Media Release issued: 20 April 2021
Ignition Advice appoints CEO, Asia Pacific
Ignition Advice today announced the appointment of financial services executive Craig Keary to the newly created role of CEO, Asia Pacific.
He has over 30 years’ experience with blue chip international companies in both Europe and Asia. Mr Keary was most recently managing director Asia Pacific of AMP Capital, based in Tokyo. He has also worked at Westpac where he was executive director, head of distribution & sales, equities and retail markets, and at Commonwealth Bank and HSBC.
Mr Keary is currently undertaking a PHD part time with the research being on “How will the financial planning industry need to adapt to changing customer needs and circumstances” at Western Sydney University.
Mike Giles, CEO of Ignition Advice, said that expanding into the Asian market is the next step in Ignition’s growth strategy.
“We are already well-established in UK and Europe, and have our base in Australia so it therefore makes sense to continue our growth in the Asian financial advice market.
“There are significant opportunities in countries such as China and Japan to utilise technology to expand the reach of financial advice. Craig’s substantial experience in the Asian market will be extremely valuable to our growth plans, not least his understanding of the different cultures and the ability to lead teams across multiple jurisdictions,” Mr Giles said.
Mr Keary said that, having recently spent almost four years living and working in Asia, there are distinct opportunities for Australian companies doing business in Asia.
“Australia’s robust regulatory regime, the breadth and depth of its financial services industry through the superannuation system, and its growing reputation in technological innovation, means Australian companies are viewed very favourably in Asia.
“I am looking forward to helping Ignition bring its expertise and experience to the Asian market, particularly as it offers a solution that helps enhance the financial wellbeing of investors – something I am particularly passionate about,” Mr Keary said.
Ignition Advice is a leading global advice technology specialist for enterprises seeking to help more customers make better financial decisions. It was founded in Sydney in 2014 by Mike Giles and Mark Fordree and now has teams based in Sydney, Dublin and London.