Michael steps into the role currently filled in the interim by Chris Artis, following the resignation of CEO Bill Watson in early January.

First Super’s acting CEO, Greg Everett, says Michael’s appointment comes at an important time for the fund.

“Michael brings a rare combination of deep investment expertise, strong governance discipline and a proven ability to build high-performing teams. His experience across asset allocation, portfolio design and investment stewardship positions him to drive our investment strategy forward and deliver long-term value for members.”

Michael joins the fund having held senior investment roles at other industry superannuation funds, including Prime Super and Media Super, where he was responsible for investment strategy and operations, including investment governance.

In accepting the role, Michael says he is looking forward to helping the Fund strengthen its investment capability.

“First Super has built a solid investment foundation and I’m looking forward to working with the team. As financial markets become increasingly complex, a disciplined approach is critical to ensure we deliver competitive outcomes to members.”

The post First Super appoints Michael McQueen as Head of Investments appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Michael McQueen

Foresters Financial, a member-owned financial services company servicing members and investment communities, is urging investors to consider their Sustainable investment options as a mechanism to contribute to a better future for all Australians.

Whilst direct access to products such as green bonds is still relatively limited in Australia, Foresters’ Sustainable bond products include exposure to green bonds, with a minimum investment of only $500. Foresters’ believe this accessibility will further ‘open up’ this market, giving more investors the opportunity to “go green” without the hassle of direct investing.

Foresters CIO Michael McQueen says although the Australian green bond market lags its European counterparts, he expects it to grow strongly in response to increasing demand for environmentally sound investments.

“We fully support giving retirees and older Australians the opportunity to invest in sustainable products as easily as they can access term deposits’.

“Research by National Seniors Australia shows that there is pent up demand among this cohort to invest responsibly, and Foresters’ range of Sustainable investment options can help.

“Not only will this let them to give back to the next generation by helping finance the transition to net zero emissions, but it will give them greater diversification than conventional savings accounts and term deposits, which still do not offer any responsible or sustainable overlays.

McQueen, who invested in the inaugural green term deposit, or ESG TD, launched by the Commonwealth Bank in late 2021, says there is growing demand for sustainable investment options across the spectrum of financial services.

“Our sustainable options are globally diversified, multi-asset class portfolios invested across growth and defensive assets, such as shares, property, credit and fixed income.”

Foresters is the only provider of investment bonds that offer members a sustainable option across all its bond products – funeral, education, and investment.

“Our members accessing these products can take comfort in the knowledge that every dollar they invest will be aligned with our responsible investment policy.

“We have seen significant growth in our Sustainable Funeral Bond, with its member base more than doubling and its funds under management more than trebling in the 2023 financial year. In the last quarter of that financial year, nearly $1 in every $4 invested in a funeral bond was directed towards the sustainable option.

The Sustainable Funeral Bond generated a return of 7.3 per cent in 2023 net of fees and taxes.

The post Foresters Financial helping retirees to meet net zero appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Michael McQueen

Foresters Financial, a member-owned financial services company providing investment bond solutions for investors seeking better ways to grow, protect and transition family wealth, and to protect intergenerational legacies, has expanded its executive team with the appointment of Michael McQueen as Chief Investment Officer.

McQueen brings 15 years’ experience in financial services to Foresters, most recently in the role of CIO at Media Super where he was deeply involved in successfully delivering the merger with Cbus and overseeing the transfer of members’ retirement savings.

Prior to this, McQueen held positions as Head of Investment Strategy at LUCRF Super (now a part of AustralianSuper) and acting CIO at Kinetic Super during its merger with Sunsuper (now known as Australian Retirement Trust).

Foresters Financial CEO Emma Sakellaris said: “We are simply delighted that Michael has joined our business as we continue to deepen and strengthen our relationships with our referral partners, investors and their families, over multiple generations.

“As a firm we are heading into a period of substantial growth, with several exciting announcements in the coming months, so the addition of Michael comes at a pivotal and opportune time.”

McQueen said: “Foresters Financial has an incredible story and legacy as one of the oldest and purest investment bond managers in the market, so the decision to join and play a role in its future success was easy to make.

“I am excited by what the next stage holds for Foresters Financial as the market and regulatory changes allow for further growth and expansion.”

Alongside his extensive experience as an investment executive across superannuation, wealth management and funds management, McQueen was an equities dealer and analyst working for several large well-known companies such as Goldman Sachs, ANZ Banking and ANZ Trustees.

The post Foresters Financial bolsters executive team with Michael McQueen appointment appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ben Nash

The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA)’s premiere event for progressive financial advisers, the Genxt Connect Tour, will kick off in Hobart on 6 February 2017, with some venues almost sold out.

The Genxt Connect Tour sees some of the AFA’s most exceptional advisers and the industry’s most influential leaders tour the six capital cities to share their knowledge and experience with new, aspiring and forward-thinking financial advisers.

“Genxt is all about developing and enhancing the talent we know exists in the current and future generation of our profession,” said Ben Nash, AFA Genxt National Chair. “The Genxt Connect Tour delivers sessions on both the practice and the theory behind the delivery of great advice. It offers advisers the opportunity to hear from successful advisers and from industry experts on topics which will inspire them to build even greater advice practices and deliver exceptional outcomes for their clients.”

Hosted by Mr Nash, the line-up of speakers on advice best-practice includes AFA National President, Marc Bineham; the AFA’s 2016 Excellence in Education Award winner, Steve Nielsen and the AFA’s 2016 Rising Star, Erin Truscott. On the theory side, attendees will hear from Sunsuper Chief Economist, Brian Parker; business performance guru, Michael McQueen from The Nexgen Group; and industry leader and AFA CEO, Brad Fox.

“The program will encourage advisers to adopt practical, innovative solutions to providing great advice. Just as importantly, as a Genxt event, advisers will build networks with other advisers with whom they can share ideas,” Mr Nash said.

The program also includes inspirational speaker, Brian Freeman, Founder of Walking Wounded who scored 4.9 out of 5 at the AFA’s National Adviser Conference in 2016.

“Our members at the National Adviser Conference took so much value away from Brian’s session that we felt compelled to bring him on the Genxt Connect Tour. It’s life changing stuff,” Mr Nash said.

The Genxt Connect Tour kicks off in Hobart on 6 February, and will also visit Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne before wrapping up in Sydney on 16 February.

View the program and to register for the 2017 AFA Genxt Connect Tour.

The post AFA Genxt Connect Tour kicks off appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Along with his award-winning career as a journalist reporting for outlets such as ABC and60 Minutes, Ray has been involved in various charities and is a celebrated media personality.

“There is no one better qualified to open this year’s Congress, and we look forward to Ray taking us on a journey through the lives of the guests,” Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA, said.

“Our focus for Congress is to inspire greatness among the financial planning profession and it is appropriate to open the event with a discussion among four esteemed Australians, including Ita Buttrose, the 2013 Australian of the Year.

“These four Australians have all made a difference in the lives of others through their chosen vocation. We firmly believe that planners are doing the same in the lives of their clients, and Congress is about highlighting this message and inspiring planners to continue making a difference.”

As well as esteemed author, businesswoman and editor, Ita Buttrose, the panel will be completed by Jihad Dib and Tara Moss.

Jihad Dib, Principal at Punchbowl Boys’ High School, managed to change the culture of an entire school through his modern-day leadership style, which also resulted in Jihad winning the Inspiration category for NSW at the 2013 Pride of Australia awards.

The panel will be rounded out by Tara Moss, former supermodel and author of nine bestselling novels. Tara is a voice for the rights of women and children and she will will explore how we are inspired to greatness by our passion and commitment.

Ray, Jihad, Tara and Ita join Andrew Denton, Maggie Beer, Carl Richards and Michael McQueen on the list of personalities announced for this year’s Congress.

For more information please visit: www.fpacongress.com.au.

The post Ray Martin to open FPA Congress appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Andrew Denton

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has announced broadcaster and television personality Andrew Denton as a keynote speaker for its 2014 Professionals Congress in Adelaide and renowned food personality Maggie Beer for the Women in Finance Breakfast.

The FPA has also revealed a comprehensive workshop agenda covering technical skills, best practice, personal development and leadership skills.

Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA, said: “We’re really excited to bring this year’s program to the financial planning community. It’s a comprehensive agenda with top industry experts and high quality speakers such as Andrew Denton, Carl Richards, Michael McQueen and Maggie Beer.

“Everyone should also stay tuned for our last major speaker announcement in September.”

Widely-respected food personality, Maggie Beer, will be hosting the Women in Finance breakfast, to speak about her philosophy: ‘A good food for life for all – and all that encompasses’.

Alongside Maggie Beer, Andrew Denton has been announced as the third keynote speaker. Andrew will draw on his 25 years in media and interviews with everyone from world leaders to the homeless, to share his thoughts on what makes a successful leader.

Previously announced keynote speakers Michael McQueen and US-based Carl Richards CFP^® are also part of this year’s high profile line up. Michael, a social researcher and author, will provide insights into how businesses and leaders can ride the waves of change. Following his popular session in 2013, Michael will be leading a CFP^® Masterclass, where he will share specific success stories from financial planners around the world to help planners change the lives of their clients.

The FPA Professionals Congress is taking place from 19 – 21 November. For more information or to register for the FPA Professionals Congress, visit: www.fpacongress.com.au. Early bird registration closes on 31 August.

The post FPA announces Andrew Denton, Maggie Beer and more for 2014 Professionals Congress appeared first on AdviserVoice.