James Nguyen, Investment Specialist and Account Manager from Tyndall/Suncorp Investment Management is one of five category winners in the 2008 IFSA/Deloitte Future Leaders Awards, which aims to develop future leaders through a mentoring and peer group relationship-building program. James was mentored throughout the process by Roger Bridges, Head of Fixed Interest from Tyndall/Suncorp Investment Management.

James submitted a paper on National savings that won its category. Applicants in this category were invited to discuss how increasing household savings will benefit the national economy and to consider the potential impact on retirement incomes and key economic measures.

James’ paper looked at whether increased household savings can benefit the national economy, and postulated that addressing the issues of current account balances and national savings may require an international cooperative approach. He noted that a large proportion of the population will require government assistance via a safety net, which places a burden on future generations. Therefore, the savings problem has far reaching economic and social implications (i.e. intergenerational issues) that affect all Australians, even if individuals have adequately saved for their own retirement. He concluded that domestic inward-looking policies may not be the answer to encouraging national savings and managing the current account deficit.

Mr Brett Himbury, Managing Director of Tyndall/Suncorp Investment Management, said that it is important for the industry to have access to fresh viewpoints and ideas from young people as “it helps make our business stronger by encouraging young people to think more widely about issues affecting the funds management industry, its role in the national economy, and developing ways to respond to those issues.”

If you would like to receive a hard copy of James’ paper, please click here