This half-day series will address a range of critical topics currently at the forefront for corporate treasury teams. Led by industry experts, each session will deliver practical insights, case studies, and the latest trends, ensuring treasurers are equipped to make informed decisions that drive organizational success.

Hosted by Herbert Smith Freehills, the Essential Treasurer Melbourne provides valuable content for professionals at all levels. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders during dedicated sessions following the presentations.

SESSION ONE: KEYNOTE 

 

Cameron Mitchell will discuss his perspective on corporate priorities in risk management, key opportunities for growth, and how these may have evolved over the past year. He’ll delve into emerging issues, including the impact of the U.S. election, and share insights on navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

 

Speaker:

 

Cameron Mitchell – Head of Geopolitical Risk, ANZ

 

Cameron Mitchell joined ANZ in March 2021 to manage the bank’s geopolitical risk function. In this role, he coordinates the production of tailored geopolitical risk assessments of direct relevance to ANZ interests. He was previously HSBC’s Global Head of Geopolitical Risk.

 

Cameron is a former Australian public servant, where he worked in the Australian Intelligence Community. He provided strategic-level political risk advice and major power relations assessments to senior Australian government officials and his analysis aided in the development of three Australian Defence White Papers.

 

A former Australian Defence Force Reserve Officer, Cameron also deployed on military operations to Iraq and Afghanistan. He provided intelligence support to operational-level commanders and supported national-level agencies from within theatre.

 

Cameron was born in Surrey, UK and grew up in Nigeria and Brunei before completing secondary school in Australia. He is currently completing a part-time Master of Studies in International Relations at the University of Cambridge. He has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and History from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Arts by research in Political Science from the University of New South Wales.

 

He is the author of articles and a book about the Russian defence industry, published through the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre.

This session will conclude with an interactive Q&A

 

SESSION TWO: SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING

Sustainability reporting is more than just a regulatory box to tick—it’s a powerful way for businesses to showcase their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. In today’s landscape, transparency and accountability are key drivers for investors, stakeholders, and consumers alike. Herbert Smith Freehills will explore how to navigate the complexities of sustainability reporting, align with global standards, and turn compliance into a competitive advantage. Join us at Essential Treasurer 2024 to learn actionable strategies that can help your organization not only meet regulatory requirements but also strengthen your ESG credentials and drive long-term success.

 

 Speakers: 

 

Carolyn Pugsley – Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills

 

Carolyn is a senior partner in Herbert Smith Freehills’ Head Office Advisory Team (HOAT), specializing in corporate governance and board advisory. With extensive experience, she supports ASX 100 clients, particularly in energy, resources, consumer, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors, along with public and not-for-profit entities, on governance structures and emerging board-level challenges. Active in the firm’s ESG, sustainability, and cyber risk practices, Carolyn offers clients tailored guidance on directors’ duties, market disclosure, and risk frameworks. Recognized as a leading Corporate Governance lawyer by The Australian Financial Review since 2014, she is a thought leader, influencing policy through work with regulators and peak bodies.

 

 

Charlotte Turner – Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills

 

Charlotte is a Senior Associate and corporate lawyer specializing in ESG matters, with a focus on climate and sustainability risk governance. She advises clients on directors’ duties, reporting obligations, and managing climate and sustainability risks, including economic transition and emerging liability risks. Drawing from her litigation background, Charlotte also provides guidance on greenwashing. She has worked with ASX100 and unlisted clients, offering expertise in legal and financial ESG risks, capacity building, and board training. Additionally, Charlotte has co-authored ESG publications and training materials for the Australian Institute of Company Directors and contributed to the ESG Corporate chapter in LexisNexis.

 

This session will conclude with an interactive Q&A

 

 

SESSION THREE: BUILDING HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAMS: KEY INSIGHTS FOR HIRING SUCCESS

High performing teams are a crucial prerequisite for success in a fast-past and competitive world. This moderated Q&A will dive deep into one of the most consequential decisions a leader makes – who you invite to join your team. This session aims to provide both practical strategies for hiring managers to help identify and secure talent, and the insights for candidates to help find the right team and secure the offer you want.

 

Speakers:

 

 

Michael Larkin, CCTA – CEO, Treasury Corporation of Victoria

 

Mr Larkin is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the Corporation according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors and the Treasurer of Victoria.

He has more than 30 years’ international corporate finance experience in the real estate, transport, construction materials, building materials and investment banking industries, with a particular interest in financial strategy, funding and capital management.

Most recently, Mr Larkin spent 10 years at Lendlease as Group Treasurer with responsibility for the global funding, liquidity, financial risk management and transaction banking of both the Lendlease Group and the projects and funds managed by Lendlease and its subsidiaries. During his tenure, Mr Larkin repositioned the Lendlease global treasury team as a business partner that consistently delivered on its core mission of enabling commercial outcomes for the Group and its stakeholders, and established Lendlease as a leader in corporate sustainable financing in Australia.

 

Diane Crossley, CCTA – General Manager Treasury, Vicinity

 

An experienced Treasury professional with over 20 years across financial services, investment banking, regulated utilities, and real estate, Diane brings expertise in Debt Strategy, Financial Risk Management, Hedging, Derivatives, and Financial Analysis. Her global experience will be invaluable as she strategically allocates capital and strengthens our capital partnerships to support sustainable portfolio growth. Diane is also known for her exceptional stakeholder management skills, building strong relationships with senior management, board members, rating agencies, investors, lenders, and advisors, and has a proven track record in negotiating and executing transactions to achieve best practices and value-driven financial outcomes.

 

This session will conclude with an interactive Q&A

 

 

SESSION FOUR: STATE OF THE TREASURY PROFESSION

 

Join us for an engaging and interactive discussion on the State of the Treasury Profession, designed to spark conversation and connect you with fellow treasury professionals. This session aims to engage and provoke attendees to dive into the common, challenges, shaping the field, and, in doing so, arming you with the market intelligence to avoid pitfalls. Bring your perspectives and questions as we collectively explore how the treasury profession is evolving.

 

Presenter:

 

 Kurt Smith FCTA – Technical Director, ACTA and Director, Marengo Capital

 

Kurt Smith is the Vice President and Technical Director of the Australian Corporate Treasury Association, and a Director of Marengo Capital, a corporate advisory company.  Kurt has over 25 years’ experience in creating and managing for value in banking, funds management, private equity, fintech, utilities and mining services.  Kurt has a Ph.D. from the University of Western Australia, and an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge.

 

Details:

Date: Friday 15th November 2024

Time: 1.00pm – 7.00pm (for a 1.30pm start)

Venue: 80 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

 

Cost:

ACTA Members: FREE

Non-Members: $55 (inc GST)

INFINZ Members: $25 (inc GST)

 

Thank you to our event partner Herbert Smith Freehills for their support of the Australian Treasury Community.