A prophet, a few reformers, adviser speed dating, cycling with Tony Abbott and a high profile nosebleed – the International Responsible Investment Conference in Melbourne had few dull moments.
After kicking off with Canadian-born writer John Ralston Saul, declared a prophet by Time magazine, the conference juggled high-profile speakers with break-out sessions for investment professionals, financial advisers and superannuation experts.
One highlight was Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) executive director, Louise O’Halloran, interviewing financial-reform architect, Bernie Ripoll.
Aside from discussing life after the Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) reforms, Ripoll was revealed to be a passionate advocate for cycling, a pastime he shares with the leader of the opposition.
“Tony and I are old sparring partners,” he said. “We don’t get much time [for cycling] these days but there is a parliamentary group of cyclists that meets every Wednesday.”
The price of economic growth
O’Halloran, who will step down from her RIAA executive duties in November, also introduced American author and filmmaker John de Graaf, who asked delegates to consider the price of economic growth.
Despite battling through a persistent nosebleed, de Graaf gave an entertaining address on the stresses facing modern workforces and how these are causing a rethink on work-life balance.
Financial advisers were not forgotten with a session on building a responsible-investment advisory model leading into “advisor speed dating”, in which delegates where given the opportunity to meet and rate a series of professional investment advisers.
The Australian Greens Member of Parliament Adam Bandt and anti-pokies crusader, Senator Nick Xenophon, also had the chance to put forward their views at the conference.
The RIAA’s membership now represents over $650 billion in funds under management and covers the investment-chain spectrum – from advisers and dealer groups, to investment managers, superannuation funds, faith-based investors, research firms, asset consultants and insurance companies.
