Former Betashares executive becomes new DASH chief

Fintech platform provider DASH Technology Group has concluded its search for a chief executive after a two-month search. In June, DASH chief executive Andrew Whelan announced he was stepping down after nearly six years in the role.

Executive director Darren Pettiona has since been leading the business while the board conducted a formal search for a permanent CEO. Glenn Poynton will now head up DASH as CEO, bringing 30 years of expertise to the firm.

Poynton was most recently executive director of corporate development at Betashares for almost five years until December. Prior to that, he spent three years with Class Limited – an SMSF administration and legal document solutions provider – as strategic alliances director and chief strategy officer.

His early career saw Poynton spend almost 20 years with Macquarie, half of which was spent with Macquarie Group where he held several senior roles across adviser services, product strategy, and its wrap platform.

Poynton’s appointment signals the group’s focus on strengthening delivery for advisers and clients as it “builds for its next phase of growth”. This is building on its acquisition of Integration Portfolio Solutions (IPS) and partnership with global alternatives fintech S64 in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

DASH chairman Geoff Lloyd said: “We are fortunate to have Glenn onboard to lead DASH on our journey to develop a new advice model that gives Australians access to the financial planning and investment administration services they need,”

Lloyd added: “Glenn has worked in both mature and start-up businesses in Australia and overseas, and has the broad skills and experience needed to continue executing our strategy to deliver innovative whole of wealth solutions to advisers and clients.”

Poynton said: “I’ve spent my career working where wealth platforms, product, technology, distribution and regulated execution intersect and I’m excited to join DASH and work with Geoff and the board,”

The wealth management industry is evolving quickly and DASH’s focus now is on delivering consistently for the advisers and clients who already rely on them, and building a strong operating foundation to continue to grow from. Earlier this year, DASH signed a head of agreement with the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (AIOFP) to launch a white label platform – Foundation Adviser Wrap.