It’s rare to find an investment leader like Paul Banks, Head of Overlays and Treasury Management at Future Fund. A “big thinker”, Paul’s approach to leadership prioritises trust and the power of teamwork. With an unconventional career path spanning accounting, sales, and treasury functions, Paul has carved out a niche as a leader who values people and collaboration above all else.
As a panellist on our Keystone Analyst Program, Paul reflects on how the principles of humility, teamwork and trust have driven his success and shaped his leadership style.
Paul’s early career years were spent in finance and sales roles at leading institutions like Macquarie, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
After transitioning to the buy side at Australian Unity in Melbourne, Paul took his first steps into the buy-side of investment management. But it was his move to the Future Fund that marked the beginning of his most impactful work. Starting in a relationship-focused role, he managed connections with fund managers and bank counterparties, gradually evolving into a more technical treasury function.
When the global pandemic struck, Paul spearheaded efforts in liquidity management, helping to safeguard the fund’s operations in the face of unprecedented challenges. His ability to stay calm under pressure and adopt a framework approach to decision-making was instrumental during this period. “It wasn’t about being the smartest person in the room; it was about fostering collaboration and making decisions as a team,” he says.
When his supervisor became Deputy CIO, Paul stepped up to lead the Treasury and Overlay function, where he continues to apply his belief in the power of teamwork and trust.
For Paul, trust isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of effective leadership and high-performing teams. “Trust shows up in many ways, but it always starts with the leader,” he says. “If you lead with trust, your team will follow.”
He believes that trust within a team helps to eliminate barriers. “When you foster a culture of trust, introverts feel more comfortable speaking up, and rockstars understand that working together achieves better results with less conflict,” he explains. “It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and aligned toward a common vision.”
Paul’s approach involves tailoring strategies to the individual. “It’s about understanding what each person brings to the team, where they feel vulnerable, and how to support
them in their growth.” This individualised focus has helped Paul turn challenging dynamics into opportunities for stronger collaboration.
When people believe in teamwork, issues just fall away as they realise more is achieved collectively than alone.
Paul believes the best teams are those that place shared success above individual ambitions. “When people believe in teamwork, issues just fall away as they realise more is achieved collectively than alone,” he explains.
This philosophy is what fuels Paul’s efforts to foster a culture of collaboration and alignment. By drawing people into conversations, simplifying complex problems, and focusing on a shared vision, he helps his team overcome challenges and deliver impactful results.
For those looking to grow as leaders, Paul offers these key lessons:
Whether navigating market volatility or managing team dynamics, Paul’s focus remains on creating environments where people thrive. And in doing so, he’s proving that great leadership isn’t about being the most technical person in the room, it’s about bringing people together to achieve something greater than themselves.
Want to hear more insights from top investors? Join the Keystone Analyst Program and to hear from leading investors like Paul sharing their insights on building a successful and sustainable investing career.
Share:
Trust shows up in many ways, but it always starts with the leader. If you lead with trust, your team will follow.
