Scientific Beta

Warwick Schneller, PhD, CFA, Head of Investment Solutions, Australia & New Zealand at Scientific Beta, will be participating at a panel entitled "Investing in defence: Ethics, fiduciary duty and hard choices" at the RIAA Conference Australia 2026.

Warwick Schneller, PhD, CFA, Head of Investment Solutions, Australia & New Zealand at Scientific Beta, will be speaking at the RIAA Conference Australia 2026 at a panel entitled "Investing in defence: Ethics, fiduciary duty and hard choices." 

In response to geopolitical developments, spending on the defence industries is rising sharply while regional security dynamics are shifting. At the same time, member sentiment, regulatory expectations and responsible investment norms continue to evolve — often faster than investment policies can keep up. How should defence-related exclusions be interpreted and applied today? What is consistent with fiduciary duty, client expectations, ethical considerations and responsible investment practice? This session will help conference delegates to navigate this increasingly complex area, so that they can understand the intersection of ethics, geopolitics and fiduciary duty, distinguish between legally grounded exclusions and discretionary ethical screens, and communicate clearly with members, regulators and boards.

Hosted by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) in Melbourne on 27 and 28 May 2026, this conference brings together Australia and New Zealand's top investment thinkers, policy leaders, sustainability professionals and financial advisers to explore the key signals shaping our collective future and how to translate those into meaningful progress.

At Scientific Beta, Warwick works with asset owners, asset managers, and consultants to develop customised investment solutions. Prior to joining Scientific Beta, Warwick was a senior member of the Research Group and Investment Solutions Group at Dimensional Fund Advisors, a factor-based investment manager. In this role, he led research initiatives, provided thought leadership, and client education on investment-related topics. Warwick holds a Ph.D. in Finance from The University of New South Wales and is a CFA Charter holder. He also earned a master’s degree in finance from Bond University and a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Hons) from Sydney University.