He focuses on superannuation, funds management, investments, financial services regulation
Australian law firm Sparke Helmore has announced the addition of Stephen Putnins – whose practice covers superannuation, funds management, investments, and financial services regulation – as a partner in its corporate and commercial team in Melbourne.
Putnins is experienced in assisting clients with projects, general corporate and operational matters, outsourcing, cross-border transactions, acquisitions, divestments, derivatives, due diligence, governance, regulatory and compliance matters, investor and member disputes, and remediation, according to a media release from the firm.
His addition will “add significantly to the evolution and growth of our corporate and commercial offering in the Melbourne office,” said Julien Castaldi, national practice group leader for corporate and commercial law, in the media release.
Putnins’ experience spans all asset classes, including Australian and international equities, cash and fixed income, property, private equity, infrastructure, and multiple-billion-dollar public-private partnerships (PPPs).
He has also garnered regulatory and governance experience regarding financial accountability regimes and design and distribution obligations. He has handled superannuation fund mergers and wind-ups, global non-cash payment facilities, digital assets, and carbon trading.
Putnins has likewise guided clients in managing mandates with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) overlays and traversing greenwashing, sanctions, and modern slavery risks.
“It was important for me to join a firm known for its culture of collaboration and collegiality, as well as one with a clearly defined strategy for growth and success,” Putnins said in the media release.
“We are pleased to welcome Stephen to our team,” Castaldi added. “As a firm, we have ambitious growth plans in the area of complex corporate financial regulation and bringing on board a partner of Stephen’s calibre enables us to provide exceptional support to our clients across superannuation, financial services, and funds management.”
“Joining Sparke Helmore allows me to build on my strong relationships in the industry, to provide top tier service to my clients, and play a key role in expanding the expertise of the firm’s growing corporate and commercial team,” Putnins said in the firm’s media release.
His LinkedIn page provided more information on his professional and educational background. Before joining Sparke Helmore, he worked as a partner at Mills Oakley in Melbourne beginning in September 2021.
Putnins acted as special counsel at Norton Rose Fulbright in Melbourne from November 2019 to September 2021, as senior legal counsel at Australian Unity in Melbourne from July 2015 to November 2019, and as legal counsel for investments at UniSuper from August 2011 to July 2015.
His previous roles also included serving as legal counsel at World Vision Australia from November 2009 to June 2010 and as a lawyer at MinterEllison in Melbourne from September 2004 to September 2009.
Putnins earned his LLB (honours) and BCom (honours), both from Monash University.
