Simon Petris – From Academia to Asset Management: Building a $3.4B Private Credit Powerhouse

In this episode of the Grow Your Wealth podcast, host Travis Miller chats with Simon Petris, co-founder of Revolution Asset Management. With an academic foundation in theoretical physics and a PhD in mathematics, Simon made a unique pivot into the world of banking and asset management. He shares how a chance opportunity at ANZ launched his finance career and the path that led him to roles at Challenger, CBA, and Westpac. Simon recounts the challenges and triumphs of founding Revolution Asset Management, now one of the leading private credit firms in Australia. This episode offers deep insights into private credit, the value of mentorship, and the courage required to leave corporate security for entrepreneurship. [00:00:00] - Introduction: Simon's Academic Roots and Early Career Ambitions [00:01:37] - From Physics to Finance: How a PhD Led to a Role at ANZ [00:04:14] - Life on a Dealing Floor: From Academia to Derivative Trading [00:06:37] - Growing Up in Melbourne: Family, Education, and Early Interests [00:08:27] - Finding His Footing: Mentors and Key Career Moves [00:09:54] - Challenger and Cap Stream: Learning from Industry Veterans [00:12:03] - Westpac Years: Portfolio Management and Investment Strategy [00:13:05] - Lessons in Capital Raising and Boutique Fund Formation [00:16:03] - Taking the Leap: Starting Revolution with Family Support [00:17:23] - Scaling Up: Revolution’s Rise to $3.4 Billion in Assets [00:18:12] - Private Credit’s Evolution: From Obscurity to Mainstream [00:19:17] - What Drives Simon: Competition, Education, and Trust [00:21:00] - Advice for Students: Networking and Staying Flexible [00:22:57] - Advice for Entrepreneurs: When to Leave and When to Leap [00:24:04] - Career Reflections: Openness, Listening, and Judgement [00:25:20] - Setbacks and Resilience: Learning from Failure [00:25:33] - Life Tips for the Next Generation: Relationships and Adaptability [00:26:06] - Defining Success: Professional Purpose and Personal Balance [00:27:07] - First Jobs and Formative Work Experiences [00:28:01] - Investment Philosophy: Accountability and Index Realities [00:29:19] - Public vs. Private Markets: Allocating Capital Strategically [00:30:20] - Outside the Office: Sport, Family, and Fishing Adventures [00:31:47] - Partner Dynamics: Making Revolution Work [00:32:23] - Final Thoughts and Connecting with Simon Petrus on LinkedIn iPartners Website: www.ipartners.com.au Register Here: https://ipartners.iplatforms.com.au/register/register-as-wholesale/ iPartners LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipartners-pty-ltd