Q&A with Quantifeed's Senior Exec for Strategic Partnerships
In his new role with Hong Kong-based fintech firm Quantifeed, Graeme Brant is charged with building strategic relationships with Australian financial institutions. He tells Industry Moves about his goals and growth plans for the region, and what makes Quantifeed's offerings unique. He also names the man who taught him the importance of hard work, why he prefers the term 'enable' over 'disrupt', and shares a lesson in never taking nature for granted.
In his new role with Hong Kong-based fintech firm Quantifeed, Graeme Brant is charged with building strategic relationships with Australian financial institutions. He tells Industry Moves about his goals and growth plans for the region, and what makes Quantifeed's offerings unique. He also names the man who taught him the importance of hard work, why he prefers the term 'enable' over 'disrupt', and shares a lesson in never taking nature for granted.
How do you plan to grow Quantifeed's presence in Australia?
We are currently building strategic relationships with leading financial institutions in Australia. These firms want their wealth management strategy to have an engaging digital edge. Quantifeed takes a consultative approach with banks, wealth advisors, and brokers to find a digital solution which is aligned with their business objectives. We have a strong track-record of providing innovative solutions to institutions across the Asia Pacific region. Australia is a unique market, but one that we know and understand very well.
What are your main goals for the company over the next 12 months?
The wealth management landscape is changing rapidly. Our goal is to deliver customised online investment journeys to a broad range of customers, demonstrating our leadership in digital investment solutions. Ultimately, we want our clients to be the most successful providers of digital wealth management services in their markets.
What do you feel makes Quanifeed different to other offerings in the Australian Fintech space?
Our quantitative team constructs customisable model portfolios of stocks, ETFs and funds. These rigorously constructed portfolios allow an investment approach that is based on a client's risk tolerance, goals or thematic interests. Unlike many participants in this space - from the outset - Quantifeed's platform was designed to enable financial institutions to offer a digital investment experience to customers and advisors. Since beginning operations in 2013, Quantifeed has delivered its platform to a range of clients including securities brokers, family offices and wealth advisors. We are currently deploying to a prominent bank in Asia and have been mandated by a major financial institution in Australia.
How do you see financial technology disrupting the finance industry over the next ten years?
Rather than disrupting, we see Fintech as enabling wealth management solutions. It allows financial institutions to enhance engagement with clients through a digital investing experience, accessible anywhere, anytime and on any device. Investing in financial technology is a profitable way to scale wealth management for lower account balances, and to provide advisors with tools to service their clients better. Some aspects of the financial industry, such as payments, will be disrupted as progress in areas such as blockchain technology continues. Financial institutions need to anticipate the change and adapt quickly. For many this will mean redefining their business model.
What's the best piece of advice that you have received?
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Whether it be a mountain bike race or client presentation, practice and preparation don't guarantee success, but they sure do help a lot!
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
I was fortunate to grow up in New Zealand. It was pretty quiet and conservative, but a great place to be a kid and go to University. Growing up there, I developed a deep appreciation of the outdoors, which is still part of my DNA.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life/ career so far?
My dad. He showed through his actions that hard work and setting goals are key to success. No matter what you are trying to achieve, you have to put in the effort and have a plan.
What's something that most people don't know about you?
I was once caught up in an avalanche whilst hiking in the South Island of NZ. It was really scary and a great lesson not to take nature for granted.
Is there a particular cause or charity that you support?
I support causes that focus on helping kids. For example; Save the Children, Room to Read and Barnardos. They all recognise that children are often innocent victims of circumstances and they need all the help and support they can get.
