Ignition names first CEO for Asian region

Digital advice provider Ignition Advice has appointed former AMP Capital managing director Craig Keary to the newly-created role of CEO - Asia.

Keary left AMP Capital at the end of 2020 following nearly nine years with the organisation, the last four as managing director of the Asia Pacific region. He was previously a director of AMP Capital's operations in Australia and New Zealand.

Ignition Advice was founded in Sydney in 2014 and has expanded to London and Dublin. Co-founder and CEO Mike Giles said that expanding into the Asian market is the next step in the organisation's growth. "There are significant opportunities in countries such as China and Japan to utilise technology to expand the reach of financial advice," said Giles. "Craig's substantial experience in the Asian market will be extremely valuable to our growth plans, not lead his understanding of the different cultures and the ability to lead teams across multiple jurisdictions."

Keary spent the last four years with AMP Capital in Japan. He said that those experiences showed him an opportunity for Australian businesses. "Australia's robust regulatory regime, the breadth and depth of its financial services industry through the superannuation system, and its growing reputation in technological innovation mean Australian companies are viewed very favourably in Asia.

"I am looking forward to helping Ignition bring its expertise and experience to the Asian market, particularly as it offers a solution that helps enhance the financial wellbeing of investors - something I am particularly passionate about."

Outside of his executive work, Keary is currently studying for a PhD at Western Sydney University. His research is based on the question, "How will the financial planning industry need to adapt to changing customer needs and circumstances?"