Few people have influenced modern investing as deeply as David Booth. In this keynote-style conversation, David reflects on the ideas that reshaped portfolio construction, and why behaviour, not prediction, remains the greatest determinant of long-term outcomes. Joined by Bridget Hughes, he will discuss how evidence-based principles translate into real adviser value, particularly during periods of uncertainty. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a pioneer of systematic investing on what still matters, what advisers often get distracted by, and how to future-proof portfolios by focusing on fundamentals.

David Booth, Founder & Chairman, Dimensional Fund Advisors

Bridget Hughes, Senior Principal, Global Parent Ratings, Morningstar Inc

This session explores drivers of recent quant outperformance, lessons from the quant winter, and which investors and market environments benefit most when systematic strategies excel. It’ll look at quant’s role in diversified portfolios and how AI is already enhancing managers’ edge, plus where the biggest AI-driven advancements are likely next.

Andrew Francis, Chief Executive, RQI Investors

Dr David Walsh, Head of Investments, RQI Investors

Dr Joanna Nash, Senior Quant Portfolio Manager and Head of Portfolio Management, RQI Investors

We’re facing one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history. So how do advisers set up for success in this new era? Join renowned social researcher Mark McCrindle in conversation with Chris Galloway, Morningstar’s Managing Director, ahead of his keynote address at the main day. In this Q&A-style session, they’ll discuss how the impending wealth transfer is reshaping financial advice and explore strategies to engage clients across generations. You don't want to miss this advance session.

Mark McCrindle, Social Researcher and Demographer, McCrindle

Chris Galloway, Managing Director, Morningstar

Two of Australia’s leading ‘contrarian’ global equity managers offer contrasting but complementary perspectives. Hyperion’s Jolon Knight explores the structural forces shaping the next generation of growth companies, while Antipodes’ Jacob Mitchell outlines why they believe the companies defining the next decade look different from the names of the last.

Jolon Knight, Investment Director, Hyperion Asset Management

Jacob Mitchell, Chief Investment Officer, Antipodes Partners

Australian microcaps remain one of the equity market's most inefficient segments, which is exactly why disciplined investors should be paying attention. Joel Fleming walks through seven compelling reasons to consider microcaps: explosive growth potential, lower-cost PE-like exposure, greater liquidity, and a deep universe of real companies with genuine earnings.

Joel Fleming, Portfolio Manager, Yarra Capital Management

Solaris’ Michael Bell shares his team’s best long and short ideas in Australian equities, while Resolution Capital’s Julian Campbell-Wood makes the case for global listed real estate and explores why REITs deserve a closer look in today’s rate environment. Together, they offer insights for advisers constructing diversified, outcome-oriented portfolios.

Julian Campbell-Wood, GREIT Portfolio Manager, Resolution Capital

Michael Bell, Chief Investment Officer, Solaris

A practical session on the issues we're hearing most from advisers and how Morningstar's equity research can help solve them. We'll share where we see opportunity, where we see risk, and give you ideas you can act on.

Mathew Hodge, Director, Equity Research Australasia, Morningstar

Roy Van Keulen, Equity Analyst, Morningstar

Lochlan Halloway, Market Strategist, Morningstar

In this presentation, we will explore why founder-led stocks tend to outperform over the long-term, how we distinguish between the highest and lowest quality founders, and how a portfolio of founder-led stocks can provide differentiated exposure to the key themes shaping global growth over the next decade.

Joseph Ziller, Chief Investment Officer & Founder, Ziller Funds Management

Australian private credit has evolved into one of the most compelling areas of growth within the local investment landscape. We’ll examine what makes the local market distinct, how private credit can be incorporated into portfolio construction, highlighting its potential roles in income generation, diversification, and risk management.

Andrew Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Metrics Credit Partners

Join Angus Sandison from FSSA Investment Managers to discuss current opportunities in Emerging Markets, the outlook for growth, and why quality businesses and active management remain critical in navigating the regions.

Angus Sandison, Investment Analyst, FSSA Investment Managers

Artificial intelligence may be transforming markets, but investors remain deeply divided on how, or even whether, to participate. In this session, two of the industry’s most respected investors bring opposing perspectives to the table. Sonu Kalra has concentrated heavily in AI-adjacent leaders, achieving strong performance by backing what he sees as the early stages of a long-term AI wave. In contrast, Brian Kersmanc has deliberately avoided large-scale AI exposure, citing elevated valuations and crowded positioning as risks. With strong track records and philosophies, both investors will test assumptions, challenge prevailing narratives, and explain the discipline behind their decisions. This is not about choosing sides: it’s about hearing both, so you’re better informed on one of the most contested themes in global equities today. Moderator: Chris Tate, Morningstar Inc.

Sonu Kalra, Portfolio Manager, Fidelity Investments

Brian Kersmanc, Portfolio Manager, GQG Partners

This session explores why mid-caps offer a compelling blend of growth and resilience, how the team filters genuine innovation from AI-driven market noise, and the lessons learned from launching a fund during COVID-19. You’ll also hear how global research, co PM collaboration, and high conviction ideas shape the portfolio today.

Maroun Younes, Portfolio Manager, Fidelity International

Wendy Meehan, Senior Sales Relationship Manager, Fidelity International

Index funds track the market. Active management tries to beat it — but the case for active is strongest where markets are least efficient. This session examines why Australian small caps remain under-researched, how deep fundamental research reveals opportunities missed by passive vehicles, and why active management— focused on outperforming the index — not benchmark-hugging continues to generate alpha for investors who look beyond the index. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for evaluating active managers in the small-cap space.

Emanuel Datt, Principal & Portfolio Manager, Datt Capital

Join our award-winning portfolio managers Bryce Anderson, Bianca Rose and Head of National Sales Vijay Srinivasan for a discussion on investment discipline, building robust portfolios, and making portfolio decisions amidst market volatility. Tailored for advisers, this session will explore how Morningstar assesses investment opportunities and manages risk through ever-changing markets to support long-term client outcomes. We will also highlight how managed portfolios can help advisers free up more time to build strong client relationships.

Bryce Anderson, Senior Portfolio Manager, Morningstar

Bianca Rose, Senior Portfolio Manager, Morningstar

Vijay Srinivasan, Head of National Sales - Managed Portfolio, Morningstar

Modern ETFs are now a common way to build an investment portfolio, but their success still depends on how they're set up, bought, sold, and used in practice. The panel will look at how the ETF market has developed over time, where there are still challenges, and what's improving. They'll also examine the growth of factor, active and complex ETFs, including the risks they carry, how they're structured, and how they're overseen. Moderator: Ibrahim Guled-Warfield, Morningstar

Cameron Gleeson, Executive Director - Senior Investment Strategist, Betashares

Jonathan Shead, Head of Investments, Australia, State Street Investment Management

Chris Galloway, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Morningstar

This session will unpack the key macroeconomic forces shaping the year ahead, and how asset classes are positioned amid broader trends. Luci will look at the outlook for growth, inflation, interest rates, and the geopolitical dynamics influencing economic trajectories both in Australia and around the world.

Luci Ellis, Chief Economist, Westpac Banking Group

With valuations stretched across equities, credit spreads tight, and even traditional diversifiers like gold trading at elevated levels, easy investing decisions have disappeared. Join this session’s leading asset allocation thinkers to examine what “expensive” really means across markets, where genuine value may still exist, and how to construct resilient portfolios. Moderator: Shani Jayamanne, Morningstar

Sebastian Mullins, Head of Multi-Asset and Fixed Income, Australia, Schroders

Daniel Stojanovski, Chief Investment Officer, Ventura Funds Management

Bryce Anderson, Senior Portfolio Manager, Morningstar

The panel will dissect the key global issues, forces shaping markets, and how they impact your preferred investing style, whether that’s growth or value. Learn what these bigger picture issues mean for global equities investors, and gain insights into the likely winners and losers across styles, sectors and stocks. Moderator: Bianca Rose, Morningstar

Scott Berg, Portfolio Manager, Global Growth Equity, T.Rowe Price

Jacob Mitchell, Portfolio Manager, Global Growth Equity, Antipodes Partners

The financial advice landscape in Australia is being transformed by one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history. Advisers face evolving client expectations shaped by differing values, investment priorities, and communication preferences. Session attendees will gain strategic insights into building multigenerational relationships that future-proof your practice.

Mark McCrindle, Social Analyst and Demographer, McCrindle

Private credit continues to attract capital, yet investors still face the question of whether they truly need these allocations. This session explores how the asset class is evolving, how managers balance underwriting discipline with growth ambitions, and why genuine workout capability remains one of the most critical skills. Moderator: Peter Bryant, Morningstar

Chris Andrews, Chief Executive Officer, La Trobe Financial

Andrew Lockhart, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Metrics Credit Partners

Andrew Schwartz, Group Managing Director, Qualitas

In a world of persistent market uncertainty, advisers are behavioural coaches as much as portfolio managers. This session will deliver research-backed techniques you can apply immediately to strengthen client confidence, deepen relationships, and position your practice as a trusted partner when it matters most.

Ryan Murphy, Global Head of Behavioural Insights, Morningstar Inc.

Sceptical after seeing a Ryan Murphy behavioral presentation, adviser Troy Chapman questioned whether behavioural insights could drive real growth. Back home, he tested the ideas, clarifying his value proposition and communication strategy, resulting in a 134% increase in business growth. Ryan and Troy will unpack why these changes worked.

Ryan Murphy, Global Head of Behavioural Insights, Morningstar Inc.

Troy Chapman, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Adviser, Country Wide Wealth

The tech boom continued for over a decade, but the picture is cloudier in 2026. AI disruption, massive spending on infrastructure, profitability concerns and valuation levels have all caused investors to question their previous assumptions. This panel unpacks what is happening in the technology sector and how investors should respond. Moderator: Mark LaMonica, Morningstar

Bryce Anderson, Senior Portfolio Manager, Morningstar

Liam Polkinghorne, Portfolio Manager, Hyperion Asset Management

This practical breakout session, led by advisers Francis Rigby and Gavin Lamb and joined by behavioural scientist Ryan Murphy, is designed to give you a clearer understanding of the M&A journey. Francis and Gavin will explore growth, acquisition and succession planning, providing real life insights and practical frameworks. Ryan will focus on clarifying adviser value and help you turn strategic thinking into a clear, workable business plan. Moderator: Vijay Srinivasan, Morningstar

Francis Rigby, Financial Adviser, Financial Advice Matters

Gavin Lamb, Director and Head of Financial Planning, Navigate Advisors

Ryan Murphy, Global Head of Behavioural Insights, Morningstar Inc.

Coming into 2026, we’re seeing geopolitical volatility, policy uncertainty and distortion of market valuations from fundamentals. The panel will dissect the key global issues and their impacts on sectors and stocks in the Australian equities market. Learn what the bigger picture issues mean for Australian equities investors. Moderator: Matt Olsen, Morningstar

Martin Conlon, Head of Australian Equities, Schroders

Paul Xiradis, Chief Investment Officer & Head of Equities, Ausbil

Investment platforms are rapidly becoming the key gatekeepers of capital. This session explores how efficiency can be improved, examines how menus, models and defaults are evolving to support high-quality advice, and looks at what the platform of 2030 must offer as investor and industry demands accelerate. Moderator: Peter Bryant, Morningstar

Edwina Maloney, Group Executive, Platforms, AMP

Matthew Rady, Chief Executive Officer, BT Financial Group

Anthony Wamsteker, Chief Executive Officer, Praemium

Cut through the hype and learn how to turn Generative AI into your personal productivity multiplier. Understand where it adds value, where it doesn’t, and how to use it without losing your voice. Identify high-impact AI opportunities, master prompting, and create hybrid ‘human x AI’ workflows that save hours.

Danny Beiruti, Inventiologist, Inventium

Sponsored by Igneo Infrastructure Partners