Chandu Bhindi has been named AustralianSuper’s inaugural chief liquidity officer, effective January 2025.
In the role, he will be responsible for management of the $340 billion fund’s liquidity and risk across a range of asset classes.
“Chandu brings an enormous amount of experience to the fund and is yet another example of how our scale and growth trajectory is attracting the best talent available in financial services,” said AustralianSuper’s chief investment officer, Mark Delaney.
“The appointment is a clear reflection of the importance that we place on liquidity management and the major role it plays in the fund’s operations and the broader Australian economy.”
Liquidity management has come increasingly to the fore of the fund’s operations as more members approach retirement with larger balances, Delaney explained.
“A big part of Chandu’s role will be to drive the development and implementation of the fund’s liquidity strategy so that we can implement our broader portfolio strategy through all market cycles,” he said.
“He will have global oversight so that we can deliver efficient and effective portfolio management for members as the fund continues to grow.”
Bhindi joins the mega fund from Commonwealth Bank, where he has had responsibility for the group’s funding and liquidity and most recently served as general manager for capital management and stress testing.
He was previously treasurer at Commonwealth Bank-owned ASB Bank in New Zealand for over five years.
His resume also includes roles at Credit Suisse as head of capital management (APAC) and more than a decade at Westpac, most recently as head of group capital management.
Commenting on the appointment, Bhindi said he was pleased to take on the strategically important role at the fund.
“It’s an exciting time to join AustralianSuper as the fund continues to grow so that it can deliver on its purpose of helping members achieve their best financial position in retirement,” Bhindi said.
“I’m looking forward to implementing liquidity management strategies and developing capabilities that will drive efficient management of liquidity and provide the fund with optionality as it continues to broaden its offshore footprint.”
