Adriana Kostov has emerged as one of Australia’s most respected voices in global financial services, recognised for her leadership across hedge funds, regulatory affairs and gender advocacy. A graduate of the University of Western Australia with degrees in Law and Commerce, along with qualifications in negotiation and mediation, she has built a career defined by integrity, strategic thinking and her commitment to advancing opportunities for women in finance.
Kostov made history as the first Regional Director of the Hedge Fund Association in Australia, spearheading the global organisation’s expansion into the country. Her role involved strengthening relationships with regulators, investors and policymakers across Australia, the Asia Pacific, the United States and beyond. At a time when the hedge fund industry faced heightened scrutiny, she became a strong advocate for transparency, welcoming regulatory reforms that improved governance and strengthened investor confidence.
Her industry experience spans senior management roles, including Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs at Excalibur Funds Management, an international investment manager specialising in global currency markets. Working at an international level, she advised on complex regulatory environments across the US, Europe and Australia, while supporting the firm’s global expansion and investor engagement. Earlier in her career, she gained valuable policy insight through roles at the Western Australian Electoral Commission and the Office of the Attorney General, shaping her approach to ethics, governance and commercial decision-making.
Alongside her corporate achievements, Adriana has earned national recognition for her advocacy for women in financial services. Her commitment to mentoring and elevating young women entering global finance was acknowledged through the “Industry Advocacy” award at the Women in Financial Services Awards. She was invited as a featured speaker at the Women in Asset Management Forum at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, where she addressed the role of women in asset management, the importance of mentorship and the barriers to corporate advancement. Her leadership extended to organising major investment and regulatory events in Australia, including forums with PwC, KPMG and the Hedge Fund Standards Board.
Industry peers describe her as proactive, innovative and results-driven. Lara Block, Executive Director of the Hedge Fund Association, praised her as a leader who “works diligently to further the goals of the HFA in Australia” and consistently delivers on complex initiatives.
Beyond her technical expertise, Kostov is admired for her thoughtful leadership style. She emphasises listening, understanding diverse perspectives and building solutions that align with both organisational objectives and ethical standards. She credits her success to continuous learning, perseverance and respect for collaboration, values that have guided her from her university days to her senior leadership roles in global finance.
Adriana Kostov continues to represent the best of Australian leadership on the world stage. Her story reflects a unique blend of technical excellence, policy insight, and unwavering commitment to empowering women in finance. As global markets evolve, her influence remains a powerful reminder that strong ethics, hard work and clarity of vision continue to shape the future of financial services.
