BT Investment Management (BTIM), one of Australia’s largest-listed global funds managers, today named David Knox, Senior Partner at Mercer as the winner of the inaugural BT Investment Management Retirement Innovation Award. The accolade is part of the SuperRatings Fund of the Year Awards.
Emilio Gonzalez, BTIM’s CEO said: “David Knox is a worthy recipient of the inaugural BTIM Retirement Innovation Award due to his outstanding work in developing the Mercer Lifetime Plus Longevity Solution as well as his ongoing commitment to the benchmarking of global retirement systems and innovation, through the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index.”
“We are proud of our record of innovation in the funds management industry. We have therefore introduced the Retirement Innovation Award to recognise an individual that is clearly helping meet the financial needs of an aging population and taking the opportunity to innovate to provide better outcomes for retirees.”
Jeff Bresnahan, SuperRatings’ Chairman said: “David Knox has shown great industry leadership through his commitment over many years and his global benchmarking has lifted standards throughout the world. David has also been instrumental in the design of the Mercer Lifetime Plus product, which was released into the Australian market in 2015 and is the first group pooling arrangement of its kind within the industry. With longevity risk top of mind for the government and many retirees, the launch of the Lifetime Plus product will serve to assist many members effectively manage their retirement planning.
“The criteria which were taken into account in determining both the shortlist and the winner of the BTIM Retirement Innovation Award were originality, impact and measurability of benefits.”
The Judging Panel consisted of four experienced independent persons from various parts of the industry, together with a representative from BTIM:
• Prof. David Gallagher – Chief Executive Officer – Centre for International Finance & Regulation
• Mr Jeff Bresnahan – Chairman – Lonsec Fiscal
• Mr Don Luke – Chairman – QIC
• Mr Greg Bright – Founder – Binalong Advisory Services
• Mr Chris Clayton – Head of Sales and Marketing – BT Investment Management
In conclusion, Mr Gonzalez said, “It is anticipated that the retirement of baby boomers will see approximately $1 trillion moving from accumulation to retirement over the next 10 years. The amount needed to support even a very basic lifestyle in retirement is high. We hope this Award will further encourage our industry to significantly enhance Australians’ experience approaching and during retirement, so retirement is something Australians look forward to rather than face with trepidation.”
BTIM is also a principal sponsor of the SuperRatings Fund of the Year Awards.