The world is straddling multiple inflection points. Informed decision-making to ensure thriving futures for Australia’s superannuation fund members has never been more vital. To help make sense of the kaleidoscope of changing investment horizons, ASFA – the voice of super – is proud to launch its inaugural Investment Summit. Designed specifically for superannuation investment teams working at strategy and portfolio level, this conference brings together the brightest minds, most innovative speakers and power players under the theme Changing Horizons, Thriving Futures to meet the challenges and opportunities of a changing world.
The ASFA Investment Summit will bring together visionaries, industry leaders, and thought leaders that shape the future of investment. This summit is a platform for insights, strategic discussions, and transformative ideas. Our speakers are at the forefront of their fields, bringing invaluable perspectives on the latest trends and opportunities in the investment world.
Headlining our speaker lineup is Anthony Scaramucci, founder and co-managing partner of alternative asset manager Skybridge, and communications director to former US President Donald Trump. His in-person keynote will be followed by an audience Q and A examining what a possible second Trump presidency could mean geopolitically and for investors around the world. With a long career in investment and an infamous stint in politics, he is uniquely placed to deliver insights from US financial and political epicentres.
Gathering in Newcastle, the heart of Australia’s energy transition, delegates will see first-hand the net-zero economy coming to life through site tours and have an opportunity to meet the communities transitioning from carbon-heavy industries to clean energy jobs, and understand the impact investment decisions have on them.
The agenda includes sessions on key strategic issues such as geopolitics, tech innovation, portfolio construction for an aging population and the net zero economy. The ASFA Investment Summit 2024 is a must attend event to inform future portfolio decision making with cutting-edge insights and strategies.
*Agenda subject to change
2pm
Arrival of delegates
3pm
Welcome & Offshore Port Tour
The Port of Newcastle is not only the East Coast’s largest deepwater port, it is also home to the landmark Clean Energy Precinct, positioning the Hunter Region as a global diversified energy gateway. Join the guided boat tour to see how developments including the Precinct, the Kooragang Island Hydrogen Hub and offshore wind projects are bringing net-zero investments to life.
Please register your interest here to attend this tour.
Mary Delahunty
Chief Executive Officer, ASFA
Craig Carmody
CEO, Port of Newcastle
Nick Livesey
CFO & CCO, Port of Newcastle
Hugh Fitzsimons
Division Director, Macquarie Asset Management
5.30pm
Networking Drinks sponsored by Port of Newcastle | Rydges Hotel
7:15am
Breakfast registration
7:30am
Networking Breakfast Event
The net-zero transition has huge impacts not only for investments, but on communities. At this special meet-and-greet breakfast, hear from and talk with locals and energy workers living through the transition about the real-world impacts of this seismic shift.
Venue: Crown and Anchor, 6/11 Union St Newcastle, a short 5 minute walk away from the Rydges Hotel
Cr Declan Clausen
Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Newcastle
Director, Active Super
Justin Page
Hunter Jobs Alliance
9:15am
Welcome
Mary Delahunty
Chief Executive Officer, ASFA
9:25am
Welcome to Country
9:35am
Session 1: Gen AI in Investment Ops
Microsoft’s Director of Financial Services, and Blackstone’s Global Chief Technology Officer lay out the opportunities for generative AI in investment operations, what it can and can’t do, and where the future is headed.
Rebecca Engel
Head of Capital Markets, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand
John Stecher
Chief Technology Officer, Blackstone (US)
Louise Watson
Country Head ANZ, Natixis
(Moderator)
10:15am
Session 2: Risk Sequencing
How do we manage risk within our portfolios for an ageing population in a decumulation environment?
Anna Shelley
Chief Investment Officer, AMP
Justine O’Connell
Head of Portfolio Construction, Australian Super
Richard Boyfield
Head of Consulting, Investments & Retirement, Mercer
Nicki Ashton
Head of Financial institutions Sales and Solutions, Citibank
(Moderator)
10:50am
Session 3: Banks of Tomorrow?
The private credit opportunity is tipped to grow to US$2.3 trillion over the next five year as banks cede territory, but how do superannuation funds weigh the risk vs reward of private debt against equity?
Bill McWilliams
Chief Investment Officer, MaxCap Group
Patrick Winsbury
Country Head Australia, Moody’s Investors Service
Lillian Nunez
Executive Director, Co-Head of Australian Diversified Credit, Debt Investments, IFM Investors
Graeme Mather
Partner, Antler
(Moderator)
11:25am
Morning Tea
11:45am
Session 4: Beyond Data Centres – AI Winners and Losers
Some of Australia’s leading thinkers in AI and the CIO of REST, which has invested heavily in data centres, discuss what will be the impact of generative AI and other machine learning on asset classes, and where investors should be looking.
Rebecca Engel
Director, Financial Services Industry, Microsoft
Andrew Lill
Chief Investment Officer, Rest Super
Dr. Stefan Hajkowicz
Chief Research Consultant, CSIRO
Louise Watson
Country Head ANZ, Natixis
(Moderator)
12:30pm
Breakout 1: AI vs ESG
Decoding the effect of AI on the E, S and G of investment, presented by the authors of the CSIRO’s framework to help investors identify and manage emerging artificial intelligence risks and opportunities by building on existing environmental, social and governance foundations.
Jessica Cairns
Head of ESG and Sustainability, Alphinity Investment Management
Dr. Liming Zhu
Research Director, CSIRO Data61
Steve Whatmore
Head of Private Equity, QIC
Marie Cardaci
Deputy Head of Responsible Investing, Frontier Advisors
(Moderator)
Breakout 2: Changes in Investment Governance
From the Board determining every investment to the establishment of Investment Committees and complex delegation frameworks, veteran investors reflect on the pathway investment governance has taken, and where it is heading
Mark Burgess
Chair, Investment Committee, Australian Retirement Trust
Deirdre Wroth
Director, Mine Super
Adam Vise
Group Treasurer, GM – Strategy & Impact, Australian Unity
Mary Delahunty
Chief Executive Officer, ASFA
(Moderator)
1:10pm
Lunch
2pm
Session 5: Liquidity Management
A dynamic and robust liquidity management framework is essential to navigate uncertainties and maintain stability during volatile periods. How can Australia super funds benefit from liquidity opportunities while considering key factors such as price, size, duration, and collateral guidelines.
Filippo Santilli
Director of Cross Sales, Markets, BNY
Ed Tomlinson
Chief Investment Officer, Future Super
(Moderator)
2:30pm
Session 6: Overcoming Energy Transition Roadblocks
The path to net-zero is paved with roadblocks and headwinds. How do investors navigate the short-term barriers and risks to benefit from the long-term shift to clean energy?
Dr. Mary Manning
Chief Investment Officer, National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC)
Jiren Zhou
Portfolio Manager – Infrastructure & Real Assets, Aware Super
Kirsten Hannan
Managing Director, MAM Green Investments
Daniela Jaramillo
Head of Sustainable Investing, Australia, Fidelity International
(Moderator)
3:15pm
Afternoon Tea
3:35pm
Session 7: Cities as an Investment
The global curve of urbanisation means that cities are the places will be where the world’s key performing assets will increasingly be held. Good urbanisation mean high performing assets, and bad urbanisation will produce bad performing assets. Greg Clark, leading global urbanist, discusses how to pick the right cities and assets to invest in.
Prof. Greg Clark CBE
Writer, Board Chair, and Senior Advisor on cities, transport, built environment, and place leadership
Madeleine Morris
Journalist, broadcaster and consultant
(Moderator)
5pm
Afternoon Drinks at Rydges Hotel
6.00pm
Private Dinner – partnered by Macquarie (invite only)
7:30am
Breakfast at leisure
8:30am
Welcome
8:35am
Session 8: Anthony Scaramucci
Few people are better placed to understand what a potential second Trump presidency will mean for the world and for investors than Anthony Scaramucci. In this Australian exclusive, in-person keynote and Q&A, President Trump’s former communications advisor, and co-managing partner of alternative asset manager and investment advisor Skybridge Capital reveals his analysis and takes your questions.
Anthony Scaramucci
Founder and co-managing partner, SkyBridge Capital
Mary Delahunty
Chief Executive Officer, ASFA
(Q&A Moderator)
9:30am
Session 9: Investing in Asia
South East Asia is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040, after the US, China and India, but is significantly underweight in Australian superannuation portfolios. Leaders in South East Asian finance, including the head of Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, join a power panel outlining the growth opportunities.
Emily Woodland
Head of Sustainable and Transition Solutions, APAC, BlackRock (Hong Kong)
Tarang Khimasia
Head – Funded Distribution, Asian Development Bank (Singapore)
Dr. Ridha Wirakusumah
Chief Executive Officer, Indonesian Investment Authority (Indonesia)
Jemma Beattie
Strategic Investment Advice Leader, Mercer
(Moderator)
10:20am
Morning Tea
10:40am
Breakout 3: Total Portfolio Approach
Total portfolio approach has adopted more widely over the last decade. Is it right for superannuation postures? Proponents and the less enthusiastic make their case.
Ian Patrick
Chief Investment Officer, Australian Retirement Trust
Jeff Brunton
Head of Portfolio Management, HESTA
Sue Brake
Former CIO, Future Fund (Australia) and Member of Investment Risk & Advisory Panel, Monetary Authority of Singapore
Tanya Branwhite
Former Head of Portfolio Construction, TCorp (Moderator)
Breakout 4: Navigating Reputational Landmines
Boards and CEOs are increasingly having to deal with stakeholder and member activism in response to investment decisions. One of Australia’s leading communications specialists discusses how to avoid reputational landmines, and how to respond effectively when challenges arise.
Adam Sims
Managing Partner, FMRS Advisory
Madeleine Morris
Journalist, broadcaster and consultant
(Moderator)
11:30am
Session 10: What the Hell is Quantum?
The GenAI revolution has been described as ‘just the warm-up lap for quantum’. One of Australia’s leading quantum researchers gives a not-to-be-missed session to get investors ahead of the curve in their thinking about how quantum is going to affect everything.
Prof. Andrew G. White
Professor of Physics & Australian Laureate Fellow, University of Queensland
Scott Durbin
Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Bank Group Super
(Moderator)
12pm
Session 11: Monsters Under the Bed
What keeps CIOs up at night? Top investors discuss the risks and opportunities they foresee in the near future and longer term.
Seamus Collins
Chief Investment Officer, Mine Super
Brett Chatfield
Chief Investment Officer, Cbus Super
Alison Tarditi
Chief Investment Officer, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC)
Sue Wang
Partner, Head of Public Markets, Pacific, Mercer
Vicki Doyle
Chief Executive Officer, Rest Super
(Moderator)
12:40pm
Wrap up and Close of Summit
Mary Delahunty
Chief Executive Officer, ASFA
12:45pm
Lunch followed by optional tour and / or departure to airport / Sydney
1:30pm
Onshore Port Tour
For over 80 years, the BHP Steelworks in Newcastle were a leading global manufacturer of steel, employing up to 11,000 locals. Since the steelworks closure 25 years ago in 1999, the 90-hectare site has undergone extensive remediation, with Port of Newcastle now bringing the site back to life through a Multipurpose Terminal, introducing a range of cargoes. The site is also the location the Port will build it’s Newcastle Deepwater Container Terminal, the first in Australia to accommodate Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCV).
ASFA and Port of Newcastle welcome you to tour the Multipurpose Terminal with detailed Q&A facilitated by Wayne Mabbott, Cargo Logistics Manager, Port of Newcastle and Madeleine Morris.
Please register your interest here to attend this tour.
Wayne Mabbott
Cargo Logistics Manager, Port of Newcastle
Madeleine Morris
Journalist, broadcaster and consultant
2:30pm
Tour concludes
There are a limited number of tickets available to the ASFA Investment Summit. There are two different types of tickets available – Asset Owners and others.
Registration inclusions:
Including GST.
Asset Owner member (Fund)
Asset Owner non-member (Fund)
Member
Non-member
$2,475
$3,218
$2,750
$3,575
Asset Owner member (Fund)
$2,475
Asset Owner non-member (Fund)
$3,218
Member
$2,750
Non-member
$3,575
Including GST.
Tuesday – 3 September
Wednesday – 4 September
Thursday – 5 September
Member
$600
$1,375
$1,030
Non-member
$760
$1,720
$1,290
Asset Owner member (Fund)
$540
$1,160
$915
Asset Owner non-member (Fund)
$690
$1,490
$1,175
Tuesday – 3 September
Member
$600
Non-member
$760
Asset Owner member (Fund)
$540
Asset Owner non-member (Fund)
$690
Wednesday – 4 September
Member
$1,375
Non-member
$1,720
Asset Owner member (Fund)
$1,160
Asset Owner non-member (Fund)
$1,490
Thursday – 5 September
Member
$1,030
Non-member
$1,290
Asset Owner member (Fund)
$915
Asset Owner non-member (Fund)
$1,175
Rydges Hotel, Newcastle
Situated on the east coast of New South Wales, Newcastle boasts golden sandy beaches, a breathtaking coastline, and a beautiful working harbour. The city’s charm extends from its vibrant cafes, restaurants, and bars to its unique architecture and rich history, spanning from the heart of the city to the suburbs.
As the beating heart of the Hunter region, Newcastle seamlessly blends laid-back coastal life with a bustling urban environment filled with dining, events, and nightlife.
Image credit: City of Newcastle
ASFA has partnered with Ozaccom+ to reserve accommodation close to the Investment Summit venue (Rydges, Newcastle) at great rates.
Accommodation rates
All accommodation rates are valid for the Investment Summit only if booked through Ozaccom+. Rates are quoted on a per-room, per-night basis only. Rates and all information are current at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notification.
Transport
ASFA in conjunction with Ozaccom are organising return delegate coaches from the below locations for Investment Summit.
Further details will be provided closer to the event, but please complete your details and transport requests at the Ozaccom Portal.
Have a question?
For all accommodation enquiries, please contact Ozaccom+
+61 7 3854 1611 or toll free: 1800 814 611 (within Australia)
The inaugural ASFA Investment Summit will unite senior investment professionals and decision-makers from the superannuation industry, including CIOs, CEOs, C-suite executives, Heads of Portfolio Strategy, Trustees, and key leaders. Partnership opportunities, though limited, offer selected organisations unparalleled advantages: enhanced brand awareness, platforms for thought leadership, and access to a network of top-tier industry leaders and decision-makers. This is a unique chance to position your organization at the forefront of the investment landscape and forge valuable connections within the industry.
Why Partner
If a delegate can no longer attend the Investment Summit, cancellations up to and including Friday 27 July, 2024 will receive a full refund. Substitutions must be received in writing by Wednesday 30 August, 2024. Read the full terms and conditions here.
No, registration and ticket prices associated are for the full event only. Delegates will not be able to subtract session from their event. All fully paid registrations are entitled to all sessions.
Registration cannot be purchased for multiple parties. Delegates must always display their name badge. The Investment Summit runs over three days and we would hate for you to miss out on any of it.
Yes, but full payment must be received 30 days after receipt of invoice or at least 14 days prior to the event date, whichever date may fall first. Please be mindful that your registration is not confirmed until payment has been received.
All Ozaccom+ bookings (booked on the Investment Summit event rate) include free cancellation seven days prior to your arrival date. All cancellations must be made in writing to Ozaccom at madonnam@ozaccom.com.au. Cancellations by telephone will not be accepted.
Visit the membership section of the ASFA website to check to see if your organisation is already a member, download an application if they are not. If you would like to speak to someone from the membership team, please call ASFA on 02 9264 9300 or 1800 812 798.
Yes, if you fill in the ‘special requirements’ section when you register, we’ll ensure special meals are prepared for you. Please allow four weeks’ notice before the event. On site you will be informed of where to collect your meals. Please note our focus is on providing dietary meals for those that have allergies, religious restrictions or follow specific diets (e.g. vegetarian, vegan). While we will endeavour to cater to delegate’s requests, it is not always possible for venues to cater to a delegate’s specific dietary palate.
Members can receive up to 13 CPD points based on their session attendance. This includes sessions watched on demand after the Investment Summit.
If an individual is unable to attend the Summit due to illness/symptoms related to COVID-19, substitutions will be allowed at no cost. Read the full terms and conditions here.
Yes, please find link here to accommodation and travel portal managed by Ozaccom. Further details will be provided closer to the event, but ASFA will be running select coach transport to and from;
Please refer to the Rydges guest parking options here.
Limited cloak room space is available at the Rydges Event Space. We advise you to ask your hotel to store your luggage.
Investment Summit attire is business casual. As room temperatures can/will vary, we recommend bringing a jacket.
AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
The ASFA Conference is proudly brought to you by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), the peak policy, research and advocacy body for Australia’s superannuation industry.
ASFA respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the ICC now stands. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise their enduring contribution to the culture and spirit of the land.
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