Welcome to the AIF team for Autumn 2025!
Lauren Bailey
Lauren is a final-year Bachelor of Business student majoring in Extended Finance. With a strong foundation in accounting and finance, she is currently an Undergraduate Accountant at an ASX-listed firm, where they are gaining valuable experience in financial reporting, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
Before transitioning into accounting, Lauren developed expertise in hotel management, specialising in enforcement of gambling legislation and regulatory monitoring. This experience sparked a deep interest in Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF), and financial crime, leading to a keen focus on risk management and compliance within the financial sector. Consequently, she aspires to build a career within this industry and make an impact on the evolving landscape of financial security.
Lauren serves as an Events Director for the UTS Finance Society, where they coordinate networking opportunities and industry events to connect students with finance professionals. Last year, Lauren alongside her fellow AIF team members Roman and Hrishita won the Equity Research Competition, highlighting her strong skills in financial valuation.
Alexandra Bakss
Alexandra is a driven final-year student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), working toward a Bachelor of Business with majors in Finance and International Business. Her academic journey has provided her numerous hands-on learning opportunities, including active participation in the UTS Finance Society and a consultancy role with the UTS Consulting Club.
Currently, Alexandra is a Finance Undergraduate at Bridgepoint Group, where she has honed her skills in financial modelling and foundational accounting. Her experience also extends to a Summer Internship at Ernst and Young within the Valuation, Modelling, and Economics team, where she specialised in financial services and gained valuable exposure to the investments industry.
Throughout her time at UTS, Alexandra has cultivated a deep passion for finance, with aspirations to build a career in asset management or equity research. She looks forward to acquiring invaluable insights and contributing meaningfully to the Anchor Fund team.
Grace Berry
Grace is a second year student completing the Bachelor of Accounting (Finance) Co-op degree, where she maintains a High Distinction Average. During her recent 6-month internship at NewsCorp within the Commercial Finance team, Grace developed her data analytics and stakeholder management skills, presenting on customer pricing opportunities to senior executives.
During her course Grace was selected to participate in Case Team consulting, where she designs and presents on business solutions, working as part of a team in a time pressured environment. A key achievement was placing 2nd at the QBE X UTS Consulting Case Cup, presenting a creative solution to the hybrid work model at QBE, to members of the C-Suite.
Outside of study, Grace enjoys contributing to her local community through volunteering at Lifeline Bookfairs. In addition, she enjoys mentoring students at her local Church and via her role as a Student Representative for Chartered Accountants Australia.
Through involvement in the Anchor fund, Grace is keen to learn and proud to contribute to the custodianship of the fund for future generations.
Cameron Edwards
Cameron is a highly ambitious finance student in his final year of a Bachelor of Business with an Extended Finance Major. He spent this past summer as an Unlisted Assets Investment Intern at HESTA, where he was able to explore his interest in global infrastructure and private equity, get hands-on experience with numerous co-investment transactions, and advance his valuation, modelling, and memorandum writing skills.
He is currently an Asset Management Intern at Mirvac, where he aims to deepen his experience with property investment and develop his portfolio management skills. He is incredibly excited about the opportunity to leverage his experience with unlisted assets to contribute meaningfully to the Anchor Investment Fund, as well as gain exposure to the rare and valuable insights offered by the industry guest lecturers. Cameron aims to puruse a career in investment banking with a particular interest in the infrastructure and FSG coverage groups.
Wil Kirkman
Wil studies a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance where he is now in his third year.
Wil is a Vice President and Director of UTS Finance Society where he enjoys growing the sponsorship portfolio and expanding student opportunities through events and competitions. He has previously completed the UTS consulting program in Spring 2024, where his team advised Marrickville Legal Centre on financial and marketing strategies to expand the centres outreach.
In his professional career, Wil currently works as a paralegal at Dentons where he specialises in secured and unsecured debt recovery and restructuring litigation processes for banks. Wil has previously worked at Purcell Partners as a paralegal specialising in bank lending, private credit , property settlements and complex trust deed analysis. Wil intends to grow his experience in the legal sphere whilst refining his financial acumen and expertise in areas such as banking, private equity, private credit and asset management.
Wil hopes to grow and learn from the opportunity to be involved with the Anchor Investment Fund in 2025.
Max Miller
Max is a highly motivated penultimate-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business (Finance). He has a strong interest in corporate advisory, investing, financial markets, and real estate. His previous roles as a Corporate Development Intern at Scentre Group, Deals Advisory Intern at KPMG, and Finance Intern at Toga Group provided exposure to real estate investment, capital markets advisory, and financial modelling across various sectors.
Currently, as an Investment Analyst Intern at The GPT Group, Max is further developing his expertise in valuation modelling, investment analysis, and corporate finance.
Beyond his professional experience, he serves as President of the Real Estate Investment Student Association (REISA) at UTS, leading initiatives to bridge the gap between students and careers in real estate investment, advisory, and development.
Max also enjoys playing futsal with friends, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and regularly kayaking on the harbour to make the most of Sydney’s waterfront.
With a strong analytical mindset underpinned by teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, Max aims to build a career in investment banking or investment management. He looks forward to contributing to the Anchor Fund while taking full advantage of the unparalleled opportunities to learn.
Pouya Mousavi
Pouya Mousavi is a highly motivated third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering and a Bachelor of Business (Finance). He has a strong interest in AI-driven financial solutions, data analytics, and investment strategies. His experience spans software engineering, AI implementation, and financial modelling across multiple industries.
His previous roles as a Data Analyst Intern at Macquarie Asset Management and Software Engineering Intern at IAG provided exposure to AI-driven data classification, automation, and large-scale financial analytics. He has contributed to the development of AI-powered engines, optimising data workflows, and enhancing decision-making processes.
Beyond his professional experience, Pouya is the President of the UTS Artificial Intelligence Society, where he leads initiatives to foster AI learning and industry engagement. Additionally, as Budget Manager for the Australian Bahá’í Community, he played a key role in financial modelling, budget optimisation, and compliance.
Outside of his studies and professional pursuits, he enjoys exploring emerging AI technologies, engaging in financial strategy discussions, and continuously refining his programming and data science skills.
With a strong analytical mindset underpinned by technical expertise, problem-solving, and leadership, Pouya aims to build a career at the intersection of technology, finance, and AI-driven innovation. He looks forward to contributing to the Anchor Fund while seizing opportunities to learn and grow.”
Hrishita Nariani
Hrishita is a final-year student majoring in Extended Finance. As an international student, she is passionate about making diverse investments, asset allocation, and valuation models.
Currently, she serves as the Events Director for the UTS Finance Society, where she organises networking events to help students expand their finance knowledge. Previously, she contributed to the Publications Team and now mentors first-year accounting students as a Business Mentor. Last year, she led her team to win the Equity Research Competition, showcasing her skills in valuation models, financial analysis, teamwork, and presenting complex ideas.
Beyond academics, Hrishita works part-time as an Internal Auditor with hotels and has completed an internship in forex trading, gaining experience in compliance, market analysis, and risk management. These experiences have equipped her with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which she aims to leverage in a career in investment banking.
Mercy Nathanael
Mercy is an inquisitive and dedicated final-year student, gaining valuable experience in her undergraduate accounting role at Bedford, where she ensures tax compliance and optimises structures for high-net-worth groups. She has developed a passion for the decision-making process behind financial strategies, with aspirations in portfolio management and investment analysis.
During her audit internship at EY, Mercy gained exposure to the financial services sector, where she completed sample testing, and risk assessments. It was during this time she became drawn to the complexities of WAM, the shifting portfolios, strict regulations, and challenges in asset valuation and security selection. This experience highlighted the need for expertise in financial instruments and risk management, deepening her interest in the Anchor Investment Fund.
Beyond her studies, Mercy is the Sponsorships & Partnerships Director at 180 Degrees Consulting UTS, working with her team to secure funding for not-for-profit clients.
Harshil Vyas
Harshil is a high-achieving, determined individual who enjoys the experience of high-pressure situations. He is in his second-year studying the prestigious Bachelor of Accounting Co-op Scholarship, majoring in Accounting and Finance. Harshil desires to progress into a career that will expand his current keen interest within equity and capital markets through various advisory and research roles to ultimately assist global enterprises reach strategic goals.
Harshil demonstration of academic prowess can be seen through his High Distinction WAM including being on the Dean’s Merit List in first year, highlighting his commitment and ability to excel in his Finance Studies. Beyond academics, Harshil is involved in an array of extra-curricular activities including being placing 3rd within the UTSCC x LEK Consulting Case Cup. He was recently also a finalist within the UTS x QBE $5000 Case Competition presenting to QBE's C-suite and well as placing within the top 5% for the CBS Global Case Competition with over 3000 teams.
Furthermore, Harshil has completed a 6-month internship at QBE Insurnace as a Finance Intern for the Group Investment Risk and Group Planning teams, developing his technical financial skills and coverage of experience within leading financial institutions. Harshil is currently working within a corporate advisory role involved in valuations, insolvencies and M&As at leading corporate advisory firm Hall Chadwick.
Harshil is keen to display his passion for asset allocation and equity markets in the Anchor Fund.
Tara Wappett
Tara is currently in her penultimate year of a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business (Finance) degree. She has a keen interest in the financial system, and has particularly enjoyed her studies in both corporate finance and investment analysis.
Tara has always had an interest in finance and has consistently dedicated herself to her studies, evident through being awarded the Business Deans Merit Award for Academic Excellence in 2022. Outside of her studies, Tara is a legal assistant at the family law firm Barkus Doolan Winning and continues to tutor students in both HSC Mathematics and English. While working in a family law setting has given her some exposure to the interactions between her finance and law studies, she hopes to transition into the corporate law sphere, and is particularly intrigued by the role of legal professionals in mergers and acquisitions as well as competition and consumer law compliance. She looks forward to gaining practical equity research and portfolio management skills through the Anchor Investment Fund program.
Beyond work, Tara is a keen netball player, and enjoys baking and cooking for her family and friends.
Matthew Whitney
Matthew is a motivated individual who thrives in fast-paced, analytical environments, currently in his penultimate year of the Bachelor of Accounting Co-op Program at UTS (majoring in Accounting and Finance). Matthew is passionate about investing, asset allocation, and financial markets, and aspires to apply his analytical and strategic thinking skills in a role that optimizes capital deployment and portfolio performance.
Gaining hands-on experience during his 6-month internship as a Corporate Strategy Analyst at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), he worked on investment analysis, financial modelling, and performance evaluation for business units.
Additionally, Matthew has developed leadership and problem-solving skills through his role in the UTS Case Team, where he has provided strategic recommendations to real-world clients. Most recently he was selected to represent UTS at the CUBE international Case Competition this year.
Matthew is eager to expand his expertise in funds management and asset allocation, leveraging his strong financial acumen, problem-solving ability, and passion for financial markets.
Emma Worner
Emma is a driven and ambitious Bachelor of Business student at UTS, majoring in Finance. With a strong academic track record, Emma is passionate about understanding financial markets, economic systems, and global business strategies. Emma recently completed her Global Exchange attending the Copenhagen Business School (CBS), where she broadened her international perspective and engaged in the CBS Case Competition.
Beyond academics, Emma thrives on continuous learning and problem-solving, particularly in finance and economics. She is highly motivated by opportunities to apply her knowledge in real-world contexts, whether through case competitions or collaborative projects. Her curiosity about global markets and regulatory frameworks fuels her drive to stay informed about economic trends and financial strategies.
Emma also values giving back to the community. She has been involved in various volunteer initiatives, including fundraising for global issues such as human trafficking and supporting local organizations through volunteering in Surf Life Saving. Her experiences have shaped a well-rounded perspective, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to growth in both professional and personal endeavours.