Meet Vickie Howarth, a pivotal figure in GBST’s history, from its early days as Infocomp to its current global presence. Her journey, from a meeting with GBST CEO Rob De Dominicis in a Melbourne coffee shop to leading international projects, spans over two decades. In this interview, she shares her career highlights, insights into industry trends, and a passion for dressage that provides a unique balance to her fast-paced professional life.
Can you tell us about your journey from Infocomp to GBST? How has your role evolved?
I joined Infocomp after a spontaneous call from Rob. I had never heard of the company, and my first reaction was, ‘Who on earth are you, and why are you calling me?’ We met soon after in a Melbourne coffee shop, and as I listened to his vision for the business, I realised it was an exciting opportunity. At the time, I wasn’t thrilled with my current role, so the chance to join a small, disruptive team was appealing. I’ve never looked back! I started as a business analyst in Melbourne and quickly relocated to Wollongong, where I worked across various project implementations and client services. When we decided to expand to the UK, I asked to be involved. I led the initial evaluation and helped set up the first UK office in 2005. Today, my role is global, covering projects and opportunities across EMEA and Australia.
What is a standout career or project highlight for you?
Seeing our first UK client go live was a huge moment. It was the culmination of years of hard work—travelling back and forth, conducting market research, and customising our software for a brand-new market. We didn’t just bring over an Australian product; we adapted it for UK clients, which made that go-live moment incredibly satisfying. It was a real team effort, involving extensive research, development, and pre-sales. To see all of that come to fruition was a fantastic experience.
How has the wealth management industry evolved over the past 20 years?
The wealth management industry has seen incredible shifts over the past two decades. It’s interesting how trends in the UK have mirrored some developments in Australia, like the rise of investment platforms and changes in retirement savings. The UK market has followed a similar path, but often a few years behind, which gave Australian providers like us a unique advantage when entering the market.
What trends or changes in wealth management do you find most exciting or concerning right now?
I’m particularly intrigued by the progress of the pension dashboard in the UK. In Australia, the SuperStream initiative required all superannuation (pension) contributions to be transferred electronically from day one, accelerating the adoption of digital processes. It helped reduce the number of duplicate accounts. In the UK, the dashboard’s focus is on helping people locate their various pension pots. It’s a significant step forward, but there’s still a missing piece—the ability to consolidate easily. While this could be beneficial, there’s a risk that people might lose valuable benefits without realising it. It will be crucial to balance accessibility with informed decision-making.
How do you see technology influencing the future of wealth management?
I like to think that technology is an enabler rather than an influencer. It’s about giving investors and advisers the right tools and information to make better decisions. We’re moving towards a world where access to information is key, and that’s exciting.
How has working around the world shaped your approach to product solutions and your professional development?
While location hasn’t been a major influence, the diversity of clients I’ve worked with has definitely shaped my approach. Regardless of geography, the challenges clients face—refining propositions and improving efficiency—are universal. It’s the shared problems and the collaborative solutions that stand out. Each project is an opportunity to learn and adapt.
Looking back on your career, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?
Our role is really about problem-solving. Having a deep awareness of the client’s challenges is invaluable, so the more hands-on experience you can gain, the better. And remember, you spend a significant part of your life at work, so make sure you enjoy it!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m dedicated to my two dressage horses. I used to compete in eventing, but after a few too many broken bones, I decided to stick to dressage. It’s a passion that takes up all my spare time and most of my money! There’s something incredibly rewarding about the discipline required in dressage. It’s also a great way to unwind after a busy day, especially when things get challenging at work. I’m so looking forward to attending the International Horse Show at Excel in December.
Posted in: Wealth Management Administration
