The NRFC welcomed our new Chief Risk Officer Nicholas Mant(Opens in a new tab/window) on 1 July 2025. Nicholas brings valuable experience and perspectives to the team, and we’re excited to have him on board as we continue to grow and deliver on our mission.
We asked Nicholas a series of questions on his career journey so far and his expectations for life at the NRFC.
What attracted you to the NRFC?
The Commonwealth’s Specialist Investment Vehicles (SIVs) have been established to finance additional investment in the economy to build a stronger, more resilient and inclusive future for all Australians. I was particularly attracted to the NRFC’s national footprint and long-term vision of strengthening industrial capability, while at the same time delivering a positive return to the taxpayer over time.
Chief Risk Officer is a new role at the NRFC. What does it mean to you and what will you be doing?
The government has given the NFRC a clear mandate to take risk, and I will be working with the Board and our Investment team to further refine our risk appetite and foster a risk-taking culture. Although Chief Risk Officer is a new role, the NRFC has already built-out dedicated risk and compliance teams. The creation of the Chief Risk Officer position elevates the mandate for prudent risk-taking to accelerate investment in the NRFC’s seven priority areas.
Can you tell us about your career journey so far?
I’m fortunate to have worked at all phases of the investment cycle both in private markets and in the public sector. I started my career in investment banking as an emerging market analyst, before moving to multilateral development banks where I led risk and investment teams operating in higher-risk environments throughout the world. Much like multilateral development banks, the NRFC operates at the nexus between public policy, risk-taking and sound investing.
What excites you most about the work ahead at the NRFC?
I’m excited to be working with a talented and committed team to grow the NRFC into a new benchmark for SIVs. The NRFC's design provides enormous flexibility to support our clients and invest in projects that can have a lasting impact on the Australian community. There aren’t many places where you can be working on a quantum project one day and an emerging medtech company the next.
What is the best leadership advice you have ever received?
Simon Sinek, the author of Leaders Eat Last, said it well: “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of people in your charge.”
What's a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I went to university in China immediately after graduating from high school. My pork and chive dumplings are still as authentic as you can find anywhere.
Any book, podcast or quote that you find yourself returning to?
I read and listen widely but always enjoy Howard Mark’s monthly memos. In my role, one of his quotes I try to return to is: “Scepticism and pessimism aren’t synonymous. Scepticism calls for pessimism when optimism is excessive. But it also calls for optimism when pessimism is excessive.”
If you’d like to connect or learn more, you can reach out to Nicholas Mant(Opens in a new tab/window) via LinkedIn.