Nigel (Ned) Campbell

Scholarship pivotal to success

A scholarship had financial, social and personal benefits for UNE alumnus Nigel (Ned) Campbell, who used it as a springboard to career success. Now he demonstrates the far-reaching impact of educational philanthropy among his own clients.

Nigel is the principal of Campbell Private Wealth, a Sydney-based investment firm that provides investment and financial advice to individuals and families. His interest in financial markets began as a teenager, when he started investing on the ASX, and was formalised when he enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)/Bachelor of Business (Financial Management) degree at UNE in 2008.

A country boy, Nigel moved to Duval College, where he became the beneficiary of a Scott Williams Opportunity Scholarship. His interactions with the former UNE deputy chancellor and successful businessman enhanced Nigel's life.

"To receive Scott's scholarship in my first year was a wonderful financial benefit," Nigel says. "He subsequently continued his scholarship and generosity over the next three years, which allowed me to attend college throughout my studies. That college experience really built me as a person, by enabling me to fully immerse myself in the UNE community and all it had to offer."

In his final year, Nigel was elected president of Duval College, and he says the position very much shaped who he is today. "It helped me to develop interpersonal skills, to talk to and relate to people from all different backgrounds," he says.

But the benefit of getting to know Scott personally was equally valuable. "To meet someone of his calibre at the age of 19 was very inspiring," Nigel says. "He served as an important mentor and taught me a great deal about how to conduct myself in the business world. That, coupled with my UNE education, meant I was very informed about business interactions and what was possible when I graduated."

Following financial work in Tamworth, Sydney and with the Bank of New York Mellon in Ireland, Nigel founded his own firm, in 2016, and became one of the youngest people in Australia to gain an Australian Financial Services Licence. He believes his UNE and Duval experiences provided a wonderful foundation for his career.

"When you manage the money of clients, it's very personal; you are dealing with families and family assets often built over many decades," Nigel says. "The skills I developed at UNE enable me to do that effectively, and to appreciate the challenges associated with growing and maintaining wealth."

"I have a number of clients who have private ancillary funds that enable them to distribute 5% of their foundation’s net assets to charities every year. They are often looking for ideas for where to direct that money and I have encouraged them to support education, in the way I was supported.

"My own goal, eventually, is to give back as well. Education is critical to our lives and ongoing success. It has allowed me to understand financial markets both domestically and internationally, and has enabled me to follow my passion in the finance and investment industry. I have fond memories of my time at UNE and appreciate the standard of education I received."