Mason Stevens has appointed former State Super analyst Paul Spence to the role of Head of Asset Allocation. Reporting to Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Jacqueline Fernley, the role is responsible for developing bespoke strategic & tactical asset allocation solutions for platform clients running managed portfolios.

CIO Fernley said “Paul comes to us with more than 30 years of market experience with a strong background in portfolio construction and quantitative analysis. He will be instrumental in helping advisers and managers evaluate and implement, disciplined portfolios that aim to enhance investor outcomes.”

Fernley continued: “As their businesses grow, our advisers are increasingly coming to us wanting help in making their investment decisions, whether that be around asset allocation, strategic execution advice, or representation on an investment committee. We have the specialist resources like live trading execution and in-house experts, to support that. This provides advisers the flexibility to instead focus on their client conversations.”

Prior to joining the firm from State Super, Spence previously held various role at AMP, Sustainable Insight Capital Management, Deutsche Asset Management, Zurich-Scudder Investments, and Barra International.

The appointment follows another key hire for the firm, with Ian Weir recently joining as the Senior Dealer in the investment team, reinforcing the firm’s approach of supporting advisers with investment rigour and expertise.