Former ASIC deputy chair joins Bennelong Funds Management
Jeremy Cooper has joined the board of Bennelong Funds Management as a non-executive director.
He has more than 35 years’ experience in the financial services and legal sector, including a period as deputy chair of ASIC from 2004 to 2009.
He joins Bennelong from Challenger where he worked as chairman of retirement income, and where he spent 12 years until November 2022. He has also been a committee member of the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) Association since April 2018.
Cooper will replace Vicki Allen who steps down from the Bennelong board after eight years.
In 2009, Cooper conducted a review under the Rudd government known as the “Cooper Review” into the governance, efficiency and operation of Australia’s superannuation system. This covered areas such as the framework of the superannuation system, contributions, ensuring effective competition, conflicts of interest and costs pressures.
In 2012, he wrote to the Productivity Commission to back calls for more independent directors to be appointed to the trustee boards of superannuation funds.
As well as his role at ASIC, he was also a partner of Ashurst Australia where he worked for over a decade.
John Burke, chief executive of Bennelong, said: “Jeremy is an industry veteran with unparalleled experience and expertise in the Australian superannuation and wealth sectors.
“On behalf of Bennelong, I extend our thanks to Vicki for her contributions to the company and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. We are looking forward to working with Jeremy as we continue our growth strategy in the Australian market.”
The Bennelong board includes Lincoln McMahon as its chair, Andrea Waters, Ian Womack and John Burke. Bennelong has multiple affiliates including Skerryvore, 4D Infrastructure, Quay Global and Touchstone.
Recommended for you
Zenith Investment Partners has welcomed a BDM focusing on adviser solutions in a series of appointments, while two asset managers have also confirmed new hires.
AMP non-executive director Kathleen Bailey-Lord and Iress non-executive director Susan Forrester have been appointed to the national board of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Wealth manager JBWere has announced the launch of two fixed income strategies for wholesale clients, backed by UBS Asset Management.
Firetrail Investments has confirmed the departure of four executives over the last quarter, including head of investment strategy Anthony Doyle.