Fidelity hires Steven Cheung as ETF director. Steven Cheung joins from BlackRock where he was head of iShares wealth for Greater China and Southeast Asia. 15 September 2026 Fidelity International has appointed Steven Cheung as director, specialist sales, ETFs, Asia Pacific ex Japan, based in Hong Kong. He will report to Thomas Taw, head of ETF of distribution, Asia Pacific ex Japan. Cheung (pictured) joins Fidelity from BlackRock, where he was most recently head of iShares wealth for Greater China and Southeast Asia. In that role, he was responsible for ETF distribution across clients including asset managers, insurers, private banks and digital platforms. He also led the regional adoption of active ETFs and digital asset-related exchange traded products. As investor demand for ETFs continues to grow, Fidelity International is continuing to expand its ETF business across Asia Pacific, said the US asset manager in a statement. The firm's ETF offering provides investors with a broad range of active and benchmark-aware enhanced strategies, backed by Fidelity's global investment expertise. In his role, Cheung will help drive the growth of Fidelity's ETF business across Asia Pacific ex Japan, working closely with distribution, product and investment management teams to deepen client engagement and increase adoption of Fidelity's ETF offering. Taw commented: "Demand for ETFs continues to grow as investors increasingly seek flexible and efficient ways to access investment opportunities. Steven brings deep expertise in ETF distribution, strong client relationships across Asia Pacific and a proven track record in driving ETF adoption across multiple client segments." "His appointment further strengthens our ability to support clients with innovative ETF solutions and expands our ETF capabilities as we continue to grow the business across the region." MORE ARTICLES ON

Iress appoints new chief financial officer. The latest issue of Financial Standard now available as an e-newspaper Executive Appointments | / | / | / | / | Iress appoints new chief financial officer BY VINNY VUCAGO | TUESDAY, 8 SEP 2026 12:45PM Iress has appointed new group chief financial officer as the listed software provider prepares to enter its next phase, with a focus on product sustainable earnings growth. Neil Montford will join Iress as group chief executive officer on November 16, bringing more than 20 years of international finance experience across listed technology and financial services businesses. He most recently served as chief financial officer of ASX-listed Bravura Solutions, where he was involved in improving profitability, cost discipline and operating performance. Montford previously spent 11 years at Fidelity International, including as chief financial officer for Asia Pacific and held senior finance orles across several Macquarie Group operating divisions. He began his career with Deloitte in Australia and the UK. His appointment follows an international search for a successor to current chief executive officer Cameron Williamson, who announced his decision to step down after three years in the role. Williamson will remain with Iress until the end of 2026 to support an orderly leadership transition. Iress group chief executive officer and managing director Andrew Russell said Montford's combination of listed software, financial services and operational experience was well suited to the company's next phase. "Neil is an outstanding addition to the Iress leadership team. Having previously worked alongside him at Bravura. I have seen firsthand his financial discipline, commercial focus and ability to drive execution and performance in a listed software business," Russell said. "As Iress moves into its next phase, our focus is increasingly on product evolution, disciplined investment and converting our strong market positions into sustainable revenue and earnings growth." Russell also thanked Williamson for his contribution over the past three years, during which he helped strengthen Iress' balance sheet and embed greater financial discipline. "On behalf of the board and leadership team, I'd also like to express my gratitude to Cam for the past three years. We wish him the very best for the future," he said. Montford said Iress' strong market positions and embedded products presented a significant opportunity. "I'm excited to join Andrew and the team as we focus on disciplined execution, sustainable growth and delivering long-term value for customers and shareholders," he said. Read more: Iress, Neil Montford, Andrew Russell, ASX-listed Bravura Solutions, Cameron Williamson VIEW COMMENTS Related News | | | Iress bets on AI as business transformation moves forward | | | | Opex Consulting taps Iress data lead | | | | Iress sharpens tech integration to reduce adviser admin burden | | | | State Super names former super chief as chair | | | | Bravura ups guidance, reports earnings increase | | | | BitDelta Pro taps Iress to support global multi-asset ambitions | | | | Iress names chief tech officer to lead AI transformation | | | | Iress inks partnership to embed AI across platforms | | | | Former adviser takes on investment role | | | | Iress sticks to simplification plan, will consider "bona fide" takeover bids Editor's choice. Perennial Partners will shutter three responsible investment funds that manage $140 million in combined assets, as they fall short of reaching scale and achieving their investment objectives. LGT Wealth Management Australia has expanded its Syndey private client advisers' team with five senior hires from UBS Wealth Management. MSC Group will provide administration capability and trusteeship for a natural resources strategy focusing on the energy sector and select commodities. Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), the investment manager of Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the Government Pension Fund Global, has proposed a major restructuring of the fund's exposure on US government bonds. Further Reading

Citigroup seeks China brokerage licence - report. The new business is expected to focus on industries including technology, healthcare, consumer and financial institutions. Citigroup is expected to secure Chinese regulatory clearance for its fully owned brokerage operation in mainland China as early as this month, with plans to recruit several dozen employees for the business in the coming months, according to Reuters. Sources told Reuters that the final approval may come around the period of Chinese President Xi Jinping's scheduled trip to Washington for talks with US President Donald Trump in late September. Reuters said the prospect of approval this month had not been previously disclosed. Citi declined to comment. The US lender, already active in China through corporate, institutional and related banking services, applied in late 2021 for a licence to establish a fully owned mainland brokerage arm as part of a broader effort to deepen its operations in the country. One source said the bank, which has spent the past two years building staff in preparation for the launch, wants to raise employee numbers at the unit to about 100 by the end of the year, roughly twice its current level. Reuters said the planned recruitment will cover both senior revenue-generating roles and operational support positions, using a mix of staff relocations and outside hiring. The first source said Citi intends to transfer some bankers from Hong Kong and other parts of Asia into the China brokerage operation, while also reassigning certain existing mainland employees to the new entity. According to the sources, the unit is seeking permission to carry out A-share brokerage, underwriting, research and principal trading in China's onshore market. These activities would sit alongside Citi's current China investment banking team, which is geared towards helping domestic companies raise funds in overseas markets, the first source said. The people said Citi plans to draw on its mainland corporate and commercial banking relationships, where it already provides services such as foreign exchange, cash management and trade finance, in pursuit of A-share equity and M&A work. The new business is expected to focus on industries including technology, healthcare, consumer and financial institutions, targeting both established Chinese corporate "champions" and newer companies such as AI and chip groups. Earlier this week, Citi said it would increase headcount by 25% across South Africa, Europe and Asia to support the outbound banking requirements of North Asian clients, including those from mainland China. Alongside competition from US investment banks, Citi would also enter a market dominated by Chinese brokerages. Several overseas financial groups have scaled back or withdrawn from China in recent years amid intense competitive pressures. It was reported last month that Fidelity International planned to shut a China fund management unit, after Schroders decided to move its onshore team and products to Neuberger Berman. Give your business an edge with its leading industry insights.