Kaizen Recruitment Funds Management Executive Roundtable | Sydney 2026
Kaizen Recruitment recently hosted its Funds Management Executive Roundtable, bringing together some of Australia’s most senior funds management leaders for a candid discussion on the forces reshaping the industry.
As Australia’s specialist financial services recruitment firm, we continue to facilitate these peer-to-peer forums to support industry leaders in sharing insights, challenging assumptions and discussing the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
We would like to thank executives from Magellan, Bennelong Funds Management, Betashares, Janus Henderson, Longreach Alternatives, Australian Ethical Investment, Atlas Infrastructure and Mason Stevens for their participation.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Eileen Koo and Brett Jollie for facilitating and moderating the discussion.
A recurring theme throughout the session was the increasing divergence of business models across the industry. While traditional asset managers continue to navigate fee pressure and net flow challenges, many firms are pursuing alternative growth strategies through vertical integration, platform expansion, private markets capabilities and selective M&A activity.
Three key themes shaped the discussion:
1. Market and Growth Dynamics
A central question framed the conversation: are funds management firms still competing with each other, or are they increasingly becoming fundamentally different businesses?
The group broadly agreed that the industry is evolving into a range of distinct models, including vertically integrated platforms, multi-boutique structures and private equity-backed businesses, each pursuing growth in different ways.
Participants discussed the increasing role of private equity investment across the sector and whether the industry is entering a period of meaningful consolidation or continued fragmentation driven by differentiation.
Product evolution also featured prominently, with ETFs, managed accounts, private markets and retirement solutions identified as key areas of future growth. There was also robust discussion around the differing advantages and challenges associated with listed and privately owned business models.
2. Operating Models, AI and Talent
Leaders acknowledged ongoing pressure on operating models and cost structures, with many organisations reassessing how their businesses are designed and scaled.
Artificial intelligence generated significant discussion. Participants drew a clear distinction between firms actively implementing practical AI solutions and those still exploring potential use cases. The consensus was that execution, rather than ambition, will ultimately determine competitive advantage.
Talent and leadership capability also remained a key focus, particularly the increasing demands placed on senior executives and the challenge of balancing strategic leadership with growing governance and committee responsibilities.
3. The Future State
The roundtable concluded with a discussion on what a successful funds management business might look like over the next three to five years.
While perspectives varied depending on business model, several common themes emerged: greater operational efficiency, more deliberate adoption of technology, stronger focus on core capabilities and a sharper understanding of where firms can create genuine value for clients.
The discussion reinforced that the future of funds management is unlikely to be defined by a single winning model. Instead, success will come from clarity of strategy, disciplined execution and a willingness to adapt to a rapidly evolving market.
We thank all participants for their generosity of time and contribution to a highly engaging discussion. We look forward to continuing the conversation at our next executive roundtable.
Get in Touch
Based in Melbourne and Sydney, Kaizen Recruitment specialises in financial services recruitment across funds management, wealth management, superannuation, investment consulting and insurance. If you’d like to understand more about the current candidate landscape within funds management or what’s driving talent decisions in the market right now, please fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
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