Coffee Catch-Up Meet Nicholas Benedetti
Read excerpts from our Q&A below:
Hi Nick!
It’s so good to have you spend time with us!
Thank you for having coffee with us! We hope the Melbourne office is treating you well. We’re absolutely delighted to have you join us here. To start, could you share a bit about yourself and shed light on your current role at IAM?
Hello! The Melbourne office has been very welcoming, and I am thrilled to be a part of the IAM family. I attended high school at Marcellin College in Bulleen and graduated during Covid in 2020. This was quite challenging at the time, but it made the experience unique and, in the end, provided some very fond memories. I went on to study Commerce, majoring in Finance, at Deakin University, where I developed a passion for all aspects of financial markets. While at university, I worked part-time at an aged care company as a care coordinator. This combination of studies and work allowed me to learn the fundamentals of finance while growing professionally.
Since transitioning to IAM as a dealer assistant under Peter Curtin, my perception of finance has changed dramatically. Learning from professionals with decades of experience has been eye-opening, especially in fixed income, which is not widely covered in Australia. My current role allows me to engage and interact with clients while supporting the relationship managers to provide the best value for investors and the company.
Given your time in the fixed income world, could you share some common misconceptions you’ve encountered? We’re keen to hear your perspective, especially given your background.
I quickly learned that the misconception of fixed income is a defensive, low-yielding asset for retirees is not entirely accurate. While bonds are popular among retirees due to their relative safety, they can also play a crucial role in a diversified portfolio by providing stability and risk mitigation. Similarly, the unique syndication of loans available at IAM offers fantastic opportunities for all investors. Some loans can yield up to 15%, which is an excellent return for a so-called defensive asset, especially in the current economic climate.
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Let’s dive deeper into your expertise and how you operate within the ever-changing financial markets:
On a more personal note, do you have an investment mantra or guiding principles that shape your approach in this ever-evolving field? How do you stay informed and continue learning in such a dynamic landscape?
I follow many mantras and principles that shape my life, but my favourite investment mantra is, “If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” In today’s age and the current cost of living crisis, an average job is simply not enough. As soon as I could, I began investing and putting my money to work, and I will continue to do so. In terms of staying informed, I am currently surrounded by a wealth of knowledge within the IAM team, who have been great in helping me learn the ins and outs of finance.
Now, for a bit of fun: What are your favourite bonds or loans, and why? Tell us what makes them special in your eyes.
Since starting with IAM, we have worked on a few syndicated loans through the Debt Capital Markets team. Finexia Childcare Trust was the first one introduced to me, and it was a real eye-opener into how the loan markets work and the potential returns of these transactions, yielding 10-13%. Secondly, there was Illawarra Metallurgical Coal, a deal where I had more of an independent role. It was a great opportunity to take part in the transaction from start to finish.
Shifting gears a bit, we’d like to get to know you on a more personal level.
We’re curious to know more about the person behind the professional. As a Melbourne local, what are your go-to spots on the weekend?
As a Melbourne local, I enjoy a variety of activities with friends, taking full advantage of what the city has to offer. Whether it’s bowling, mini golf, visiting the arcade, going to the cinema, or watching and playing sports. As long as I’m with good company, I’m happy.
Most importantly, how do you strike a balance between your professional commitments and personal interests to ensure your overall well-being?
Starting full-time work has been a big adjustment, but finding a good balance is very important. During the week, I stay active by going to the gym or catching up with friends after work. When at home, I like to unwind with a good movie or TV show with the family.
We’re looking forward to getting to know you better, Nick!
