Q&A with Nigel Douglas on his post ANZ venture
Nigel Douglas, former senior manager of mandate research at ANZ Global Wealth, has realised a "long held goal" to launch his own independent investment advice firm. Nigel tells Industry Moves about the new venture and why the time was right. He also looks back on some highlights of his time with ANZ, and explains why Stephen van Eyk is one of the people he most admires.
Nigel Douglas, former senior manager of mandate research at ANZ Global Wealth, has realised a "long held goal" to launch his own independent investment advice firm. Nigel tells Industry Moves about the new venture and why the time was right. He also looks back on some highlights of his time with ANZ, and explains why Stephen van Eyk is one of the people he most admires.
Why have you moved on from your role at ANZ Global Wealth?
The business has been undergoing change and this has resulted in a streamlining of positions within the ANZ Chief Investment Office. My role was Senior Manager Mandate (institutional) Research. This reorganisation has prompted me to carry out my long held goal to set up my own consultancy firm.
What are some of the highlights of your time with the firm?
The review by my Mandate Research team of all traditional asset class sectors in the established Optimix institutional product. I have found that institutional manager coverage is quite different to retail, though there are common elements (such as understanding portfolio managers and investment processes).
Other highlights have been integrating ANZ's asset consultants into the research process and taking account of broader issues in investment manager mandates (such as international country sanctions).
My fixed interest technical knowledge has been enhanced through working with a number of high quality global and domestic investment managers.
What are you planning to do next?
I have set up Douglas Funds Consulting, which is an independent investment advice firm. It will be purely 'business to business' and concentrate on four key areas; specialised funds research across retail, high net worth and institutional market segments, investment committee or non-executive director input, coaching fund managers to better communicate their investment edge and, finally, assessing rating houses and asset consultants for certain clients.
What is one of the best pieces of advice you have ever been given?
From hard earned experience, I have found that it is critical to identify the people who really know something worthwhile. Listen to what they say then make sure you actually follow through in terms of actions. If you don't understand what they said, make sure you clarify what they mean.
Who do you admire and how have they influenced your life/work?
I was at van Eyk Research for nine years (2001 - 2010) where I was Head of Investment Research and finally Head of Research. Stephen van Eyk had an enormous influence on my approach to funds research, managing research teams and fund manager relationships. He emphasized the importance of doing the due diligence accurately, treating fund managers with respect and having a full appreciation of the present and future investment environment.
Where did you grow up?
Originally, in Canberra during the primary school years. Back then the city was a large country town and a fantastic and safe place to live. Next my father's work in the Commonwealth Treasury took us to Papua New Guinea and the United States. However, I went on to finish school in the UK (London). This global life was a good foundation for spending a career in financial markets.
What was your very first job?
My first job after graduating from ANU was with the AMP Society (as it was called then) in their money market company. This involved such tasks as physically settling securities at the RBA! A bit of challenge after many years studying. Not long after, I moved on to equities dealing.
Is there a particular cause or charity that you support?
Mental health, particularly for young people, has been an issue that is now being spoken about more openly and action is being taken. As has been highlighted in the media recently, a significant number of people are affected and it is very costly for society. One leading organisation that is doing work to help young people is headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation which provides early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. The service is designed to make it as easy as possible for a young person and their family to get the help they need for problems affecting their wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.
