Colonial First State (CFS)

Colonial First State (CFS) is one of Australia’s major wealth and superannuation providers, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Sydney. Today, it operates as a standalone business owned by KKR (55%) and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (45%), serving close to 1 million customers across the country.

CFS manages approximately A$170 billion in assets, placing it among Australia’s top 10 superannuation providers by size, typically ranking around #6 by assets. Within a national super system worth roughly A$3.9 trillion, this represents an estimated 3–4% market share. The organisation employs around 1,500–1,900 people and generates an estimated A$560–590 million in annual revenue, reflecting its scale and market presence.

While not among the very largest funds such as AustralianSuper or Australian Retirement Trust, which manage over A$300–400 billion, CFS sits firmly within the group of “mega funds” exceeding A$100 billion in assets. It also remains competitive on performance, with some of its investment options ranking among the top performers in Australia in recent years, including strong returns in growth and balanced fund categories.

Rather than operating as a traditional bank, CFS focuses on long-term wealth creation. It manages and invests superannuation funds across diversified asset classes, helping Australians build financial security over time.

In my role as a Product Designer at CFS, I contribute to the design and continuous improvement of key digital platforms, including FirstNet Adviser (FNA), which supports financial advisers in managing client portfolios and delivering advice, and FirstNet Investor (FNI), a digital platform for individual investors and members. My work focuses on creating intuitive, accessible, and efficient experiences that simplify complex financial interactions for both advisers and end users.