In this keynote session, we hear how blockchain technologies can revolutionise the market and address the inherent inefficiencies of financial markets, structures and processes.

In this session, we discuss how investment operations can assist in fostering best-in-class investment management:

• Where is the investment spectrum inhibited by a diminished investment operations capability and what is the cost?
• What skills are required to achieve best-in-class investment operations?
• What is our operating model and how do we want to operate strategically?

In this session, we hear from three asset owners on their evolution over the last five years:

• What have been the areas for compromise?
• What has been the greatest challenge?
• What are the lessons and advice for other funds?

In this session, we examine the key risks and responsibilities involved as clients change service providers:

• What are the roles and obligations of the client custodians, consultants, auditors, and fund managers as part of the process and who owns the project?
• With no industry standard protocols, what data and information should be shared between new and old custodians?
• What approaches are adopted, and who bears the cost for historical data such as performance and attribution analysis?

In this session, we receive an update on a number of pressing regulatory issues:

• What are the differences between AIST’s operational due diligence guidance and APRA’s? What does best practice look like?
• When is cash not cash? What is APRA’s interpretation?
• What is the latest update for RG 97? What will change and how does it coincide with the Productivity Commission’s objective of net return after cost?
• Do CCIVs (corporate collective investment vehicles) have a use in Australia?

In this session we will hear an update from ACSA on their agenda for 2019-20, and presenting a number of awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In this session, we discuss securities lending and its history since the GFC:

• What are the pros and cons of securities lending?
• What are trustees’ risks and concerns regarding ethics and margin calls?
• What are the Treasury and ATO’s perspectives on collateral and market liquidity?

In this session, we cover all the aspects of efficiency leakage that affect operations:

• What do funds not understand about efficiency leakage?
• What issues should a fund prioritise – tax, implementation, execution?
• What does best practice look like and what are the implications for RG 97?

In this session, we seek to challenge the mentality of operations serving investments:

• How to balance the objectives of the CIO with the investment operations model?
• How to ensure diversity of thought and the right attitudinal and cultural mix?
• In a post-Royal Commission world, how can the industry support good ethics?

In this session, we delve into an example of the power of AI – and its limits