Australian Investment Council

The Australian Investment Council, established in 1992, stands as the national peak body for private capital in Australia, playing a crucial role in advancing the private equity, venture capital, and private credit industry. It represents and supports a diverse membership base that includes leading domestic and international private capital firms, institutional investors such as superannuation funds, and professional services firms that provide expertise to the sector. The Council's overarching purpose is to enable private capital to invest in Australian ideas, businesses, and communities by fostering a robust and ethical investment environment.

At its core, the Australian Investment Council operates through a multi-faceted approach encompassing advocacy, connection, and education. The organisation actively engages with policymakers and stakeholders to champion policies that inspire investor confidence, support a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and reduce regulatory complexities. It provides essential forums for connection through a calendar of online and offline networking events, including its flagship Australian Investment Conference and the Australian Venture Summit. Furthermore, the Council equips its members with proprietary data, research, and professional development opportunities, such as accredited courses on private equity, venture capital, and ESG, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

A key differentiator for the Australian Investment Council is its commitment to driving industry standards and contributing significantly to the Australian economy. It enforces an industry Code of Conduct and actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives within the private capital sector, recognising their positive impact on investment outcomes. The Council's annual Australian Private Capital Market Yearbook, produced in collaboration with Preqin, offers comprehensive insights into market activity, including assets under management, fundraising, and deal flows across various asset classes. The collective efforts of its members underscore the industry's substantial contribution, backing over 1,100 businesses, supporting more than 600,000 full-time jobs, and contributing approximately three per cent to Australia's GDP.

Leadership at the Australian Investment Council is currently provided by CEO Navleen Prasad, who assumed the role in November 2022. Ms Prasad, with over 25 years of experience in financial and professional services, previously held senior positions at Macquarie Group. Since her appointment, she has focused on expanding the Council's advocacy efforts with government and regulators, strengthening ties between Australian fund managers and Asian investors, and strategically refining member services. Her leadership continues to steer the Council in its mission to ensure Australia remains a world-class destination for private capital investment.