11th Annual Asset Allocation Australia Summit
15 May 2025, Sydney
Draft Agenda
Keynote: Unpacking global geopolitical developments and the outlook for investors
- Assessing how emerging policies abroad and at home will impact economic growth, inflation and interest rates
- Questioning the implications upon different industries, sectors and socioeconomic groups
- Reflecting on market volatility and navigating uncertain market conditions
- Positioning investment portfolios to outperform amidst global geopolitical shifts
Alexander Downer AC, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs
Workshopping risk scenarios to prepare your asset allocation strategy for unforeseen disruptions
- Incorporating key macro and microeconomic risk factors and examining their correlations
- Challenging assumptions through scenario analysis and stress testing
- Identifying hidden vulnerabilities and dependencies within portfolios with correlation testing
- Reviewing assumptions continuously and recalibrating strategies as new data emerges
Jane Couchman, Chief Risk Officer and Group Executive, Sustainability, Aware Super
Panel: Adjusting approaches to portfolio diversification to match market characteristics
- Recalibrating portfolio diversification to suit the economy’s current stage of recession, recovery or expansion
- Mitigating pressure from rising interest rates and inflation with opportune investments in real assets
- Accounting for geopolitical risk to diversify on sector and region-wide scales
- Shifting to defensive sectors in periods of market downturn or uncertainty
Mark Rider, Chief Investment Officer, Brighter Super
Craig Thorburn, Director Research and Insights, Future Fund
Michael Mi, Deputy Chief Investment Office, NGS Super
Ross Etherington, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Coal LSL
Incorporating liquid alternatives to navigate tightening markets
- Integrating liquid alternatives into portfolios to safeguard and enhance returns
- Mitigating interest rate sensitivity by diversifying across highly liquid assets
- Managing downside risks by investing in derivative instruments
- Balancing liquid alternatives with illiquid investments to meet short-term performance tests
Dimitri Curtil, Global Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, Newton Investment Management Group
Panel: Questioning the impact of inflation and interest rates on investor strategy
- Evaluating inflation and interest rate effects on strategy and returns from multiple perspectives
- Allocating to inflation-hedging assets to enhance real returns
- Identifying portfolio risks and developing strategies to mitigate interest rate exposure
- Maintaining adaptability to ensure resilience amidst shifting market conditions
Matthieu Durin, Chief Investment Officer, Allianz Australia Insurance
Martin Crabb, Chief Investment Officer, Shaw and Partners
Richard Allen, Head of Investments and Asset Liability Management, TAL
Ed Tomlinson, Chief Investment Officer, Future Super
Panel: Identifying sustainable and social assets to propel positive impact of investments
- Targeting growth opportunities which address pressing social and environmental issues
- Exploring community investment opportunities that prioritise underserved populations and regions
- Focusing on sustainable and impact-driven assets in energy and social enterprises
- Leveraging ESG criteria to measure portfolio contributions and drive meaningful impact
Andrew Sneddon, Chief Investment Officer, Brightlight Group
Brett Chatfield, Chief Investment Officer, Cbus Super
Rory Lonergan, Chief Investment Officer, Clean Energy Finance Corporation
Dinusha Periris, Responsible Investment Manager, Suncorp
Christina Hobbs, A/Chief Impact Officer, Future Group
Panel: Maximising risk-adjusted returns through effective risk management
- Structuring risk/return strategies to optimise yields while mitigating known risks and unforeseen disruptions
- Building resilience through diversification and leveraging multiple factors
- Hedging against market volatility by incorporating derivatives to protect returns
- Adapting to changing market conditions with flexible allocation approaches
Marina Pasika, Head of Growth Alternatives, Rest Super
Thomas Gillespie, Head of Investment Risk, NSW TCorp
Andrew Fisher, Head of Portfolio Strategy – Asset Allocation, Australian Retirement Trust
Panel: Platforming diversity as a strategic advantage in investment teams
- Assembling diverse teams to prevent groupthink and foster enhanced decision-making
- Unlocking access to markets and sectors through varied expertise and insights
- Fostering innovation through encouraging unique and out-of-the-box insights
- Expanding talent pools by engaging underrepresented demographics
Keri Pratt, General Manager Defined Benefits Assets and Liabilities, State Super