Acting Director – Technology, Data & Analytics,
Funds SA

Emma James is the acting director of technology, data and analytics for Funds SA, which is the investment management partner to the South Australian Government (approx. $44bn AUM).

Reporting directly into the CEO, Emma is responsible for the design and implementation of the technology architecture of the organisation, and leads a team of technologists, developers, and analytics specialists.

Emma joined Funds SA in August 2016 following six years with the investment risk team of the Victorian Funds Management Corporation, prior to which she held international roles with Norddeutsche Landesbank and BlackRock (formerly Merrill Lynch Investment Managers) in London, UK.

Emma has a true passion for the technical side of her work, coupled with extensive global experience in investment risk management from single markets through to multi-asset class structures and highly illiquid investment modelling. Her primary philosophy revolves around sourcing, collating and enriching good data as essential to adding value to the investment process and ultimately fundamental in making good investment decisions.

Emma’s skills and experience are underpinned by degrees in both applied mathematics and computer science from the University of Adelaide (BMCSc and BMCSc (Hons)) and she has undertaken multiple leadership, professional skills and mentoring programs, building a robust future for the industry being a subject close to her heart.