Briefs: Matthews steps down from AFG, big banks called on to reduce fossil fuel exposures, ASB sells
Kevin Matthews, a co-founder of Australian Finance Group will retire from the board after more than 25 years with the business as an executive and then director. Now based in London, Matthews will leave the AFG board from 28th October. He remains among the top 10 AFG shareholders. Market Forces said it has lodged resolutions for the upcoming AGMs of ANZ, NAB and Westpac, "calling on the three major banks to reduce their exposure to coal, oil and gas in line with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement." The climate activist group said "the resolutions ask for the banks to set targets to reduce exposure to fossil fuels in line with the Paris Agreement and will be voted on at the banks' annual meetings in December." Following a strategic review of the businesses, ASB has sold its investment administration and custody businesses, Aegis Limited and Investment Custodial Services Limited (together "Aegis") to MMC. ASB's Executive General Manager, Private Banking, Wealth and Insurance Adam Boyd said Aegis was a good business "which requires continued investment and strategic management focus to ensure its customers continue to receive excellent levels of service in the future. As part of this review, we came to understand that Aegis would be best placed to grow and serve the interests of its customers under a new owner with a specialised focus." ASB will continue to use the Aegis platform.