Former Challenger tech chief joins Bell Financial in new role

The former Chief Executive, Technology at Challenger Limited, Kate Ingwersen, has been appointed to the newly created role of Group Head of Product at Bell Financial Group (BFG).

Ingwersen will spearhead the innovation and strategy development for the group’s products and services across its retail and institutional client base and across its several companies including Bell Potter Securities, Bell Potter Capital and Third Party Platform Pty.

Bell Financial Group co-chief executive, Arnie Selvarajah, said the appointment supports the company’s growth plans by “investing in proprietary broking technology and a range of complementary wealth management products and services”.

“Sitting under the Bell Financial Group umbrella are three strong businesses that are diversified across client segments, geography and revenue and are well-positioned for growth,” he said.

“As Group Head of Product, Kate will be responsible for unifying our product and services strategy across the Group to capitalise on the strengths of each of our underlying businesses, and to broaden the products and services we offer in an innovative manner to assist in achieving our clients’ financial objectives.

“This builds on our strategy to diversify our well-established broking and capital markets businesses into broader wealth management and financial services, and to capitalise on initiatives such as the recently launched Tandem Securities brand, our integrated suite of trading, clearing and investment services for wholesale and institutional clients.

“We’re confident that Kate, with her deep product strategy experience across multiple disciplines and industry verticals, is well credentialed to play a key role in assisting us to drive growth.”

Ingwersen joins BFG with over 25 years of experience in banking and wealth management under her belt, having spent time at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and BT in product distribution and strategy as well as several executive roles. In 2021, she joined Challenger as Chief Technology Officer and in 2022 joined the executive leadership team with the appointment as Chief Executive, Technology. She led all activity related to technology, data platforms and cyber security at Challenger.

“This is an important time for Bell Financial Group as we see the intergenerational wealth transfer start to gather momentum,” she said, commenting on her appointment.

“Across the entire financial services industry, this substantial transfer of assets and wealth will have significant implications for investors of all types. As a technology-led and diversified financial services and wealth management business, Bell Financial Group is well positioned for the opportunity this transition represents.”