Nikko Asset Management NZ has hired Sam Bryden as senior relationship manager, replacing Michael Robson, who left for rival firm, Milford, in June.
Bryden comes to Nikko from the ASB-owned investment platform Aegis, where he served in a similar client relationship management role.
Prior to Aegis he was head of business development for sister entity ASB Securities in a career that has also spanned stints at Westpac, BNZ and Dexia Bank.
In a statement, James Wesley, Nikko NZ head of distribution, said Bryden would be charged mostly with expanding the $5 billion plus manager’s footprint in the financial advisory market.
“As we continue to grow our client base and distribution reach, Sam’s experience and network will be beneficial in helping to support our advisor relationships and capitalize on our growth momentum,” Wesley said. “Sam has led the relationships team at the Aegis investment platform since the start of 2017, where he has grown the sales channel and implemented structural change to increase sales efficiency.”
Nikko manages about $5.2 billion on behalf of NZ investors, of which over $1 billion is sourced from the retail market. This year the firm also launched a KiwiSaver scheme pitched at the direct market with a complementary robo-advice system in the offing.
Also last week, Morningstar named Aman Ramrakha as director manager research ratings Asia-Pacific: the role previously filled by Chris Douglas.
Douglas left Morningstar in August after 12 years with the research house in various positions to join Auckland-based consultancy firm, MyFiduciary, as a principal.
Ramrakha was previously executive manager of research for
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), where he spent 11 years.
Morningstar managing director, Australasia, Jamie Wickham, said in a release: “We’re excited to have Aman join the Morningstar team. He brings a strong background across research and managing teams, along with knowledge of advice and working with licensees and advisers.”