Bonanza year for Macquarie
This year was indeed Macquarie's time to shine at the Money Management/Lonsec Fund Manager of the Year awards. The firm grabbed the top prize of Overall Fund Manager of the Year, while also scoring several other wins and nominations.
In fact, by the time firm picked up its third trophy in various categories, several of the 370 attendees knew it would walk away with the top prize of the night as well.
Macquarie Investment Management (MIM) seized the title from Legg Mason Asset Management Australia, which won it in 2015, and Lazard Asset Management in 2014. Hyperion Asset Management won it in 2013, ending Schroeder Investment Management's four-year run.
Thriving under pressure was MIM's strong suit and 2016 was the year to prove it. With volatile market conditions rocking investment plans, the firm's regional head, Brett Lewthwaite, said this was the time for investment managers to step up to the plate and deliver.
"I think that long-term, and generally thinking about when quality investment management matters the most, it is in volatile and challenging times. Generally, if you look back through our history, it really is those times where we can shine," he said.
"I think that builds a lot of credibility and trust with clients."
The equities team adapted to the new world of China's shift from its reliance on commodities to consumer-based demand, Lewthwaite said of the firm, which has $377 billion in funds under management.
Commendations must go to fellow finalist, BT Investment Management, which repeated its performance last year as a finalist in the category.
The firm's chief executive, Emilio Gonzalez, attributed the firm's success to making some good calls within different portfolios and balanced funds.
"We've been able to add value through some tactical calls around being short commodities," he said, adding that an extremely stable team also contributed to the firm's success.
Rounding out the finalists in the category is MLC Investments Limited, whose understanding of investor psychology enabled them to make appropriate decisions based on an objective assessment of both positives and negatives.
"Even when all is well on the surface we need to weigh the sources and extent of possible future risks against the positives," head of investments, Dr Susan Gosling said.
2016 Fund Manager of the Year award winners
Global Equities (Broad Cap)
IFP Global Franchise Fund
Global Equities (Regional & Emerging Markets)
Macquarie Asia New Stars No.1 Fund
Responsible Investments
Perpetual Wholesale Ethical SRI Fund
Australian Equities (Small Cap)
Ausbil MicroCap Fund
Australian Equities (Broad Cap)
Macquarie High Conviction Fund
Multi Sector
IOOF MultiMix Balanced Growth Trust
Equities (Long Short)
Grant Samuel Tribeca Alpha Plus Fund
Property & Infrastructure Securities
Magellan Infrastructure Fund (Unhedged)
Alternative Investments
Partners Group Global Value Fund
Asset Allocator of the Year
MLC Inflation Plus Assertive Portfolio
Global Fixed Income
Franklin Templeton Global Aggregate Bond Fund
Australian Fixed Income (incl. Diversified)
Henderson Australian Fixed Interest Fund
ETF Provider
BetaShares Capital Limited
SMA Portfolio Award
MPPM Growth Ex20 Australian Equity
Retirement Product Innovation
AllianceBernstein Managed Volatility Equities Fund
Emerging Manager
The Montgomery Fund – Montgomery Investment Management
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Financial Planner of the Year
Joseph Hoe – Senior Financial Planner
Wealthwise Pty Ltd
Paraplanner of the Year
Kearsten James – Head of Advice
Tupicoffs Pty Ltd
Young Achiever of the Year
Lea Schodel – Director
MHP Private Wealth
National Business Development Manager of the Year
D’Arcy Evans – SA/NT
Zurich
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