Building Pinnacle: Ian Macoun on Investment Excellence, Purpose and Supported Independence

Ian Macoun is one of the most influential figures in Australian asset management and the founder of Pinnacle Investment Management.

In this episode of the GloryHouse Podcast, GloryHouse Founder and CEO Garth Hu speaks with Ian about his journey from Queensland Treasury to investment management, entrepreneurship and the creation of one of Australia’s most distinctive investment platforms.

Ian reflects on the early stages of his career, including the importance of working with highly capable people and taking on difficult problems before feeling fully prepared. He explains how these experiences shaped his approach to leadership, investment management and organisational development.

A central part of the conversation explores Pinnacle’s Supported Independence model. Under this structure, specialist investment teams retain control over their investment decisions and meaningful ownership in their businesses, while Pinnacle provides institutional support across areas such as distribution, operations, technology, risk management and capital.

Ian explains why this balance between autonomy and support can help outstanding investment professionals focus on what they do best. The model also seeks to align the interests of investment teams, clients and shareholders over the long term.

The discussion extends beyond Pinnacle’s business model. Ian shares his perspective on identifying exceptional investment talent, building a culture of excellence and understanding the role of purpose in sustained business performance.

He also discusses the evolution of public and private markets, the opportunities created by specialist investment strategies and why investors should remain focused on quality, alignment and long-term value creation rather than short-term market narratives.

Throughout the conversation, Ian returns to a central idea: meaningful success is rarely achieved by focusing only on personal reward. It is more often the result of solving worthwhile problems, serving others and creating an environment in which talented people can do exceptional work.

For investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders, the episode offers a practical and thoughtful perspective on investment management, entrepreneurship, leadership and building enduring organisations.

About Ian Macoun

Ian Macoun is the founder and Managing Director of Pinnacle Investment Management Group.

He has more than four decades of experience across investment management, financial services and business leadership. Before establishing Pinnacle, Ian held senior roles across the Australian investment industry and was involved in building and leading a number of investment management businesses.

Through Pinnacle, Ian has supported the development of specialist investment firms operating across a broad range of public and private market strategies.

He is widely recognised for developing Pinnacle’s Supported Independence model, which combines institutional resources and business support with investment autonomy and meaningful equity ownership for affiliate investment teams.

Ian is also the founder of the Ian Macoun Foundation and has supported a range of philanthropic and community initiatives.

About Pinnacle Investment Management

Pinnacle Investment Management is an Australian-based multi-affiliate investment management firm.

Pinnacle partners with specialist investment teams and provides support across distribution, operations, technology, risk management, capital and business development. Its affiliate firms retain investment independence and meaningful ownership, creating alignment between investment professionals, clients and shareholders.

Pinnacle’s affiliates manage investments across a broad range of public and private market asset classes for institutional, intermediary and private wealth investors.

About the GloryHouse Podcast

GloryHouse Wealth Management produces the GloryHouse Podcast for high-net-worth families, business owners and globally connected families.

The series explores wealth management, asset allocation, family succession, next-generation education and global investment through in-depth conversations with investment professionals, industry experts, legal advisers and tax specialists.

Through the series, GloryHouse Wealth Management offers practical insights, global perspectives and long-term thinking to support informed wealth decisions across generations.