ART welcomes risk veteran to executive team

Australian Retirement Trust (ART) has announced the appointment of Darryl Burke as chief risk officer, effective 17 March 2025.

ART confirmed that, as CRO, Burke will lead the fund’s risk and compliance business area.

“The risk and compliance team plays a critical role in driving ART’s world-class governance capability by assessing risk and guiding disciplined decisions to inspire confidence and awaken futures for its members,” the $300 billion fund said.

Burke brings more than 25 years of experience in risk and governance in financial services firms to the role, spanning the Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific.

Most recently serving as chief risk officer at Colonial First State, his experience also includes roles at Credit Suisse, Standard Chartered, PGIM, and Westpac.

Commenting on the appointment, ART chief executive David Anderson said that Burke is “aligned strongly” with the fund’s purpose and values.

“He will be a valuable addition to our executive committee and fund as a whole,” Anderson said.

“Australian Retirement Trust has achieved significant growth in recent years which has helped us deliver strong long-term returns and net benefits for members.

“In an evolving superannuation landscape, we’re fortunate to have secured an exceptional leader in Darryl who will bring an invaluable depth and breadth of experience in first and second line risk management leadership roles in complex, highly regulated financial services businesses internationally.

“Darryl’s comprehensive understanding of risk frameworks and his blend of commercial and risk acumen will support our focus on world-class governance, as we strive to be the distinct market leader,” Anderson concluded.

In a review from Morningstar earlier this month, the research house said that ART could “realistically” see an asset base of $500 billion by 2030.

This, Morningstar highlighted, is backed by the successful integration of both Sunsuper and QSuper, noting that eyes are now on future growth ambitions.

“Australian Retirement Trust’s multisector strategies have a strong investment team managing a repeatable and scalable process in generating return outcomes for its members.”

In particular, Morningstar pointed to chief investment officer Ian Patrick’s ability to leverage the “skills and experience of ART’s investment team”, fostering an inclusive culture that is complemented by “broad external consultant partnerships and a stable line-up of strategically selected asset managers”.