Demise of the machines as Macquarie closes robo-advice unit

Macquarie’s direct robo-advice service is to be shut down with its automated advice offering integrated into the bank’s wealth platform following the sudden death of founder and chief investment officer John O’Connell.

Demise of the machines as Macquarie closes robo-advice unit

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Owners Advisory is a division of Macquarie Equities and was launched in February 2016 to provide a DIY solution to investors who wanted to manage their investments online.

The robo-advice service announced the death of O’Connell (53) and confirmed that, as the business “was powered by John’s personal investment philosophy and insights”, Owners Advisory would no longer be able to provide advice to direct investors through its website.

However, the company said it was “committed to continuing John’s legacy with automated and innovative investment advice”.

As a result, Owners Advisory’s automated advice offering will be integrated into Macquarie’s wealth platform so advisers can incorporate robo-advice into their client offering.

John O’Connell

O’Connell joined Macquarie as a senior analyst in the 1990s, before becoming global head of research. He set up Owners Advisory to make professional grade, automated investment advice and services available online.

He is described by colleagues as a warm and generous leader, who provided thoughtful insights and an innovative perspective in an easily understood way.

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