Top 10 Most Influential: Kerr Neilson

NOT only is Kerr Neilson one of the forefathers of the boutique funds management industry, the head of one of the most innovative boutiques in the industry (which consistently outperforms other managers) and one of the trendsetters in asset allocation, he’s also a good bloke.

That’s the consensus of our panel and the financial services community at large.

Neilson is often perceived in the industry as leading the move towards the acceptance of boutique managers.

“The boutiques have gone from being a flea bite to the darlings of the funds management industry,” one nominator says. “And it all started with Kerr.”

While Neilson modestly suggests the shift began earlier with boutique managers such asMaple-Brown Abbott, there is no denying his influence throughout the industry.

Described by our panel as a “traditional fund manager with a twist”, Neilson has been credited with “changing the face of traditional funds management”.

“He hedged in currency hedging, and now people are looking at alternative investments,” one panellist says. “Hedging is now at the forefront, and that’s part of Kerr’s ongoing influence.”

The only tips Neilson will give out now are to beware of the future and not gamble with clients’ money.

“We think we’re at a major turning point of markets, and if you use the rear view mirror to guide you to the future you will find difficulties,” he says. “We’re uncompromising with asset allocation. That’s people’s savings — when they have to be told they’ve lost money, how it compares relative to an index doesn’t impress.”

It is these types of philosophies that have made Neilson one of the most positive influences on our industry over the last year.