The past quarter provided a hectic and high energy wrap to the calendar year, marked by notable achievements in our client partnerships and significant personal milestones – yes, we even heard wedding bells! Here are a select few moments that made Q4 a strong close to an overall high-quality Madden 2023.
Client Milestones
New financial advice fintech client Elemnta is already kicking significant goals with the successful launch of a new brand and the announcement of a strategic partnership with Colonial First State. This collaboration resulted in a major enhancement to the FirstChoice platform, streamlining adviser access to existing data and reducing set-up time for new and existing accounts by up to 80%.
Elemnta is an emerging force in the wealth management digital integration space. Its commitment to transforming the advice and wealth sector aligns with the growing demand in Australia for comprehensive digital solutions. Madden looks forward to partnering for the continued success of Elemnta in the new year!
In risk insurance, Madden facilitated the release of PPS Mutual’s inaugural 2023 State of Health and Wellbeing in Accounting report in collaboration with Investment Trends. The study is the first of its kind to examine the mindsets of Australian accountants, the backbone of small to medium enterprise. Asking accountants about their professional wellbeing, working lives, impacts to physical health, and job security provided rich insights for media. The research was exceptionally timely in a year marked by increased scrutiny of the profession.
Madden has long advocated for the important role of high-quality data and genuine news foundations in building communication strategies in support of commercial and brand reputation. We look forward to building out PPS Mutual’s research base in the future to further spotlight insights on the key professions they insure.
Next, we kicked off the month of December with our valued partner, Global X ETFs, inviting investment and finance reporters to a year-end briefing event. Featuring a good mix of business and pleasure, Global X offered its 13 media guests a sushi bar, expertly crafted cocktails, and a senior panel of ETF experts giving their views on the year coming.
Connecting and Growing: Highlights from Conferences
Madden was active at industry events, attending the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) Regulators Conference, an exclusive gathering featuring insights from regulators like APRA Chair John Lonsdale, ASIC Chair Joseph Longo, RBA Assistant Governor Dr. Brad Jones, and AUSTRAC Acting CEO Peter Soros. Their perspectives highlighted key priorities for the upcoming year, underscoring the demands on effective communication strategies that are agile and responsive to a regulatory landscape characterised by frequent policy shifts and impacts.
November saw Madden in Adelaide for the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress, where the (ongoing) evolution of financial advice as a profession took centre stage. Amidst the insightful presentations and knowledge-sharing, a key trend emerged – the significant advancement of digital advice in the industry. Thought leaders, seasoned professionals, and emerging talents gathered to explore the industry’s maturation. The progress on display was a testament to the significant effort invested in elevating financial advice to meet the needs of Australians. And, of course, the experience was enhanced by the opportunity to network and catch up with clients!
Ever the professional development gurus, the Madden team attended the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) National Conference, this year themed “Ignite the Spark: Harnessing Transformation for Impact.” The event offered a retrospective view of transformative changes in the PR and Communications industry, covering AI advancements, shifts in the media landscape and the rise of ESG and climate responsible initiatives. A standout session was ‘Communications reinvention with AI’ by Microsoft’s Chief Communications Officer Frank Shaw, who unveiled the exciting features of Copilot for Microsoft 365. His insights reignited our enthusiasm for how the future might look as communicators and for our clients as we continue to see AI tools integrated into workflows.
Events and Milestones: Celebrating Team Success
Q4 was filled with celebratory moments for the Madden team. In November, we gathered at iconic O Bar and Dining, celebrating some team birthdays. Sydney was our backdrop, the level 36 venue provided good food, laughter and the shared camaraderie that makes our team so special.
We had further reason to celebrate the personal victories of our team, including the University graduations of two of our extraordinary Account Coordinators! Congratulations Grace and Mary-Ann on graduating from Macquarie University and University of Sydney, respectively. Your dedication has paid off, and we value your contributions to the team!
The celebrations continued with nuptials (and future nuptials)!
Our much-loved New Zealand Lead Natasha tied the knot in late November in Christchurch! Madden Founder Bruce and his other half Penne crossed the ditch to join in the celebrations, delivering an impressive karaoke performance to boot.
And if that wasn’t enough love for one quarter, our Chicago-born Senior Account Manager Madison received a proposal from fiancé Matt, against the timeless and romantic backdrop of Uluru no less.
Congratulations to the happy couples!
Welcoming New Client Partners
Madden has a hard-won reputation created over decades of doing great work for great clients. This quarter, we are pleased to have added another unique wealth management client to our growing roster – Brisbane-based boutique investment manager Alvia Asset Partners.
Alvia is uniquely positioned as an investment manager serving Australia’s family offices, high-net-worth individuals, charities, and other for-purpose organisations. We are thrilled to be partnering with the growing Alvia team for what is shaping up to be a very exciting and formative 2024!
Cheers to a New Year
As 2023 draws to a close, the Madden team expresses its gratitude through the lens of these notable achievements on behalf of our clients and team. This year stood out in its success, positioning us strategically for the opportunities that 2024 presents. We look forward to continuing to deliver above and beyond for our clients in the new year!
