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Uniting Financial Services appoints JANA as new consultant

Menchie Khairuddin January 18, 2024

2 min read

The religious charitable development fund Uniting Financial Services has chosen leading adviser JANA as its new investment consultant.

Uniting Financial Services (UFS) provides lending and investment services to the Uniting Church, Synod of NSW and ACT. The not-for-profit organisation has been helping Church organisations to manage and grow their finances for over 90 years.

With UFS’s appointment of JANA, the investment consultant now advises over 35 non-profits including foundations, endowments and government clients. In addition to Uniting Financial Services, JANA has welcomed 4 non-profit clients over the last 12 months. Supporting markets including not-for-profits (NFPs) and broader diversified clients remains a key strategic focus for JANA in 2024.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for JANA to support more NFP organisations, such as for-purpose organisations, foundations and universities, who can benefit from having an independent, institutional investment consultant,” said Michael Maher, Senior Consultant and Head of Not for Profits.

“We understand the diversity of the NFP sector and the unique requirements when it comes to investing, especially in the religious and charitable sector, which often have unique ESG commitments.”

“This rings true for most NFP organisations whose investment strategies need to be deeply aligned to their mission and generate revenue streams that support them in their long-term success,” added Maher.

Edwin Lo, Chief Investment Officer for Uniting Financial Services expressed his enthusiasm for JANA’s appointment.

“We believe the appointment of an asset consultant will help to deliver sustainable portfolio outcomes for clients over the long term, incorporating our fundamental investment and ethical beliefs, as well as helping UFS to enhance its client engagement and product development programs.,” said Lo.

“We are excited to work and collaborate with JANA, one of the leaders in this space in Australia and New Zealand.”

JANA will provide advisory services including strategic advice, manager research, portfolio construction and ESG advice for Uniting Financial Services.

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.