Agency Blog

2025 Annual Report: The Evolving Workplace We are pleased to launch our 2025 Annual Report: The Evolving Workplace — our second annual report and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to providing a valuable resource to our clients and candidates each year. This year’s report goes beyond salary benchmarking — offering in-depth insights into how businesses are adapting to ongoing change. A key theme that emerged was the growing pressure on organisations to achieve more with fewer resources, driven by economic conditions and evolving employee expectations. Our 56-page report has been tailored specifically to the financial services industry, covering: Detailed salary benchmarking across a wide range of roles in investment management, superannuation, wealth management, risk & compliance, product & marketing, banking, operations, project management & transformation, accounting & finance, corporate services, and executive support — helping businesses remain competitive in the current market. In-depth market insights, analysing key economic factors influencing hiring, retention, and remuneration trends across the Australian financial services sector. Retention strategies, outlining practical, evidence-based approaches to strengthening employee engagement and loyalty in a market where top talent is in high demand. Leadership evolution, highlighting the increasing need for agile, emotionally intelligent leaders who can navigate continuous change and foster resilient, high-performing teams. Wellbeing and productivity initiatives, exploring how businesses are redefining the employee experience by integrating wellness, purpose, and professional development into their EVP (Employee Value Proposition). The impact of digital transformation, detailing how automation, AI, and technology innovation are reshaping skill requirements and organisational structures across the sector. We were joined by executives from across the financial services industry at Hinchcliff House, where our guest speaker, Vanessa Bennett, CEO of Next Evolution Performance, shared powerful neuroscience-backed strategies to boost productivity and retention without risking burnout.   How to access our Annual Report With remuneration reviews in…

The Rapid Transformation of the Superannuation Sector The Australian superannuation industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven by consolidation, regulatory shifts, and the internalisation of investment management. As of the September 2024 quarter, total superannuation assets reached $4.1 trillion, reflecting a 3.7% increase over the quarter. This growth underscores the sector’s critical role in both domestic and global financial markets.   Regulators such as APRA continue to advocate for consolidation, deeming funds with less than $30 billion in assets “uncompetitive”. This has resulted in significant mergers, including the formation of Aware Super from First State Super and VicSuper in 2020 and the creation of the Australian Retirement Trust (ART) from Sunsuper and QSuper in 2022. Consequently, five mega-funds—AustralianSuper, ART, Aware Super, UniSuper, and Hostplus—have emerged, with others like HESTA, Rest, and Cbus poised to follow suit.   Internalisation and the Demand for Skilled Talent With consolidation and asset growth, superannuation funds are increasingly internalising investment strategies. Rather than outsourcing, they are adopting an asset management model, directly handling portfolios, and expanding into global markets. This shift has prompted the establishment of international offices in the UK and the US to access investment opportunities in infrastructure, real estate, private equity, and private debt. As these funds scale, the demand for skilled professionals has intensified. Keegan Adams Recruitment plays a strategic role in this evolution, supplying top-tier talent across investment management, project management, ESG, operations, risk, and compliance. Our expertise ensures that superannuation funds build high-performing teams capable of driving innovation and operational excellence.     Technology and Operational Uplift To manage increasing complexity, superannuation funds are investing in advanced technology platforms and operational infrastructure. Legacy systems are being phased out in favour of digital-first solutions that improve member engagement and streamline fund management. A key concern is ensuring super…

The Australian funds management distribution market is experiencing significant transformation as we move into 2025. In the face of evolving industry dynamics, fund managers are contending with a declining financial adviser base, institutional market consolidation, intensifying competition, fee compression, and shifting investor preferences. This update delves into the key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the market, offering actionable insights on how fund managers can adapt and succeed in this changing environment.   1. The Shift to Direct-to-Consumer Models One of the most pressing challenges for fund managers is the continued decline in the number of financial advisers in Australia, which has dropped below 16,000, according to the latest Wealth Data figures. This reduction has prompted fund managers to explore direct-to-consumer (DTC) distribution models, mirroring trends observed in other global markets. The shift to DTC requires fund managers to establish direct relationships with investors and offer seamless, high-quality digital experiences that align with the growing demand for consumer-grade interactions. To compete in this evolving environment, fund managers must enhance their digital capabilities and tailor their offerings to effectively engage and retain investors. Reference: https://www.moneymanagement.com.au/news/financial-planning/how-much-could-adviser-numbers-grow-5-years   2. Superannuation Fund Mergers and Market Consolidation The Australian superannuation market is undergoing continued consolidation, driven by external pressures such as cost-efficiency mandates and the performance benchmarks introduced under the Your Future, Your Super (YFYS) legislation. This trend is expected to result in a market dominated by a few large mega-funds, making fund managers to adapt their strategies to align with the preferences of these dominant institutions. To remain competitive in this evolving environment, fund managers must prioritise scale, efficiency, and performance. By doing so, they can remain competitive in the evolving environment.   3. Managed Accounts: Growth and Adoption The rapid growth of managed accounts is reshaping the Australian funds management distribution market. According to…