Success Stories: Sam Stubbs
Sam Stubbs is the visionary co-founder of Simplicity, one of NZ's fastest growing non-profit KiwiSaver plans and Fund Manager - which gives 15% of all fees to charity. With his innovative mindset, Stubbs has taken Simplicity from a disruptive startup to a recognised leader in low-fee, ethical investment solutions.
Read on to learn more about Sam's journey and his ongoing mission to bring financial empowerment to everyday Kiwis.
Sam Stubbs is the visionary co-founder of Simplicity, one of NZ's fastest growing non-profit KiwiSaver plans and Fund Manager - which gives 15% of all fees to charity. With his innovative mindset, Stubbs has taken Simplicity from a disruptive startup to a recognised leader in low-fee, ethical investment solutions.
Read on to learn more about Sam's journey and his ongoing mission to bring financial empowerment to everyday Kiwis.
A Strong Financial Background
Before taking the helm of Simplicity, Sam Stubbs built a career grounded in leadership and financial expertise. He studied law and commerce at the University of Otago, where he first developed an understanding of both the legal and financial sectors. His diverse background set him up for an impactful career that would eventually involve solving complex financial problems in innovative ways.
Stubbs' early career saw him work in various roles that would shape his understanding of finance from both an operational and strategic perspective. After working in corporate roles, including CEO of Tower Investments, Stubbs realised that New Zealand's financial industry, particularly its investment sector, was not as transparent and accessible as it could be. He saw an opportunity to make investing more efficient, ethical, and affordable for the everyday investor.
Before taking the helm of Simplicity, Sam Stubbs built a career grounded in leadership and financial expertise. He studied law and commerce at the University of Otago, where he first developed an understanding of both the legal and financial sectors. His diverse background set him up for an impactful career that would eventually involve solving complex financial problems in innovative ways.
Stubbs' early career saw him work in various roles that would shape his understanding of finance from both an operational and strategic perspective. After working in corporate roles, including CEO of Tower Investments, Stubbs realised that New Zealand's financial industry, particularly its investment sector, was not as transparent and accessible as it could be. He saw an opportunity to make investing more efficient, ethical, and affordable for the everyday investor.
Simplicity: Disrupting the Finance Industry
In 2015, after having gained experience with organisations such as New Zealand's well-known financial company KiwiSaver, Sam Stubbs co-founded Simplicity to take a new approach to investing. Drawing on his background and understanding of the financial industry, he set out to challenge the status quo and create an investment company that would prioritise transparency, fairness, and social responsibility.
Simplicity was founded with a clear mission: to provide Kiwis with an ethical, low-fee, and transparent alternative to traditional investment and wealth management services. It was born from the idea that investing shouldn't be complicated, expensive, or difficult to understand. Stubbs saw firsthand how many New Zealanders were paying unnecessarily high fees on their investments, diminishing their long-term returns. At the same time, he recognized the importance of offering people an opportunity to invest responsibly, with a focus on sustainability and ethical outcomes.From the outset, Stubbs' leadership at Simplicity focused on simplicity – the company’s hallmark. Simplicity offers low-cost managed investment funds, primarily targeting everyday New Zealand investors who wanted a better deal on their retirement savings and general investment portfolios. They were one of the first companies in New Zealand to introduce a simple, ethical approach to investing, with a focus on reducing fees and providing an easy-to-understand platform for investors.
The company’s core products, including KiwiSaver funds and managed investment funds, have consistently performed well, attracting large numbers of customers who value transparency and the ethical approach that Simplicity champions. This no-frills, customer-centric approach was groundbreaking in an industry often criticized for its hidden fees, complexity, and lack of social responsibility.
In 2015, after having gained experience with organisations such as New Zealand's well-known financial company KiwiSaver, Sam Stubbs co-founded Simplicity to take a new approach to investing. Drawing on his background and understanding of the financial industry, he set out to challenge the status quo and create an investment company that would prioritise transparency, fairness, and social responsibility.
Simplicity was founded with a clear mission: to provide Kiwis with an ethical, low-fee, and transparent alternative to traditional investment and wealth management services. It was born from the idea that investing shouldn't be complicated, expensive, or difficult to understand. Stubbs saw firsthand how many New Zealanders were paying unnecessarily high fees on their investments, diminishing their long-term returns. At the same time, he recognized the importance of offering people an opportunity to invest responsibly, with a focus on sustainability and ethical outcomes.
From the outset, Stubbs' leadership at Simplicity focused on simplicity – the company’s hallmark. Simplicity offers low-cost managed investment funds, primarily targeting everyday New Zealand investors who wanted a better deal on their retirement savings and general investment portfolios. They were one of the first companies in New Zealand to introduce a simple, ethical approach to investing, with a focus on reducing fees and providing an easy-to-understand platform for investors.
The company’s core products, including KiwiSaver funds and managed investment funds, have consistently performed well, attracting large numbers of customers who value transparency and the ethical approach that Simplicity champions. This no-frills, customer-centric approach was groundbreaking in an industry often criticized for its hidden fees, complexity, and lack of social responsibility.
Mission and Impact: Ethical Investing for the Greater Good
Simplicity's mission, under Sam Stubbs' leadership, is more than just about financial returns—it's about creating a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of everyday people. The company is rooted in the values of making investments that are not only financially rewarding but also socially responsible. Sam Stubbs has consistently emphasized that Simplicity is committed to offering ethical investments that align with values like sustainability, low-carbon, and community-oriented initiatives.
A key aspect of Simplicity’s appeal is its dedication to providing low-fee services. By cutting out the unnecessary costs associated with traditional finance companies, Simplicity allows investors to keep more of their returns. This approach has resonated deeply with New Zealand investors, and the company has seen significant growth in its customer base.But the ethical commitment doesn't stop at investing. Simplicity has also introduced programs that give back to communities, supporting initiatives that tackle poverty, improve social well-being, and combat climate change. Stubbs is proud to lead a company that actively seeks to create positive change, both financially and socially.
Simplicity's mission, under Sam Stubbs' leadership, is more than just about financial returns—it's about creating a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of everyday people. The company is rooted in the values of making investments that are not only financially rewarding but also socially responsible. Sam Stubbs has consistently emphasized that Simplicity is committed to offering ethical investments that align with values like sustainability, low-carbon, and community-oriented initiatives.
A key aspect of Simplicity’s appeal is its dedication to providing low-fee services. By cutting out the unnecessary costs associated with traditional finance companies, Simplicity allows investors to keep more of their returns. This approach has resonated deeply with New Zealand investors, and the company has seen significant growth in its customer base.
But the ethical commitment doesn't stop at investing. Simplicity has also introduced programs that give back to communities, supporting initiatives that tackle poverty, improve social well-being, and combat climate change. Stubbs is proud to lead a company that actively seeks to create positive change, both financially and socially.
Successes and Industry Recognition
Simplicity’s success under Sam Stubbs has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its founding, Simplicity has amassed billions of dollars in managed funds, growing rapidly as more Kiwis turn to ethical, low-fee options for their retirement and investment needs. Stubbs' clear vision and tireless leadership have turned the company into a key player in New Zealand’s financial sector.
The company’s success has garnered attention not just in New Zealand but internationally. It has consistently been recognized for its low-fee offerings and its focus on ethical investing. The success stories of many of Simplicity’s customers – those who have saved for retirement, invested responsibly, and taken control of their financial futures – are a testament to Stubbs' commitment to making finance more accessible and transparent.
The positive growth trajectory of Simplicity has led to accolades within the finance and investment sectors, and Sam Stubbs has become a prominent voice for change within the industry. He regularly speaks about the importance of reducing fees, increasing transparency, and putting people first in the financial services sector.
Simplicity’s success under Sam Stubbs has been nothing short of remarkable. Since its founding, Simplicity has amassed billions of dollars in managed funds, growing rapidly as more Kiwis turn to ethical, low-fee options for their retirement and investment needs. Stubbs' clear vision and tireless leadership have turned the company into a key player in New Zealand’s financial sector.
The company’s success has garnered attention not just in New Zealand but internationally. It has consistently been recognized for its low-fee offerings and its focus on ethical investing. The success stories of many of Simplicity’s customers – those who have saved for retirement, invested responsibly, and taken control of their financial futures – are a testament to Stubbs' commitment to making finance more accessible and transparent.
The positive growth trajectory of Simplicity has led to accolades within the finance and investment sectors, and Sam Stubbs has become a prominent voice for change within the industry. He regularly speaks about the importance of reducing fees, increasing transparency, and putting people first in the financial services sector.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
With Sam Stubbs at the helm, Simplicity's future is set to continue building on its ethos of transparency, simplicity, and ethical investing. As the company grows, its core values remain intact, and Stubbs continues to lead the charge in reshaping New Zealand’s investment landscape. Simplicity's commitment to making investing fair, accessible, and socially responsible resonates deeply with New Zealanders, and the company's growth trajectory suggests it will only continue to gain momentum in the years ahead.
Under Stubbs' leadership, Simplicity isn’t just a finance company—it's a movement aimed at changing the way people think about investing, saving, and financial growth. Through the simplicity of its approach and the strength of its values, Simplicity stands poised to create lasting, positive change in the financial sector and beyond.
With Sam Stubbs at the helm, Simplicity's future is set to continue building on its ethos of transparency, simplicity, and ethical investing. As the company grows, its core values remain intact, and Stubbs continues to lead the charge in reshaping New Zealand’s investment landscape. Simplicity's commitment to making investing fair, accessible, and socially responsible resonates deeply with New Zealanders, and the company's growth trajectory suggests it will only continue to gain momentum in the years ahead.
Under Stubbs' leadership, Simplicity isn’t just a finance company—it's a movement aimed at changing the way people think about investing, saving, and financial growth. Through the simplicity of its approach and the strength of its values, Simplicity stands poised to create lasting, positive change in the financial sector and beyond.
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