Episode Description

In this episode of The Scientiam Show, we sit down with Bhanu Singh, CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors Australia and Senior Investment Director. Bhanu shares his journey from studying accounting in the US, to unexpectedly landing at Dimensional, to eventually leading the firm in Australia and New Zealand.

We dive into what sets Dimensional apart— from its evidence-based investment philosophy to its culture of long-term thinking. Dr. Katherine Hunt (fresh from the surf!) also shares insights into Dimensional’s ethical commitment to avoiding commissions and resisting the pull of short-term trends. Bhanu reflects on the challenges and rewards of carrying this culture across a global business, highlighting why staying true to principles matters in an industry so often swayed by fads.

Whether you’re an investor, adviser, or simply curious about how one of theworld’s leading asset managers thinks, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

About the Hosts

Nigel Baker — Founder & CEO of ⁠Scientiam⁠, Chartered Accountant, and

CFP® with 20+ years in finance.

Dr. Katherine Hunt — Founder & Head Researcher at ⁠Ardentura⁠, finance academic, and former financial adviser. Connect with Katherine for your next event as a keynote speaker.

About Scientiam

Scientiam provides a white-label solution for advice firms to engage thousands of clients who aren’t yet ready for full advice. Our platform helps address key challenges such as improving access to advice, facilitating intergenerational wealth transfer, and effective client segmentation.

Book a call — Email us at ⁠support@scientiam.com.au⁠ to learn more.

Are today’s investing trends truly unlocking greater transparency, personalisation, and outcomes for clients, and how can advisers harness them to deliver lasting value?

In this episode of The Scientiam Show, Nigel Baker and Dr. Katherine Hunt explore:

• Evidence-Based Investing (EBI): How decades of research and data-backed strategies are better than speculation - and why adoption remains limited.
• SMAs: The benefits, considerations, and evolving role they play in delivering personalised, transparent client experiences.

Sharing practical ways to combine evidence, ethics, and technology to keep investment strategies client-focused and future-ready. Whether you’re an adviser, wealth manager, or investor, this conversation will help you navigate these trends with clarity and confidence.

About the Hosts:

Nigel Baker — Founder & CEO of Scientiam, Chartered Accountant, and CFP® with 20+ years in finance.

Dr. Katherine Hunt — Founder & Head Researcher at Ardentura, finance academic, and former financial adviser.

Connect with Katherine for your next event as a keynote speaker.

About Scientiam
Scientiam provides a white-label solution for advice firms to engage thousands of clients who aren’t yet ready for full advice. Our platform helps address key challenges such as improving access to advice, facilitating intergenerational wealth transfer, and effective client segmentation.

📩 Book a call — Email us at support@scientiam.com.au to learn more.

Sustainable investing is more than a trend — but what does it really mean?

In this episode of The Scientiam Show, we take a dive deep into the growing world of sustainable investing, from ESG screening to greenwashing scandals.

Nigel breaks down how to align your investments with your values, the challenges super funds face in ethical investing, and how evidence-based firms like Dimensional and Vanguard approach sustainability with integrity and rigour.

We’ll also explore:

• Why investor confidence has been shaken — and how to rebuild it

• How to avoid "greenwashed" funds

• Real-world ESG examples, metrics & carbon footprint insights

• The difference between exclusions vs reduced weightings in portfolios

  
  

  👉 Want to learn more? Visit the Scientiam website or reach out to Nigel directly at nigel@scientiam.com.au.