Riley was a delight to deal with. He listened to what type of role I was after and specifically placed me with a company that completely aligned with what I was looking for. I will absolutely recommend him to anyone in my network looking for a new role.
Distribution and Relationship Management
Kaizen is the national specialist in distribution recruitment, partnering with investment, superannuation and wealth management organisations to secure exceptional talent across sales, relationships and client delivery. We help senior leaders build high‑performing distribution teams for roles where trust, market insight and commercial impact are essential.
Current Trends in The Sector
Distribution remains a cornerstone of Australia’s funds management industry, with hiring patterns continuing to reflect clear divergence across channels.
Wholesale is firmly established as the primary focus for capital raising, with intense competition for both flows and talent as firms target private wealth advisers, family offices and high‑net‑worth investors. This has sustained strong demand for experienced BDMs with genuine networks, who remain selective and command premium opportunities.
Retail hiring remains subdued, shaped by the ongoing dominance of passive strategies and the influence of asset consultants and research houses, concentrating access to advisers among a smaller group of gatekeepers.
Institutional distribution continues to face structural headwinds driven by super fund consolidation, insourcing and fee pressure, resulting in limited hiring activity and leaner coverage models.
Across the market, candidates are increasingly drawn to global managers and private markets platforms, reinforcing the need for a differentiated strategy and compelling value proposition to attract top distribution talent.
Our Experience in Numbers
80+
Distribution roles placed
3,000+
Distribution candidates in our network
500+
Distribution clients in our network
Areas of Expertise
Backed by deep industry knowledge and strong networks across asset management, superannuation and wealth management, Kaizen is uniquely positioned to support specialist hiring needs.
- Head of Distribution
- Director Distribution
- Regional Manager
- Senior Business Development Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Senior Business Development Associate
- Business Development Associate
- Head of Business Development
- Head of Distribution
- Senior Business Development Manager
- Senior Relationship Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Relationship Manager
- Business Development Associate
- Relationship Associate
- Head of Distribution
- Senior Business Development Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Relationship Manager
- Training and Relationship Manager
- Associates
Meet the Team
Riley Thompson - Senior Consultant
With over four years of recruitment experience across the financial services landscape, Riley has developed a strong track record in placing top talent across funds management, superannuation and wealth management.
With a particular focus on distribution, relationship management, and wealth recruitment, he prides himself on building long-term relationships with both clients and candidates, underpinned by a deep understanding of the financial services industry and market trends.
Riley is approachable, driven, and genuinely passionate about connecting people with the right opportunities.
Before entering the world of recruitment, Riley earned a Bachelor of Exercise & Sport Science/Business (Sport Management) and kicked off his career working with the Richmond Football Club in a membership sales and customer service role. This early experience instilled a strong foundation in teamwork, performance, and discipline, qualities he carries with him every day.
Outside of work, Riley is a passionate Richmond supporter and if he’s not watching the footy, you might find him hitting the gym, reading a book or playing the odd round of golf.
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