As La Trobe Financial accelerates towards its 2030 goal of $55 billion in assets under management (AUM), Dan Baker has been appointed to head liquidity.
Baker brings with him over two decades of experience in liquidity, treasury and market risk, having held senior roles at NAB, AustralianSuper, ME Bank, Suncorp, and most recently as treasurer at Bank First.
His appointment is the latest in a series of strategic hires made by the firm this year, aimed at strengthening its leadership team and supporting the growth of its global investment platform.
Other key hires include Travis Goudie as deputy chief financial officer, James Waterworth as head of distribution and John Illiakopoulos as head of self-directed clients.
Commenting on his new role, Baker emphasised liquidity as the “backbone” of investor confidence.
“La Trobe Financial’s disciplined approach to liquidity management is a key reason it has earned the trust of over 120,000 investors,” he said.
“I’m thrilled to contribute to a business that’s not only growing rapidly but doing so with integrity and purpose.”
Launched in May of this year, the firm’s flagship La Trobe Australian Credit Fund has become the country’s largest retail credit fund, with nearly $14 billion in AUM. It joined the asset manager’s US Private Credit Fund, launched in partnership with Morgan Stanley in 2023.
Last month, ASIC issued interim stop orders against the 12 Month Term Account and 2 Year Account products offered under the La Trobe Australian Credit Fund, as well as the firm’s US Private Credit Fund.
At the time, the regulator cited deficiencies in target market determinations and concerns that investors may be exposed to inappropriate risks.
La Trobe Financial has since amended the target market determination for each of the three funds, leading to the lifting of all investment stops and reopening them to new investment.
Looking forward, the firm stated it plans to introduce Australian commercial real estate and global infrastructure strategies, expanding its product offerings for retirement-focused investors.
Chief investment officer at La Trobe, Chris Paton, concluded that Baker’s appointment positions the firm for its next phase of growth.
“His expertise in liquidity and risk complements our investment strategy and our careful stewardship of investor capital,” Paton said.
