As Viola Private Wealth continues on its growth trajectory, the firm has appointed a seasoned investment professional to be its first chief investment officer.
The Sydney-based wealth manager has welcomed Daniel Kelly as its CIO, commencing this month.
Kelly will play a key role driving innovation across public and private markets, while delivering sophisticated wealth strategies to meet the investment needs of Viola’s high-net-worth (HNW) clients.
The CIO brings more than a decade of private and investment banking experience, having worked across equities, fixed income, alternative investments, and derivatives.
Kelly recently served as Kelly+Partners Private Wealth’s head of alternative investments. In the senior role, he supported the development and management of its investment strategies tailored to the HNW segment.
Prior to this, he was also a vice president at Credit Suisse and spent over seven years in several roles at Wespac, including as a private banker and private executive.
“Daniel’s appointment is a testament to our commitment to securing the best talent in the industry. His global investment acumen, strategic mindset, and ability to deliver highly tailored solutions ensure our clients will continue to access the most sophisticated investment opportunities available,” described Sean Ward, Viola Private Wealth’s chief executive.
“His leadership reinforces our status as the wealth firm of choice for high-net-worth families and the go-to home for Australia’s best financial advisers. With Daniel on board, we are not just keeping pace with market trends – we are setting them.”
Meanwhile, Kelly said Viola’s client-focused investment management deeply aligned with his own philosophy.
He added: “The firm has built a reputation for delivering exceptional wealth strategies, and I look forward to enhancing our investment offering to ensure our clients continue to access the best opportunities to protect and grow their wealth across generations.”
With more than $2.5 billion in client assets, Viola was launched last September following a management buyout with Pitcher Partners.
The firm is led by founding partner and financial adviser Charlie Viola, Ward, and chief operating officer Andrew Levi, servicing HNW individuals and their families.
Money Management recently spoke with Angus Mann, who was appointed as an adviser at Viola from multifamily office Mutual Trust. Mann shared how he is harnessing his family office experience to meet the needs of its HNW client segment.
In particular, he emphasised the importance of connecting HNW family clients with other specialists to address their broad array of needs beyond sole investment advice.
“The firm encourages me to work with best-in-class experts in other areas, such as philanthropy, tax, family harmony, to ensure long-term success for families in all the areas that matter to them,” Mann said.
