Our People

Investment Team

Mark Darling - DipFinPlan, CFP, CIP, Assoc. ANZIIF, JP (Qual.), Tax Agent

Mark is a strategic investment management specialist and the founder of SPM Investment Group (and its related entities SPM Capital, SPM Financial & SPM Securities), holder of Australian Financial Services Licence 323430 (AFS Licence). 

SPM specialise in boutique portfolio management and corporate advisory for private families. Mark has in excess of 32 years experience in the financial services sector. Commencing his career in the late 1980’s with a prominent international Life and Funds Management Group, initially dealing with large corporate superannuation funds, progressing into bond and fixed interest markets, prior to moving to private practice in 1996. Mark specialises in active portfolio management in the multi-asset sector and has delivered 8.52% p.a. (net) outperformance over the last 21 years to the mandated index.

Andrew Suosaari - MAppFin, GradDipFinPlan, BAppSc (Mathematics), JP (Qual.)

Andrew Suosaari is an Associate, Investment Analyst and co-Responsible Manager for SPM Investment Group and has gained qualifications in finance, mathematics and financial services fields, with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics), Master of Applied Finance and Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. 

Andrew has in excess of 16 years’ experience within the financial services industry, particularly with respect to investment research/analytics, strategic portfolio management and advice. Andrew has a technical focus for SPM, specifically in market and corporate analysis, trade management and the development, implementation and review of investment portfolios for clients.  

Zak Dunbar - Portfolio Planning Assistant

Zak Dunbar provides Private Client Services and has a portfolio administration focus as part of SPM's Investment Team, in addition to providing valuable support to Mark Darling and Andrew Suosaari in the provision of client advisory services, portfolio reporting, trades management and research analytics. Zak is presently completing a Business Degree at University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) majoring in Finance and Economics. 

Michael Hawkins - MEc, Consulting Economist

Mike retired in early 2017 post a 27-year career working in the financial markets as an economist and investment strategist.  Through his career Mike worked with ANZ Bank, IOOF Funds Management, JBWere (where he was a partner), UBS and Evans and Partners.   Mike was a founding partner with Evans and Partners where he was a Director (until 2014), Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager for the discretionary Australian Equity Portfolios.

Mike moved to the Sunshine Coast in early 2018 and is now working as an independent investment consultant.

Operations Team

Amanda Turfrey - Manager, Advice and Services

Amanda manages the Private Client Service experience for the SPM Investment Group and its related entities SPM Capital, SPM Financial and SPM Securities. 

Amanda is a key person within the business, having dedicated over 12 years to SPM and its Private Clients. As a result, she has a comprehensive understanding of what is required to provide SPM’s Private Clients with a superior service experience. Amanda previously held similar roles within known firms within the financial services sector and has vast experience in maintaining strong client relationships and the confidential affairs for and on behalf of the broader SPM Investment Group.

Belinda Wright - BBus(Business Law) and DipFS

Belinda has worked closely with the SPM Group since 2008 in a consulting role, facilitating the AFS licensing process with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and providing ongoing specialist ASIC and AFS Licence compliance services. 

Belinda has in excess of 21 years direct experience within financial services compliance sector, previously working in a variety of compliance management roles including underwriting, insurance broking and as the Principal Consultant for national AFSL consulting firm.  Belinda supports management of the SPM Group in high-level human resources, technological systems development and operational management, in addition to the regulatory and compliance management role.

Alison Hagedorn - Client Support and Administration

Alison has been involved with the SPM Group since its inception, providing strong guidance and assistance in the development of the Groups' corporate image as well as the provision of ongoing client services. Alison is frequently engaged to assist the SPM management team for the ongoing development of professional level client servicing, along with general management, accounts and business support services.