM Rothschild & Sons (Australia) Ltd and worked as an investment analyst with Australian equities fund manager Herschel Asset Management Ltd.
Tom holds a first class honours degree in Engineering from the University of Melbourne.
Venue Details - SYDNEY
IMAP Portfolio Management Conference 2026 is being held in Sydney's CBD on Thursday 19th March 2026 at:
The Paradox Hotel
66 Pitt Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
ph +61 2 8214 0000
https://www.paradoxhotels.com/sydney
Venue Details - Melbourne
IMAP Portfolio Management Conference in Melbourne is being held at the RACV Club on Friday 27th March 2026
RACV Club
501 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9281 8000
https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-club
IMAP Events Team Contact Details
Please contact the IMAP Event team with any queries:
Email Address: support@imap.com.au
Phone: (+61) 0485 528 687