From Global Finance to Local Impact: Evan Hinchliffe’s Path to Purpose at HOPE

Evan Hinchliffe has always been drawn to solving complex problems. Over the years, he’s worked with top-tier organisations like Accenture, PwC, and Macquarie Group. But what truly excites him now is the opportunity to apply his expertise helping investors into one of their most pressing challenges: making housing an effective and investible asset class at scale.

Joining HOPE Housing at a pivotal time, Evan is leading efforts to grow investment in a new residential asset class – shared equity homeownership for essential workers. With his experience navigating complex investment landscapes, Evan is the perfect fit to help HOPE build credibility in the investment community and help scale its operations. By taking accountability for growing the investment pool, this will help to meet the growing demand from the essential workers looking to buy a home.

What Led You to Join HOPE?

I’ve spent my career working on complex problems. I saw a real opportunity with HOPE – building something new that not only addresses a massive market need but does so in a way that benefits both investors and our essential workforce. This challenge is personal for me, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s addressing the housing crisis head-on.

How Did Your Time in the UAE Shape Your Professional Journey?

I took a chance and relocated to UAE in 2007. Forming joint ventures enabled the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to transform from an economy deeply dependent on natural resource exports to one with a diversity of offerings including tourism, the arts and sports.

We brought bond issuance to the Emirate for the first time, delivering a new financing structure to support the economic transformation. Delivering new and innovative financing solutions to enable economic and social progress is also a hallmark of the work I am undertaking at HOPE.

It was quite unique to see the physical impact our work was having on the transformation of the region, but long term I wanted to raise a family back in Sydney and made the decision to return home.

Bringing Personal Passion into Work

When I’m not solving business challenges, I’m running ultra-trail races. I see a direct connection between the endurance required for these races and the perseverance needed in business. Both demand resilience, the ability to push through tough moments, and a focus on long-term goals. This mindset has been invaluable at HOPE as we work to deliver lasting opportunities for both investors and essential worker homebuyers.

Striving for Success in Business

I’ve always believed in using data to guide decisions, and at HOPE, the data is compelling. In a survey HOPE Housing conducted in the second half of 2024 of 3,000 essential workers, 56% of respondents are contemplating leaving their professions to pursue higher-paying jobs that would make homeownership attainable.

Yet while essential workers face huge financial barriers when trying to buy a home, for investors, the Australian residential property market presents significant opportunities. HOPE’s track record is already proving the potential – our property portfolio assets have outperformed the market by 1.5 times since inception¹, and we’re just getting started. We’re not just creating financial returns; we’re enabling essential workers to live where they work and build equity in their future.

Approaching Capital Raising by Focusing on the Problem

Investors are now spoilt for choice with investment options. Being clear on the problem that you are solving for each potential investor is at the core of what is required for successful capital raising.  Each investor will have a different take on how these fit into their existing portfolio or thesis on a particular asset class.

Leaving a Legacy

I want to be part of shifting the way Australians access homeownership. It’s not just about providing homes – it’s about creating pathways for people to secure their futures. At HOPE, we’re committed to making homeownership accessible to more Australians, especially the essential workers who form the backbone of our communities.