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Global X adds Head of Investment Strategy ahead of Australian expansion
New York-based ETF provider Global X, with US$40 billion ($53.3 billion) in assets under management across more than 80 products, is preparing to launch in the Australian market, and has announced a huge step in its mission.
This week, the ETF provider announced the appointment of Blair Hannon as head of investment strategy of the Australian operations to help support the expansion and development of the Australian ETF business.
While Global X is a relatively unknown name in Australia, the ETF provider is a global leader in thematic investing, with more than 30 Thematic Growth ETF strategies across the US, Europe and Asia. Luis Berruga, CEO of Global X ETFs, says, “Global X is one of the most trusted and admired ETF brands in the world, as shown by the confidence of more than one million clients in 95 different countries.”
Does his appointment matter?
In one word, yes.
Hannon gives confidence behind the Global X brand in Australia and will help build a presence across the country. He is well-regarded in the ETF industry and has an extensive background, having steered BlackRock’s NSW division specialising in investment advice dealing with brokers and private bankers. To add to his experience, Hannon was with Commonwealth Bank as a senior investment adviser for 12 years. Having direct experience dealing with high and ultra-high net worth clients on equities, Hannon is the perfect candidate to help Global X with its expansion plans.
The move is a stepping stone before the firm launches its full suite of Australian ETFs, expected towards the latter part of the year. Hannan’s knowledge and experience of the Australian investor and ETF industry can be expected to add confidence and trust to a new product name, just prior to a major product launch. It can also help support consumer adoption of Global X’s ETF product suite.
Hannon says: “I am excited to be joining Global X as head of investment strategy, Australia, at a thrilling time in the company’s development within the Australian market. Global X has an impressive range of quality financial products, particularly thematic and income ETFs, and I look forward to working with clients to draw on those resources to build their portfolios in today’s dynamic environment.”
