One Investment Group - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

One Investment Group (OIG) is an independent Australian funds management business established in 2009. Its core mission is to deliver market-leading responsible entity, trustee, custody, fund administration, registry, and corporate secretarial services. The group aims to serve a diverse client base that includes global and domestic investment managers, sovereign wealth funds, insurance groups, pension funds, and private equity firms, offering these services either as integrated turn-key solutions or as discrete offerings. OIG has organically grown to become a significant provider in the Australian market, recognized as the third-largest independent provider of outsourced responsible entity and trustee services, and the largest independent provider of corporate trust and fund administration services in Australia.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The main business objectives of One Investment Group revolve around providing comprehensive fiduciary and administration services. This allows investment managers to delegate critical compliance, administration, and operational aspects, enabling them to concentrate primarily on investor capital management. A key objective is to act as a "one-stop-shop" for fund managers, offering an integrated suite of services.

Specialization Areas

OIG specializes in managing various asset classes, including real estate, credit, private equity, infrastructure, equities, mortgage, and hedge funds. Their unique value proposition lies in offering a complete integrated solution encompassing responsible entity/trustee, custody, fund accounting, and registry services, which differentiates them in the Australian market. Their licensed entities hold over 200 trustee roles and administer a wide range of asset classes.

Target Markets

The primary market segments for One Investment Group include global and domestic investment managers, sovereign wealth funds, insurance groups, pension funds, and private equity firms. Their market positioning strategy emphasizes providing a seamless and comprehensive outsourced service solution for fund launches and ongoing administration.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

One Investment Group was founded in 2009 by Justin Epstein and Frank Tearle. The company has secured external funding, including an undisclosed amount in a Series A round on July 6, 2016. Yorkway Partners led this funding round, with RBH Holdings also participating as a key investor.

Fund Utilization

While specific utilization details are undisclosed, the funding and strategic alliance with Yorkway Partners in 2016 supported the group's continued growth. At the time, OIG managed over 200 funds with $10 billion under management. This investment has contributed to the company's expansion, as it now administers more than $80 billion in assets across over 680 roles.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

One Investment Group provides a comprehensive suite of services that act as a product pipeline for fund managers:

Responsible Entity/Trustee Services:
Description: OIG acts as the licensed responsible entity or trustee for various funds, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Development Stage: Fully operational and a core offering since establishment.
Target Market/Condition: Fund managers launching and managing a diverse range of investment vehicles.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing service crucial for fund launches and continuous operation.
Key Features and Benefits: Facilitates fund establishment, ensures regulatory compliance, and provides fiduciary oversight.
Custody Services:
Description: Provides secure holding and administration of fund assets.
Development Stage: Fully operational.
Target Market/Condition: Funds requiring independent asset safekeeping and administration.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing.
Key Features and Benefits: Enhanced security for assets, streamlined asset management, and regulatory compliance.
Fund Administration, Accounting, and Taxation Services (via Unity Fund Services):
Description: Comprehensive back-office support, including fund accounting, unit pricing, and tax reporting.
Development Stage: Fully operational.
Target Market/Condition: Fund managers seeking outsourced operational efficiency and compliance.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing.
Key Features and Benefits: Reduces operational burden for fund managers, leverages sophisticated portfolio technology, and ensures accurate financial reporting.
Registry Services (via One Registry Services):
Description: Manages investor records, unit transactions, distributions, and communications.
Development Stage: Fully operational.
Target Market/Condition: Funds requiring efficient investor management and communication.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing.
Key Features and Benefits: Streamlines investor relations, accurate record-keeping, and compliance with registry obligations.
Corporate Secretarial Services:
Description: Provides company secretarial support to ensure adherence to corporate governance and legal requirements.
Development Stage: Fully operational.
Target Market/Condition: Investment vehicles needing corporate governance and statutory compliance.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing.
Key Features and Benefits: Ensures good corporate governance and smooth operation of fund entities.

One Investment Group actively supports the launch and growth of new funds, anticipating a continuous pipeline of new funds focusing on various strategies within property, mezzanine debt, credit, equities, and market-neutral strategies. This is driven by market trends such as the Significant Investor Visa program and the ASX's mFund service.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

One Investment Group leverages technology through its affiliates, such as Unity Fund Services, which utilizes sophisticated, global award-winning portfolio technology applications for fund administration, accounting, and taxation services. The company's core technical capabilities are enhanced by strategic partnerships to integrate advanced financial technology.

Proprietary Developments

While the provided text does not specifically detail proprietary software development by OIG, the group’s emphasis on a unified "one-stop-shop" solution suggests a strong internal ability to integrate various service components and potentially develop specialized processes or platforms to achieve this comprehensive offering.

Scientific Methodologies

One Investment Group employs robust compliance and governance frameworks, which can be seen as structured methodologies to manage risks and ensure regulatory adherence across the diverse asset classes and services they offer.

Technical Capabilities

Through its subsidiaries and partnerships, OIG demonstrates technical capabilities in:
Advanced Portfolio Technology: For precise fund administration, accounting, and taxation.
Secure Technology Platforms: As seen in its partnership with Cashwerkz for streamlined term deposit management, including rate research, real-time reporting, and KYC/AML compliance.
Data Integration and Automation: A future strategic focus includes building data capabilities encompassing new platforms, tools, automation, data collection, and system integrations.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Frank Tearle (CEO): Co-founder of One Investment Group in 2009.
Justin Epstein (Co-founder, Executive Director): Co-founder of One Investment Group in 2009. Formerly an Investment Director at LJCB Investment Group. He possesses extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, funds management, and corporate governance. He is also a Director of a private investment company focusing on equity investments and distressed debt opportunities.
John O'Leary (Director Corporate Trust)
Sudhamoy Hazra (Head Of Operations)
Tom Hure (Chief Financial Officer)
Shane Ritchie (Managing Director for Custody Services)
John Rowley (Director, Business Development): Manages the pipeline of domestic and global clients, bringing 20 years of experience from The Trust Company, UBS Global Asset Management, and Macquarie Bank Group.
Andrew Dyster (Managing Director for One Registry Services): Previously General Manager of Fund Services at Computershare.
Sri Pillai (Director, Compliance): Responsible for fund governance and compliance, with over 18 years of experience from various ASX-listed companies and trustee/investment companies.
Michael Greenway (Manager, Corporate Trust Services): Brings 15 years of client service and relationship management experience from firms like Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Colonial First State.
Justin Christopher (Managing Director of Custody Services): Appointed in July 2017, with over 20 years of industry experience, including leadership roles at BNP Paribas Securities Services Australia and NZ.
Michael Sutherland (Director, Corporate Trust; Executive Director of One Managed Investment Funds): Appointed Executive Director to the board of One Managed Investment Funds in October 2019, with over 20 years of financial services experience.

Recent Leadership Changes

October 2019: Michael Sutherland was appointed as an Executive Director to the board of One Managed Investment Funds, a subsidiary of One Investment Group, replacing Justin Epstein. This appointment brought additional seasoned financial services experience to the subsidiary's leadership.
January 2019: Justin Epstein transitioned from his executive role within the group to become a non-executive director. He remains involved in the company's strategic direction and an investor, signifying a shift in his day-to-day operational responsibilities while retaining strategic oversight.
July 2017: Justin Christopher was appointed as the Managing Director of Custody Services. This was a strategic hire aimed at bolstering the custody services offering with deep industry expertise.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

One Investment Group demonstrates consistent organic growth, reflected in its workforce expansion. The company's employee count ranged from 51 to 200 as of July 1, 2024. OIG actively recruits new talent to support its expanding operations and service offerings.

Key Roles Being Recruited

Current hiring patterns indicate recruitment for diverse roles, including:
Assistant Manager Corporate Trust
Senior Fund Accountant
Financial Services Marketing Specialist

These positions are predominantly located in Sydney CBD, indicating a focus on strengthening core operational, financial, and client-facing functions.

Company Growth Trajectory Indicators

The company's growth is evident in its increasing metrics:
Administrates over $80 billion in assets, a significant increase from $10 billion in 2016.
Services over 680 roles, demonstrating a substantial expansion of its client engagements and service mandates.
Continued organic growth since its 2009 establishment underscores a successful business model and market acceptance.

Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights

The focus on building trusted partnerships, providing direct and personal service, and aligning with client success, as detailed in their operational insights, suggests a company culture that values client relationships and a hands-on approach.

Company Size and Expansion Metrics

OIG's employee base of 51-200 and administration of over $80 billion in assets highlight its position as a substantial player in the Australian funds management services sector, indicating strong expansion from its earlier stages.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

One Investment Group maintains a professional digital footprint across key social media platforms to engage with industry professionals and disseminate company updates.

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-investment-group/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-investment-group/)
X (formerly Twitter): [https://twitter.com/oneinvestment](https://twitter.com/oneinvestment)
Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/oneinvestmentgroup/](https://www.facebook.com/oneinvestmentgroup/)

Brand Messaging and Positioning

Through these platforms, OIG conveys its brand messaging centered on providing comprehensive fiduciary and administration services. The content focuses on market insights, company news, and updates relevant to the financial services industry, positioning itself as a thought leader and reliable partner for fund managers.

Community Engagement Strategies

OIG leverages social media to engage with financial market participants and industry peers by sharing professional content, commentary on market trends, and company achievements, fostering an informed and connected community around its brand.

8. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

One Investment Group competes within a dynamic Australian funds management landscape. Its competitors include both global financial giants and other specialized firms:

Investec:
Company Overview: A global banking and wealth management group.
Focus Areas: Investment banking, asset management, wealth management, specialist banking.
Technological Capabilities: Utilizes advanced platforms for diverse financial services.
Notable Achievements: Strong global presence and diversified financial offerings.
Competitive Positioning: Large, established player with broad service offerings.
Goldman Sachs:
Company Overview: Leading global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm.
Focus Areas: Investment banking, global markets, asset management, consumer & wealth management.
Technological Capabilities: State-of-the-art trading platforms, risk management, and data analytics.
Notable Achievements: Renowned for capital markets expertise and global reach.
Competitive Positioning: Global powerhouse with extensive resources and a wide array of financial products.
S&P Global:
Company Overview: Provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence.
Focus Areas: Financial information and analytics, credit ratings, benchmarks, and market intelligence.
Technological Capabilities: Advanced data platforms, analytics tools, and financial models.
Notable Achievements: Industry leader in financial data and analytics.
Competitive Positioning: Specializes in data, ratings, and analytics, complementing or competing with OIG's offerings in certain areas.
Yarra Capital Management:
Company Overview: An Australian-based investment management firm.
Focus Areas: Active management across Australian equities, fixed income, and multi-asset strategies.
Technological Capabilities: Utilizes various investment management and analytical tools.
Notable Achievements: Strong reputation in active fund management in Australia.
Competitive Positioning: A significant local player with expertise in specialized fund management.
Alterity Group:
Company Overview: A boutique financial services firm.
Focus Areas: Risk, insurance, and investment advisory services.
Technological Capabilities: Employs tools for risk management and investment analysis.
Notable Achievements: Focus on specialized advisory services.
* Competitive Positioning: Niche player