Stephen Putnins

What he does

Stephen specialises in superannuation, funds management, investments, and financial services regulation.  His extensive experience includes advising clients on major projects, general corporate and operational matters, outsourcing, cross border transactions, acquisitions and divestments, derivatives, due diligence, governance, regulatory and compliance matters, investor and member disputes, breach reporting and remediation.  Stephen has significant experience across all asset classes including Australian and international equities, cash and fixed income, property, private equity, and infrastructure including multiple billion-dollar public private partnerships (PPPs).

Stephen has advised on major superannuation fund mergers and wind-ups, managed investment schemes, and has significant regulatory and governance experience including the financial accountability regime (FAR) and design and distribution obligations.

Stephen reviews investment management agreements, limited partnership agreements, ISDA master agreements and derivatives, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF), administration and custody, disclosure documents, policies, and procedures. He advises on all areas of superannuation law, corporations law, Australian financial services licensing, global non-cash payment facilities, merchant agreements, digital assets, and carbon trading.

Stephen also helps clients manage mandates with environmental, social and governance (ESG) overlays, traversing greenwashing, sanctions, and modern slavery risks.

Who he works with

Stephen has over 20 years’ experience of top tier private practice and in-house legal experience with clients ranging from high-profile superannuation trustees, global financial services institutions, investment managers, banks, insurers, family offices, and corporates.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), Postgrad Dip Legal Practice, Skills and Ethics, Monash University. Grad Cert Geopolitics, Supreme Court (Vic) and High Court.

Life before Sparkes

Stephen has worked at top-tier law firms and also in-house, including for large superannuation funds.

Life outside of Sparkes

Stephen enjoys global travel, geopolitics, and the Geelong Football Club thriving.