Major institutional player BNY Mellon has made a key appointment specifically aimed at tapping into the self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) segment.
The company confirmed today that it had appointed former Perpetual and Alliance Bernstein staff member Brigette Leckie as vice president, intermediary relationships in Australia.
Announcing the appointment, BNY Mellon Asset Management Australia managing director Bruce Murphy said the new position had been created to support the company's planned expansion into the SMSF arena.
"The SMSF segment is the fastest growing in Australia but, as yet, has not embraced global investing as a way to diversify risk and improve returns," he said.
BNY Mellon Asia-Pacific chief executive Alan Harden said the company was very ambitious and had a long-term goal to become one of the premier investment management firms in the region.
"Australia is a key market in helping us achieve this goal," he said.
As the Australian financial landscape faces increasing scrutiny from regulators, superannuation fund leaders are doubling down on their support for private markets, arguing these investments are not just necessary but critical for long-term financial stability.
Australian Retirement Trust (ART) is leaning on its private asset allocation to help shield members from ongoing market volatility, as its chief economist stresses the importance of long-term thinking and diversification.
AustralianSuper is poised to cement its leadership in the superannuation landscape over the next five years, with fresh research forecasting a sharp shift in the sector’s power dynamics.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has warned that significant liquidity pressures could arise in the superannuation sector if multiple risks materialise at once, potentially amplifying shocks in the financial system.