Former Netwealth advice exec joins UniSuper

Confirming her appointment to ifa, Kate Humphries said she is “really excited” to join the industry fund in the newly created role at a time when UniSuper is placing greater focus on its advice division.

Prior to joining, Ms Humphries worked at law firm Holley Nethercote as general manager of its Sydney office where she assisted with AFSL applications and compliance training.

Before this, she was the general manager of Netwealth’s Pathway Licensee Services business.

Speaking to ifa, UniSuper chief legal and risk officer Sean Hughes said Ms Humphries’ appointment followed a restructure of the fund’s risk and legal functions.

Mr Hughes added that her experience as general manager of Pathway Licensee Services played a key part in her appointment to the role.

“We have had a financial advice business for a while, but in terms of the rapid growth of the business, the increased regulatory focus [across the industry], and external market issues we have seen with some of the other licensees, we wanted to make sure we brought on a heavy hitter who would be able to assist us in managing risk,” Mr Hughes said.

Ms Humphries will have responsibilities across the fund’s advice and employer relations businesses in her new role.

“This is advice to all of our members, their spouses and also assisting relationships with our key university stakeholders, [which consists of] 37 universities across Australia,” Mr Hughes said.