GQG Partners appoints head of compliance

GQG Partners has appointed Alison Smith to the newly-created role of compliance officer, based in the Sydney office.

Smith was most recently with MLC for three years as compliance manager – asset management. 

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She was also a principal at BlackWatch Partners which provided customised risk and compliance services to boutique investment managers, and held compliance and risk management roles at a number of financial services institutions including Pacific Current Group (formerly Treasury Group) and Colonial First State.

Smith was a certified compliance professional with the GRC (governance, risk and compliance) Institute and an internationally certified compliance professional with the International Federation of Compliance Associations.

The firm had also made two other appointments last month, Colm Moynihan as associate director of fund operations in Australia and Margaret Connolly as request for proposal (RFP) writer.

Moynihan joined from PIMCO Investment Management where he was financial reporting and tax manager.

He had almost 20 years industry experience, starting his career in Ireland before moving to Australia and joining Colonial First State Global Asset Management in 2014.

Connolly was most recently with Aberdeen Standard Investments for seven years as an RFP manager and also had 14 years’ experience in the technology industry. 

Laird Abernethy, GQG Partners managing director of Australia and New Zealand, said that the creation of a dedicated compliance role reflects the firm’s commitment to the Australian market and the regulatory requirements.

“The continuing growth at GQG Partners, as well as the increased regulatory expectations, means that adding a dedicated compliance role at this time is an appropriate step,” Abernathy said.

“Alison is a high-quality professional and brings specific compliance and risk management expertise and experience to the company.

“In addition, the appointments of Maggie and Colm will ensure we have the resources and skills to continuing meeting the needs of our clients and investors.”