The Coalition has pledged to give young Australians access to up to $50,000 in their retirement savings to get a toehold in the housing market. Super funds say it will only further inflate property prices.
Listed property, which found investor favour in 2024, is better positioned to weather market volatility with institutions eyeing improving valuations and development opportunities. For overseas players, a weaker Australian dollar is a bonus.
Brown to step down from ACSA
Rob Brown has resigned his position as chief executive of the Australian Custodial Services Association to pursue business interests. He will continue until a suitable replacement is found.
Brown has spent many years in asset servicing, starting with State Street in the mid-1990s – as well as running NAB-owned Ausmaq for six years until 2010, followed by four years at HSBC as head of client relationship management.
He said he intended to launch a new business with key associates. Details would be announced in coming months. He is expected to remain with ACSA at least until September to assist with a handover.
The position is an important one for ACSA, involving the co-ordination of a lot of the behind-the-scenes work of the various committees which produce advice and analyses of regulatory changes and proposals impacting the investment operations of both managers and super funds.
Prior to his appointment the association had contracted for assistance from the Financial Services Council, but this was seen to have run its course after key personnel had left.
Sally Surgeon, the ACSA chair, is overseeing the transition process. She said: “On behalf of the ACSA board and our members I want to thank Rob for his advocacy, leadership and contribution to the association over the past four years.
“Rob led the organisation through a major transformation of operating model, put in place key management disciplines and fostered a high standard for engagement within the member base and external stakeholders. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”
Brown said he was proud of his contribution and believed that ACSA was in a strong position to continue its role as the voice of the custody and investment administration sector.
“ACSA does an amazing job through our voluntary working groups in promoting systemic efficiency improvement on behalf of members and their clients. While not grabbing the headlines, the association makes an important contribution to the machinery of the financial services sector, including superannuation and managed funds,” he said.
