Welcome Toby to the team
When I joined Montgomery back in June 2016, the firm had roughly 5,000 private investors within five funds with 16 staff across domestic and global equities based out of one office in Ultimo. Fast forward to today, the firms is privileged to be working for more than 8,000 private investors within nine different funds with 28 staff across our domestic and global businesses based out of Sydney, Surry Hills and New York.
Indeed, it has been a busy three and a half years, and David Buckland and I have had our hands more than full with the rapid expansion. In late October, the team welcomed Toby Roberts to assist with our growing private client base. Toby like myself comes from Colonial First State, and has a solid background in financial services and fund administration. I thought I would ask Toby a few questions so our readership could get to know him a bit better!
What initially drew you into funds management?
I was first drawn to the world of finance growing up watching Alan Kohler and his graphs on the ABC news. The visual representation of the world economy was incredibly engaging and stimulating for my young mind. My studies of Economics and Finance throughout high school and university only furthered my interest in financial markets. I love researching and discovering new companies, new technologies and innovations which is fundamentally what funds management is all about.
What makes a successful investor?
The ability to remain patient and disciplined to a long-term investment philosophy is crucial to being a successful investor. In terms of identifying investment opportunities you need an ability to think outside the box and to consider the entire range of possible outcomes for a company – not simply the outcome you believe is the most likely.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
“An investment in knowledge pays the most interest.” This really resonates with me as I believe there is no limit to one’s learning. I try to read as much as I can in order to better educate and develop myself each day.
What is the biggest mistake that most investors make?
Investors too often get swept up in the market hysteria that is so well perpetuated by the media. They display a fear of missing out when markets are running hot and buy at inflated valuations. Conversely, they often lock in losses when spooked by downturns, selling their holdings when prices are deflated. This is precisely the opposite to what they should be doing, although admittingly it is no easy feat to remain rational during highly emotional times.
If you weren’t working at a boutique funds management firm, what would you most likely be doing?
Unfortunately, my lack of golfing prowess is affecting my dreams of going pro. Having just joined Montgomery from a large institution, I’m really enjoying the tight-knit, family feel working at in a boutique brings.
What do you do in your spare time?
Sport and travel are my two great loves. Growing up I played as many sports as I could get my hands on. I still play competitive soccer, although my team comfortably secured the wooden spoon this season. I love experiencing the different cultures, interesting people and tasting delicious foods that traveling the world brings. My two travel highlights would be hiking the Everest trail in Nepal and spending a week sailing from Colombia to Panama. Prior to joining Montgomery I was lucky enough to combine my two passions following the Wallabies around Japan for the recent Rugby World Cup.
Dean Curnow joined Montgomery Investment Management in June 2016. Dean joined the firm from Colonial First State, where he was a Consultant for Retail Sales for 2 years. Prior to this, Dean was also a Relationship Manager with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he spent 5 years working in Retail Banking.
This post was contributed by a representative of Montgomery Investment Management Pty Limited (AFSL No. 354564). The principal purpose of this post is to provide factual information and not provide financial product advice. Additionally, the information provided is not intended to provide any recommendation or opinion about any financial product. Any commentary and statements of opinion however may contain general advice only that is prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances or needs. Because of this, before acting on any of the information provided, you should always consider its appropriateness in light of your personal objectives, financial circumstances and needs and should consider seeking independent advice from a financial advisor if necessary before making any decisions. This post specifically excludes personal advice.
