This year’s top 10 stories included a peek into AustralianSuper’s international equities build out in London, AMP’s move to slash employee benefits, and plenty of hard-hitting analysis of the issues that matter in institutional investment. But the real story is how readers helped shape all of that coverage.
Orbis’ Stuart Place is riding from Melbourne to the Moon and Back to fund a treatment for the “monster of a disease” that his youngest son was born with. The investment industry is rallying behind him.
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.
