J.P. Morgan's Involvement in the Association

Introduction 

J.P.  Morgan (previously operating as Chase Manhattan Bank before their merger in 2000) has played a pivotal role in the development and success of the Australian Custodial Services Association (ACSA) since its inception in 1995. As an inaugural board member of ACSA, J.P. Morgan has continually contributed to the organisation’s mission of advancing the standards, professionalism, and operational resilience of custodial services in Australia.

ACSA's Role and Achievements  

ACSA serves as a cornerstone in the custody and investment administration industry in Australia. It aims to enhance the standards and practices within the sector, providing a platform for industry collaboration and advocacy. Over the years, ACSA has accomplished several milestones, including: 

• Advancing Industry Standards: From its inception, ACSA has been at the forefront of establishing best practices for custody and investment administration services. These standards have helped ensure consistency and reliability across the industry, benefiting both service providers and their clients. 
  
• Advocacy and Policy Influence: ACSA has been an active advocate for its members, engaging with policymakers to shape regulatory frameworks that support the growth and stability of the custody and investment administration sector. Its input has been instrumental in crafting regulations that address issues such as risk management, data security, and asset protection. 
  
• Technological Integration: Recognising the transformative potential of technology, ACSA has championed the adoption of digital tools and platforms. Initiatives such as electronic reporting standards and blockchain-based asset tracking have positioned its members at the cutting edge of innovation. 
  
• Member Engagement and Education: ACSA’s commitment to its members is evident in its extensive range of training programs, workshops, and conferences. These events provide valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development, ensuring that members remain well-equipped to navigate industry challenges. 
  

Key J.P. Morgan Contributors

J.P. Morgan’s involvement in leading ACSA’s strategy and approach has been marked by the notable contributions of several key individuals:

Laurence Bailey (1995–1998)
Serving as Chair or Deputy Chair during ACSA's formative years, Laurence provided foundational leadership, steering the association's early efforts to establish itself as a credible industry body. His tenure focused on setting operational and governance frameworks that continue to underpin ACSA’s success.

Graeme Arnott (1999–2006)
Graeme played a critical role in navigating the early 2000s, a period marked by rapid globalisation and technological shifts. His leadership as Chair from 2002-2004 emphasised collaboration between custodians and regulatory bodies, ensuring alignment with international standards.

Bryan Gray (2007–2010)
Bryan’s tenure coincided with the global financial crisis, a challenging period for the custody industry. As Chair from 2008-2009, he championed resilience and innovation, advocating for robust operational practices and supporting members through turbulent markets.

David Braga (2011–2024)
David’s involvement provided consistent leadership during a transformative era for ACSA. As Chair in 2014, he spearheaded initiatives on digital transformation, data standardisation, and member engagement, ensuring the association remained relevant in an evolving landscape.

Henry Capra (2015–2016)
During his tenure, Henry contributed to ACSA’s efforts in operational risk management, helping members navigate new compliance challenges and enhancing resilience frameworks.

Marian Azer (2017)
Marian brought a fresh perspective to ACSA’s leadership, focusing on diversity and inclusion within the industry. Her contributions as Deputy Chair underscored the importance of broadening participation across all facets of the custodial services sector.

Craig Twentyman (2018–2020)
Craig's leadership emphasised sustainability and innovation, aligning ACSA's strategies with global trends in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.

Sean Gardner (2021)
Sean played a critical role in strengthening ACSA’s advocacy and member engagement during a year marked by unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matthew Chuck (2022–2024)
Under Matt’s leadership, ACSA expanded its focus on regulatory change and the digital asset evolution, ensuring its members were well-prepared for the future of custodial services.

Elaine Vaisanen (2024–Current)
Elaine provides ACSA with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and international collaboration, maintaining JP Morgan’s legacy of active contribution to the association’s growth.

Key J.P. Morgan Contributors

Each year ACSA issues awards for contribution to the industry. 

The ACSA Awards affirm the industry’s desire to recognise outstanding individual contribution. Several members of the J.P. Morgan team have been recipients of the awards including:

2014 - Marian Azer
2016/2019 – Roger Chan
2017 – Stephen Coutts
2020 – Teri Thomas
2021 – Scott Oakland
2021 – Duncan Lyon
2024 – Elaine Cheung

Looking Ahead

Over the past 30 years, J.P.  Morgan’s leaders have underpinned the growth and development of ACSA and its partnership approach demonstrates the strength and impact of collaboration within the Australian custody and investment administration industry.