CFA 2025 Conference Programme

A look at geopolitics, technology, strategic security & context for New Zealand

Panel session discussing implications for NZ & APac.

Chair: Christina Leung, CFA, Deputy Chief Executive, Auckland & Principal Economist, Head of Membership Services, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research & Vice Chair, CFASNZ

Panel: Hamish Pepper, Head of Multi Asset & Global Investments, Harbour Asset Management

Keynote: For Your Eyes OnlyFormer MI6 spy Matthew Dunn shares lessons on leadership, decision-making, and trust in uncertain times.
Matthew Dunn, D2: Spy Leadership Executive Program, Co-Founder & Director
Former MI6 spy Matthew identifies the vital need to understand the mindset of one’s human counterpart/s. Despite the rapid ascension of the digital age, data and digital systems are tools that support human decisions. But those decisions can be variable, fragile, and changeable, not least within the highly uncertain contemporary world. How do we recognise the symptoms of fear in those we wish to do business with? What do we do if we too share that fear? Whether looking for short-term or long-term outcomes, the challenges and solutions are near-identical. Drawing upon his exacting experience of running foreign agents against hard targets, Matthew explains that if one can identify the minefield then one controls the minefield. And if we decide that field is navigable, then inner confidence is born. Supported by courageous control over insightful information, confidence begets the leadership to guide others to our destination. The result is trust. And trust is the ultimate silver-bullet for correct mutual decision-making.

Practitioner Dialogue

Anne-Maree O’Connor, Head of Sustainable Investment, New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZ Super Fund)

Automation Ahead: Applying GenAI in Financial ServicesBrian Pisaneschi, CFA, Senior Investment Data Scientist, Institute Research and Policy Centre (virtual presenter)
The rapid advancement of Generative AI is redefining automation across financial services—transforming risk management, regulatory reporting, investment analysis, and client engagement. This session builds on insights from CFA Institute’s Automation Ahead series, focusing on how large language models and other AI tools are being applied in real workflows today. Participants will gain a practical understanding of:

•  How GenAI is changing automation in investment and operational processes
• The new skillsets financial professionals need to develop to work effectively with AI
• The AI toolbox: core techniques and tools for implementation.

Navigating Uncertainty: Tales from the trenchesInteractive session on leadership & culture incorporating scenarios from earlier sessions
James Ware, CFA, Founder, Focus Consulting Group
For 25 years, he and his team have been consulting with investment leaders on how to best build strong cultures, develop talent, and create exceptional teams. Working weekly with investment leaders, Jim knows that the challenges have never been greater. He will share with the group the practices that have been most helpful to clients in navigating the difficult and turbulent times. This session promises to provide specific takeaways that leaders can use with their teams.

Inspirational Closing on Leadership, Stewardship

Summary and key insights of the day

David Kandziora, CFA, CAIA, Portfolio Manager, Alvarium & Chair, CFASNZ