It’s meant he has met only four OI employees in person. The rest of the staff, he’s just seen in “2D” over Zoom.

“If you want the one-word summary, it’s been different,” he tells Eternity about his unusual start. “It’s had its blessings and it’s had its drawbacks. In some ways, it’s been a good time to go through the induction process because I’ve had plenty of time to read … But of course, I have really missed the collaboration with the team and getting to know people in a properly humane way, rather than over a computer.”

But the worst part about taking the reins at this non-profit organisation during lockdown, Walters says, is that he hasn’t been able to visit the programs making a difference in developing countries.

“I’m a big believer in getting to the work on the ground, meeting the people who are benefiting from the work, collaborating with the people who are delivering the work. And given that most of Opportunity’s work is in places like India and Indonesia, there’s no way I’ve been able to get there and no likelihood of being there anytime soon,” he laments.

“I have a passion for those who are disadvantaged. I hate the injustices …” – Scott Walters

Opportunity International Australia is part of a global network that began about 45 years ago and now serves people in over 20 countries. It’s a Christian organisation that works to alleviate poverty in developing countries by providing programs and support in four key areas: microfinance, health, education and women’s safety. The largest part of OI’s work is in microfinance, and 95 per cent of loan clients are women who borrow money to set up small businesses to help support their families. These small loans serve 6.3 million families across Asia. The organisation also runs programs to prevent domestic violence and human trafficking.

Some of OI Australia’s most recent work has been delivering COVID vaccinations in India, where they have delivered two million doses with a goal of reaching five million doses by the end of this year.

Walters can’t help getting emotional when talking about OI’s work. Its mission to break the cycle of disadvantage is a cause close to his heart.

“I’ve always had a passion for that kind of development and philanthropic work,” he explains.

“Part of it is driven by my faith and my desire to be true to biblical imperatives and true to the teachings of Jesus and to be authentic and genuine in the outworking of my faith.

“I’m also motivated by seeing others’ disadvantages, I suppose,” he reflects, choking back tears. “I have a passion for those who are disadvantaged. I hate the injustices that still are perpetrated on children, and injustice generally.”

Having visited and seen the fruits of Bible Society literacy projects in Egypt, he continues: “Why shouldn’t a kid in Cairo be able to read and write? Why shouldn’t they be able to take up their place in society, to collaborate with their peers and live out a full life, being able to read and write, as so much of the Western world can?”

“For me, it’s been a journey from what I call chequebook philanthropy, through to getting much more hands-on.” – Scott Walters

When you look at Walters’ career on paper, it seems to be split into contradictory halves. For 25 years he was a leader in the financial services and wealth management industry, including 14 years in stockbroking with Deutsche Bank in London and Australia. As CEO, Walters also launched Merrill Lynch HSBC, an online stockbroking and financial services joint venture, and was head of financial planning for Westpac/BT, Citigroup and for Mercer Wealth Solutions.

The second half of his career encompasses 20 years in the not-for-profit sector. Most recently, he spent seven years as Chief Fundraising Officer for Bible Society Australia. Before this, he was Head of Strategic Partnerships at The Smith Family, a children’s education charity.

However, rather than making a distinct career U-turn, Walters explains that his passion for philanthropy has always undergirded his life, even during his years in finance.