Distribution opportunities; Marketing Strategies; Rise of multi-platforms; Threats and alternatives

Chris Freeman is a Chartered Accountant and has over 36 years of experience in the financial services industry. He has been a partner in a Chartered Accountancy practice, worked in Asia for an Australian investment company, has had extensive experience in sales and distribution of many financial services products.

Chris commenced his career with a nine year stint at Chartered Accountancy firm that was sold to Coopers and Lybrand. Then he went into practice with two colleagues. After five years in his own accountancy practice he pursued a career in investment banking, joining stockbrokers Jackson Limited. During his time at Jackson's Chris was an Institutional Equities Dealer and managed the Hong Kong office for two years.

In 1989 Chris joined Bankers Trust in Sydney in the Investment Bank. During his long career Chris has held many different roles. While in the Investment Bank he was Head of the Asian Desk, Global Head of Institutional Sales and Joint Head of BT's Equity Division.

In 1995 Chris transferred to BT Funds Management. Chris has held many senior sales & distribution roles, including State Manager, National Manager and Head of Distribution; products included retail funds, margin lending, wraps and bank products.

In 2005 Chris was appointed the Head of Wrap Solutions. This business is responsible for the end to end manufacture and distribution of BT's very successful wrap products. After a change of name for the business unit Chris' title is currently Head of BT Wrap.

Chris is a director of numerous BT Group companies, a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants Financial Planning Specialists Committee.