The city of Melbourne is the focus of financial and insurance services in Victoria, and in a significant position as an Asia-Pacific financial hub. Stockbroking, venture capital, fund management, retail and investment banking are all strongly represented.
Seven out of the top ten industry pension funds, and the Federal Government’s Future Fund are all managed out of Melbourne. The majority of all Australian industry fund assets are managed from Melbourne. Melbourne also hosts the headquarters of two of Australia’s largest banks, ANZ and NAB. Most of Australia’s licensed banks have operations in Melbourne, managing approximately 35% of the nation’s banking assets.
Financial services in Victoria is the 3rd largest industry sector, representing almost 9% of the State's economy and directly accounting for around 100,000 jobs and $22.8 billion in GSP during financial year 2007/08.
Accommodation
The 2010 MFSS is being held at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins hotel.
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
25 Collins St
Melbourne Victoria
03 9653 0000
1300 65 65 65 (within Australia)
This award winning hotel is located at the top of Collins St, in the Melbourne CBD. For more information and reservations, please visit their website more information There are many other hotels within walking distance of the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins hotel. The Visit Victoria has more information on the options.
Arriving in Melbourne
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is an international airport, and also takes more of the domestic traffic, 20 minutes from the CBD. Taxi ranks at Melbourne Airport are outside on the ground level. A return fare between the airport and CBD will be between $80 and $85.
Public Transport
The Melbourne CBD is in a grid making it easy to get around.
Trams run along most major streets and the free City Circle tram runs around the perimeter.
Short term tickets are available onboard, starting at $3.60 for two hours on any CBD trams. To activate your ticket, touch it to one of the myki readers near each door.
Local Attractions
Why not add a couple of days on either side of MFSS and take some time to discover Melbourne? Within minutes you can be sunning it on St Kilda beach, immersed by designer clothes on Chapel St, surrounded by wild animals at the Melbourne Zoo, or enjoying a glass of wine in one of many restaurants and bars overlooking the Yarra River.
The Visit Melbourne website has more information and ideas.