The Australian Custodial Services Association’s 30 Year Celebration Gala Dinner was a landmark occasion—bringing together industry leaders, past and present contributors, partners and friends to reflect on three decades of progress and to look confidently toward the future of custody and investment services in Australia.
Hosted by Effie Zahos, the evening marked a proud milestone for ACSA and the broader custody and investment services community. It was both a celebration of the association’s origins, achievements and the role custodians will continue to play at the centre of the Australian financial system.
From Back Office to Strategic Partner
A central theme of the night was the extraordinary evolution of the custody industry itself. Custodians have moved far beyond traditional back office functions to become strategic partners embedded within the investment ecosystem.
ACSA’s leadership throughout this transformation has ensured the industry remains adaptable, informed and prepared for what comes next.
Recognising Excellence: Industry Awards
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of ACSA Industry Recognition and Awards, celebrating individuals whose leadership, expertise and service have made a lasting contribution to the industry.
ACSA Awards were presented to:
Alvin Chia (Northern Trust)
Tina Rathjen (J.P. Morgan)
Nathan Kessey (KPMG)
Jo McMahon (J.P. Morgan)
ACSA Award Winners: (L-R is as per above with ACSA Chair Sally Surgeon)
Each recipient was recognised for their outstanding contribution to custody and investment services and their commitment to advancing industry standards and collaboration.
Service to Industry Award
The Service to Industry Award was presented to Lisa Simmons (Retired – Ashurst) in recognition of her long-standing dedication and impact across the sector.
ACSA Chair Award
The prestigious ACSA Chair Award was awarded to Jodie Bosler (State Street), acknowledging exceptional leadership, service and contribution to the association and the broader industry.
These awards underscored the depth of talent and commitment that continues to drive the success of custody services in Australia.
With Thanks to Our Community
The success of the Gala Dinner was made possible by the support of ACSA’s members, volunteers and sponsors.
Special thanks were extended to the Gala Dinner organising committee and event sponsors whose support ensured the evening was both memorable and meaningful.
Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future Together
One message resonated clearly from the evening: while the Gala Dinner celebrated 30 years of achievement, it also marked the beginning of ACSA’s next chapter. The challenges and opportunities ahead are significant—but so too is the strength of the community that stands behind ACSA. Together, ACSA and its members will continue to shape the future of custody and investment services—building on a legacy of collaboration, innovation and trust.
Event Gallery
Check out the gallery of photos and videos from the evening below.