Sydney-based Invast Global is a subsidiary of Japanese listed Invast Securities Co Ltd. Employing a prime-of-prime model, Invast leads the industry in the provision of multi-asset high-quality, non-bank Prime Services. It provides credit intermediation, access to liquidity (both OTC and exchange) and comprehensive trading platforms/API connectivity options.
With a client base of brokerages and hedge funds spanning the globe, the company has experienced impressive growth in its prime services offering, which gives institutional clients collateralised access to premium liquidity in OTC FX, Metals and Energy products, as well as direct connectivity to over 30 global exchanges and OTC venues.
“We named our facility PurePrime because it is the most transparent form of prime services that a client can access without a Tier 1 prime broker of their own,” explains Gavin White, CEO of Invast Global.
“We have a relaxed but professional culture. Everyone focuses on ensuring our clients are well supported. It is that focus and dedication that is the backbone to our success. The Hedgeweek award is one of the most respected in the industry because of the peer-review methodology used. It is a huge honour to win the award ahead of other respectable nominees.”
Already in 2018 there have been a couple of landmark developments.
The first was its confirmation as an Official Partner to the Australian Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens teams.
”It is an exciting partnership,” says White. “Rugby 7’s is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, mainly due to its status as an Olympic sport. The athletes embody many of the qualities Invast Global aspires to: Integrity, professionalism and world-leading performance. But the partnership is also about promoting other important values, such as equality, diversity and inclusion. The Australian Women’s team are current Olympic Gold medallists.”
A second notable development was the announcement in February 2018 that ex-Goldman Sachs and Citigroup Treasurer, Michael Cunningham, had agreed to join the Board of the company in Sydney in a non-executive capacity.
In addition to his financial markets roles at Goldman Sachs and Citibank in Australia and Asia, Mr Cunningham also served as the Chief Risk Officer: Oceania Region for Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. His most recent role was Partner in KPMG’s Financial Risk Management Practise.
“Michael is a heavyweight of the industry and his knowledge and expertise is globally renowned. His appointment is a real coup for Invast Global and he will undoubtedly have a major impact on our future strategic direction,” comments White.
The Sydney office has 35 staff comprising 15 different nationalities. Having such diverse language capabilities is a clear benefit that allows the firm to support its brokerage and hedge fund clients across more than 20 countries.
“Management is transparent about the company’s performance and staff have daily visibility to the key parameters of profitability. This is important because most staff have equity in the firm.
“That said, once you get through the door of the office you are likely to be invited out to our “Wintergarden” enclosed terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour, where we have plush Chesterfield sofas and a limited-edition “ACDC – Back in Black” 1970’s pinball machine. This machine has proven very popular with visiting clients,” says White, whose primary motivation as CEO is to empower staff “to achieve their dreams and fulfil their potential”.
On winning this year’s award, White remarks: “Winning the award is justification that the risk was worth it and that the industry values what we have built together. We have ambitious plans to expand further and continue to solve the needs of the hedge fund industry with unique, high quality solutions.”
