WATCH THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS BELOW
The Financial Services Council’s Technology in Wealth Summit welcomed a capacity audience of over nearly 300 attendees from 100 organisations. The Financial Services Council’s Technology in Wealth Summit welcomed a capacity audience of nearly 300 attendees from 100 organisations.
With Major Partners, HUB24, Novigi and WT Financial Group, Supporting Partners, Deloitte Australia and MUFG Pension and Market Services and Networking Partner, Iress, supporting the day, the Summit brought together CEOs and senior leaders from across the superannuation, funds management, investment management and landscape as well as their service providers.
Throughout the day, our keynote speakers and panellists emphasised that whilst AI and emerging technologies are now embedded in financial advice, reshaping advice, investment, cyber security and risk. But its long term impact will be determined not by the technology itself, but by how effectively organisations combine innovation with governance, leadership and enduring client relationships.
Read the full wrap up here.
SPONSORS
major partners
Supporting partners
Networking Partner
Session Partner
SPEAKERS
Rob Ansari
Partner – Global Lead Mercer Analytics & Portfolio Solutions (Dublin)
Rob joined Mercer in Oct 2021 and is responsible for setting and driving the commercialization of Mercers Data and Digital Strategy and is responsible for managing a select number of Global Partnerships.
Prior to his move to Dublin in Sep 2024, Rob was based in Dubai where he was the Mercer Head of Wealth for India, Middle East and Africa.
Rob joined Mercer from MSCI where he was the Head of the Middle East, based in Dubai from 2012, joining MSCI in 2005 as a member of the Client Coverage team in London as the Head of Index Sales.
In his roles Rob has worked alongside and advised a multitude of asset owners (from the largest SWF and Pension Funds) to multiple family offices. During his role at MSCI Rob actively engaged local government, ministries, and policy makers in the strategic evolution of several Middle East capital markets.
Amber Auld
Head of Capital Markets, Insurance & Banking, Microsoft Australia & New Zealand
For over twenty years, Amber has been helping clients use technology as a tool to serve their business and quite simply - make it better. Inspired to improve the lives of people at their most vulnerable moments, today, leading capital markets, insurance & banking for Microsoft Australia & New Zealand, Amber is working across the industry to drive AI transformation. Prior to Microsoft, Amber spent 10 years at IBM building strategic partnerships across the property, real estate investment trust and media and entertainment sectors. In 2011, Amber made the move to Microsoft working with the public sector and for the past decade, dedicated to financial services in Australia creating strategic partnerships for broad reaching impact across Australia. Amber is Mum to 12 year old and 3 year old girls and a passionate advocate for women in technology & financial services.
Blake Briggs
CEO, Financial Services Council
Blake Briggs is the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Council.
Blake became CEO of the Financial Services Council in January 2022 after joining the FSC as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 2020, where he was responsible for policy and advocacy on behalf of FSC members.
Blake has extensive experience as an advocate for the financial services industry. Blake has previously worked for Westpac Group, as Head of Government Affairs for Wealth, and at the FSC as Senior Policy Manager for Superannuation. Blake has also worked as a policy adviser and industrial advocate for the Commonwealth Government and the NSW Business Chamber.
Blake is also a member of the Board of Advice for the University of Sydney Business School's Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies. Blake holds a Juris Doctor from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor in Commerce (liberal studies) from the University of Sydney.
MATT BROWN
CEO, Fortnum & Personal Financial Services
Matthew has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services and has held a diverse range of roles across the industry before joining Fortnum in December 2023 and playing a key role in the creation of the Entireti group. As CEO of Fortnum and Personal Financial Services (PFS) Matt’s remit is to guide and grow that part of the group. Immediately prior to this role Matthew was Executive General Manager of Advice for Australian Unity, and lead the transaction & transition for AU to bring PFS and Fortnum together.
Prior to joining AU, Matt was CEO of two licensees – Millennium 3 and Financial Services Partners. Prior to that Matt was with CBA/Colonial First State for 10 years in a range of roles including Head of Advice Development where he was responsible for distribution Growth & Innovation. Over the years Matthew has also held roles in fund administration, product management, insurance underwriting, and advice technical analysis & strategy.
During his time Matt has successfully completed a range of qualifications including a Master’s Degree in Financial Services Law, a Diploma of Financial Planning, and a Diploma of Superannuation Fund Management.
Reece Corbett-Wilkins
Chief Strategy Officer, Atmos
Reece Corbett-Wilkins is the Head of First Response + Recovery, and is the Chief Strategy Officer at Atmos.
For over 10 years, Reece has focused exclusively on cyber and privacy risk, having helped 1,000+ organisations through some of their most challenging times. Reece is particularly experienced in managing large scale multi-party data breaches, both locally and globally, and ransomware response. Reece works closely with the incident response industry, government, and law enforcement to achieve optimal outcomes for clients.
Reece's true passion is bringing the industry together to tackle this risk at an aggregate level. Reece is recognised for his contributions to thought leadership and law reform initiatives.
Keith Cullen
Managing Director and CEO, WT Financial Group
Keith has more than 35yrs experience as a corporate executive and entrepreneur across the financial services, broadcast media, and technology sectors. He is the founder and CEO, and largest (non-institutional) shareholder, of ASX-listed WT Financial Group Limited (ASX: WTL).
Established in 2010, WT Financial Group is one of largest financial adviser networks in Australia. Its wealth management, retirement planning, and personal risk insurance advice services are delivered primarily through a group of more than 400 privately-owned advice practices whose advisers operate as authorised representatives under the group’s Wealth Today, Sentry Advice, Synchron Advice, and Millennium3 subsidiaries.
WT Financial Group’s network of advice practices collectively deals with more than 100,000 clients – and have more than $23Bn of assets under advice; annual in-force personal insurance premiums of more than $400M; and new insurance premium sales for circa $25M annually.
Keith is a strong advocate for the advice profession, and for consumer-eccentric regulatory reform to improve access to financial advice for more Australians. He is also a member of the FSC Advice Board Committee.
Jason Entwistle
Director Strategic Development, Hub24
Jason Entwistle has over 30 years’ experience in financial services, establishing and managing a number of successful wealth management-related businesses. In 1990, he was part of a small team that created the successful Navigator master trust. Jason has consulted extensively on portfolio administrative platforms to over 20 leading financial institutions throughout Asia Pacific and the UK. He was the co-founder of Avanteos, which was launched in 2001 as Australia’s first online wrap platform and later purchased by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and rebranded Colonial FirstWrap. Jason is one of the longest-serving HUB24 team members, having been involved with the business in various roles for over 15 years
Randike Gajanayake
Chief Technology Officer, Brighter Super
Randike Gajanayake was appointed to Brighter Super’s Executive Leadership team as Chief Technology Officer in August 2022. Prior to that, Randike was the Head of Data Analytics and Performance since August 2019. Randike is responsible for the development and implementation of Brighter Super’s technology vision and strategy, which consists of the IT, AI, Data Analytics, Software Engineering and Cyber Security strategies and roadmaps. Randike provides strategic direction and guidance to the technology leadership team to deliver solutions that enhance the fund’s operations and creates real value for its members. Prior to joining Brighter Super, Randike worked across industries such as Health Care, Government Administration, Utilities, and Higher Education as a technology consultant and a researcher. Randike holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Queensland University of Technology, and a BSc (Hons. in Computer Science) from the University of Peradeniya. Randike is a Responsible Person under Brighter Super's Registrable Superannuation Entity Licence.
Damian Graham
Group Chief Investment Officer, Challenger Limited
Damian was appointed Group Chief Investment Officer in January 2026. Prior to this, Damian was Chief Investment Officer at Aware Super for 10 years. Damian has also held investment leadership roles at StatePlus, Macquarie Group and J.P. Morgan.
Nick Hamilton
Managing Director & CEO, Challenger Limited
Nick is the Managing Director and CEO of Challenger Limited.
He held a number of other senior executive roles at Challenger, since commencing in 2015, including Chief Executive, Funds Management.
Nick has also held senior leadership roles at Colonial First State and Invesco.
Nick has more than 20 years industry experience gained across Australian and international markets and has successfully led top tier global equity and multi-asset businesses both in Australia and the UK.
Abigail Holman
Partner, Technology & Transformation, AI & Data, Deloitte
Abigail is a Deloitte Partner advising Australia’s largest financial institutions on AI and data to drive growth, efficiency, and resilience. Abigail is Deloitte’s AI & Data Banking Sector Lead and trusted transformation partner to C-suite executives. Recognised for translating complex technologies into business outcomes while navigating regulatory and operational risk. Former technology leader at Uber and DiDi Chuxing, with a foundation in software engineering. Abigail is a published voice on Data, AI and innovation in Australia.
Clive van Horen
Group CEO, Colonial First State
Clive joined CFS as the Group CEO in January 2024. Before joining CFS Clive was the CEO of Suncorp Bank from 2020, where he led the transformation of the bank and delivered sustained growth and improved customer experiences.
Prior to Suncorp, Clive spent 10 years at CBA where he held a variety of leadership roles in retail, business banking and risk.
Earlier in his career, Clive worked in financial services, consulting and public policy in South Africa, including Nedbank and within the South African National Treasury.
Clive originally qualified as a chartered accountant and holds a PhD in Economics. He is a keen cyclist and supporter of cancer prevention, serving on the Board of Tour de Cure for several years, a successful cancer charity.
Brad Joffe
Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer, Apate.ai
Brad Joffe is a Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Apate.ai. Brad is an experienced executive, operator and investor with a career spanning technology, fintech, investment and professional services.
As a qualified lawyer, he spent several years working in mergers and acquisitions, advising on complex transactions across technology, finance and property before moving into Venture Capital investing as a Director at OurCrowd. More recently, he served as General Manager, APAC at Stream, where he led regional growth and commercial strategy, scaling the business into one of the world's leading fintechs.
Today, Brad focuses on building and commercialising Apate.ai, working with banks, telcos and regulators globally to deploy AI-driven technology that proactively disrupts scams and reduces fraud at scale. He is also a mentor with Startmate, supporting early-stage founders and leadership teams in Australia & New Zealand.
Will Liang
CEO, Amplify AI Group
Will is the CEO of Amplify AI Group, a consulting firm which advises, builds and coaches AI for the finance industry. With over 18 years’ experience leading AI, data and technology, he was CTO for MA Asset Management , served as enterprise architect and CIO for Macquarie Capital Asia Pacific as part of a decade at Macquarie Group, and led KPMG’s national regulatory technology practice.
Will is recognised internationally for his technology leadership, including as a Top Voice on LinkedIn for Data Science and AI and as a Global Top 100 Data and Analytics Leader by Corinium. He was also named one of Asia’s Top 100 CIOs by CIO.com. In Australia, he was named the Most Influential Asian-Australian in Corporate in 2023, selected in 2025 by the Department of Foreign Affairs as one of the inaugural Asian Australian Voices, and awarded an honorary fellowship at UTS for his work on AI education in 2024.
He also contributes to industry leadership as a non-executive director and Chair of the Nomination Committee on the board of the RegTech Association and was a former member of the Forbes Technology Council and the technology committee at the Financial Services Council.
He is a sought-after keynote speaker, having delivered talks at global conferences and industry events, including TEDx and the Financial Times.
Geoff Lloyd
Industry Leader
Geoff Lloyd is a financial services executive and board leader with extensive experience across wealth management, superannuation, and asset management. Best known for his leadership roles at Perpetual Limited and MLC, he has a strong track record in driving strategic growth, business transformation, and client-focused innovation. He is also a past Chair of the FSC.
Wendy Mak
Chief Marketing Officer, MUFG Pension & Market Services
Wendy Mak is Chief Marketing Officer at MUFG Pension & Market Services. Wendy has run their global marketing & communications team for the past 6 years, and also has global remit for ESG. Prior to that, Wendy was Chief Product Officer for their digital product suite, running a P&L and frontline business development and relationship management teams.
A tech-savvy marketing leader who is pro-AI but also pro-consumer disclosure, her expertise spans growth, transformation, digital products and ESG.
A first-generation Australian who migrated solo at just 16, Wendy now straddles boardrooms and social platforms as both a corporate executive and midlife micro influencer on Instagram. Wendy has also started up her own business and published a book in Australia and the US, making her a highly commercial and entrepreneurial marketer.
Her mission is also clear: champion true cultural and ethnic diversity at the executive and boardroom table - while keeping it real as we navigate and use AI in how we lead, work and live.
Devan Naidoo
Senior Partner, Novigi
Devan Naidoo is a Senior Partner at Novigi, where he works with senior executives across financial services and superannuation to turn data, technology, and AI into practical business capability. With more than 20 years’ experience in large‑scale transformation, Devan Naidoo specialises in helping organisations move beyond experimentation to deliver real, sustained value from their existing platforms and data assets.
He has led and advised on major programs spanning data strategy, platform modernisation, AI‑enabled operations, and digital service transformation, with a strong focus on pragmatic delivery, governance, and operating model change. Known for his clear, outcomes‑driven approach, Devan Naidoo works closely with boards and executive teams to bridge the gap between technology ambition and day‑to‑day execution.
At this event, Devan Naidoo brings a practical, industry‑grounded perspective on how organisations are shifting data from a long‑standing constraint into a genuine competitive capability in the age of AI.
Subraya Pai
Strategic Client Relationship, BlackRock
Subraya Pai is a Director in Aladdin Client Engagement at BlackRock, based in Sydney, Australia, and a member of the Strategic Relationship Management team. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring institutional clients derive maximum value from the Aladdin technology platform, supporting effective adoption of Aladdin’s product suite and the implementation of Aladdin-centric solutions across client organizations.
Mr. Pai has been with the firm since 2005, including his tenure at Barclays Global Investors (BGI) prior to its merger with BlackRock in 2009. At BGI, he served as a Principal and Senior Infrastructure Engineer, leading an APAC-based team responsible for managing global database infrastructure. He transitioned into BlackRock Solutions Relationship Management in early 2011, where he has since focused on deepening client engagement and long-term platform adoption.
Before joining BlackRock, Mr. Pai worked as an Engineer at SAP, building a strong technical foundation that continues to inform his client-facing work with complex investment and risk technology platforms.
Mr. Pai holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Technology Sydney and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics from Mysore University.
Mark Pesce
inventor, educator and futurist
Mark Pesce co-invented the technology for 3D on the Web - laying the foundations for the metaverse - has written nine books, including Augmented Reality: Unboxing Tech’s Next Big Thing, was for seven years a judge on the ABC's The New Inventors, founded postgraduate programs at USC and AFTRS, holds an honorary appointment at Sydney University, is a multiple-award-winning columnist for The Register, pens another column for COSMOS Weekly, and is professional futurist and public speaker. Pesce hosts both the award-winning 'The Next Billion Seconds' and 'This Week in Startups Australia’ podcasts.Pesce brings his skills as a futurist to diverse sectors of the economy, including business ranging from CBA, World Bank, Essential Energy and v2Food, while also mentoring startups working at technology’s bleeding edge.
Rebecca Pope
Head of Marketing & Communications, Vanguard Australia
Rebecca Pope is Head of Marketing at Vanguard Australia, where she leads brand, customer engagement and education across Vanguard’s investments and superannuation businesses, using modern marketing, technology and storytelling to help Australians at all life stages work towards their financial goals.
Rebecca has more than 16 years’ experience at Vanguard across marketing, distribution and enterprise transformation. Prior to her current role, she led Vanguard’s retail transformation agenda and headed Intermediary Distribution, where she was responsible for strategy, client experience and national sales capability.
With extensive experience across digital engagement, customer experience and operating model change, Rebecca brings a practical perspective on how technology is reshaping how consumers engage with their money and superannuation.
Kelly Power
Chief Executive Officer of Superannuation & Investments, Colonial First State Investments
Kelly Power was appointed CEO Colonial First State Superannuation in July 2021 and is also an Executive Director of the Trustee Board.
Kelly oversees the superannuation business including investments and product. She is also a Director of the CFS Superannuation Trustee board.
Previous roles in CFS include General Manager Product in 2018, with responsibility for marketing, strategy and for the Wrap business in October 2020.
Prior to Colonial First State, Kelly was Head of Platforms at BT Financial Group and also held several other executive management roles at BT and Asgard.
Kelly holds a Bachelor in Communications from UTS, a Diploma of Management from the Australian Institute of Management, a Diploma of Financial Services from Integratec and has also completed the Company Directors course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Kelly is a Co-Chair of the FSC Superannuation Board Committee.
She is a former Director of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).
Ashwin Sinha
Chief Data, Digital & AI Officer, Macquarie Bank
Ashwin is the Chief Digital, Data & AI Officer at Macquarie Bank, where he is responsible for the strategy and execution of digital banking, data, and artificial intelligence.
In this role, he has been instrumental in embedding data and AI to enhance digital banking experiences, improve customer satisfaction, and strengthen risk management and regulatory compliance.
Prior to joining Macquarie in 2019, Ashwin was a Partner at KPMG, where he led the data and analytics business. Over his 20-year career in data engineering and management, he has held various global consulting, start-up, and engineering roles. His experience includes working with several global financial services organisation on significant business challenges with focus on digital, AI, and data to navigate regulatory complexities and drive commercial outcomes. Ashwin has also worked with some of the regulators on their data management strategy and frameworks
Alison Telfer
Chief Executive Officer, Schroders Australia
Alison joined Schroders as Chief Executive Officer in February 2026
Alison joined Schroders as Chief Executive Officer in February 2026 from UBS Asset Management where she was formerly the Country Head Australasia.
Alison has over 30 years of experience working in Australian and global asset management with roles spanning CEO, COO, product development, strategy, client distribution, legal, compliance, regulatory and government affairs. Alison brings these skills to her leadership of Schroders Australia and its goal of partnering with Australian clients to harness the power of investing locally and globally.
Prior to UBS Alison held a variety of roles at BlackRock over 9 years, most latterly COO Australasia and Chair of the Australian Board. Alison also worked at Challenger, initially as a lawyer, and latterly as director of specialised product development and institutional co-investments after beginning her career as a tax and intellectual property with firms King & Wood Mallesons and Ashurst.
Alison is a former director of the FSC, serving on the FSC Board from 2022 to 2025. She is currently a Co-Chair of the FSC Fund Management Board Committee.
Alison is passionate on the power of investing well, access to education and financial literacy as well as the benefits of a diverse workplace. She is a member of Chief Executive Women and was named in the 2024 AFR Women in Leadership Awards.
Alison holds a BA (communications)/LLB.
Dr Merriden Varrall
Special Advisor | Geopolitics, KPMG
Dr Merriden Varrall helps business understand and navigate the complex global geopolitical environment. She provides business-relevant insights into global, regional, and local geopolitical trends and works with clients to develop strategies and solutions to identify and mitigate risk and maximise opportunities.
Merriden is a sought-after analyst and adviser on geopolitics, East Asia, China’s foreign policy, and Australia’s bilateral relationship with China.
Merriden has three decades of experience in international relations, diplomacy, and strategic leadership. In addition to her current role as KPMG South ASPAC Geopolitics Special Advisor, she currently heads up geopolitical insights firm vantage geopol. She was KPMG Australia’s Director and then Lead Partner for Geopolitics 2018-2025. From 2014-2018, Merriden was the Director of the Lowy Institute’s East Asia Program. Before joining the Lowy Institute, Merriden was the Assistant Country Director and Senior Policy Advisor at United Nations Development Programme, China. Prior to that she worked for the Australian Government Treasury in macroeconomic policy and the Department of Family and Community Services in strategic policy.
Merriden spent almost eight years living and working in China, including as a UN diplomat, lecturing in foreign policy at the China Foreign Affairs University, and conducting fieldwork for her doctoral research.
Merriden has a PhD examining Chinese foreign policy from Macquarie University, Sydney, and the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. She has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from the Australian National University and completed her undergraduate studies in international studies at the University of Technology Sydney. Her analyses have appeared in academic journals, as well as publications such as The Quarterly, The New York Times, Nikkei Asian Review, Foreign Policy, The East Asia Forum, and the Lowy Interpreter, among others.
Blair Vernon
Chief Executive Officer, AMP Limited
Blair has been announced as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AMP Limited effective 30 March 2026. In this role his responsibilities will include leading the AMP business and driving the company’s strategy with a focus on strengthening customer outcomes and delivering sustainable growth. The CEO is also a member of the AMP Limited Board and AMP Bank Board.
Experience
Blair has over 30 years’ experience across the financial services sector in Australia and New Zealand. Blair has held various executive positions at AMP including his most recent role as AMP’s Chief Financial Officer and before that Group Executive Transformation and New Zealand. In the CFO and Transformation roles Blair tightened financial management, led a significant capital return program and successfully executed both the AMP Capital separation and the AMP Advice sale and partnership.
Blair served as Acting CEO for the AMP Wealth Management and AMP Bank businesses (formerly known as AMP Australia) in 2020-21 following a successful period leading the AMP New Zealand business.
Blair has also held senior roles in AMP’s Retail Financial Services; Advice & Sales and Marketing and Distribution functions.