Former fund manager Jeremy Duffield has been appointed as the new non-executive chairman of the Australian Centre for Financial Studies (ACFS).

The former chairman of Vanguard Investments Australia takes over from Syd Bone, who will remain with the centre as its deputy and focus on building connections in Sydney.

The centre aims to forge a bridge between the Australian academic community, government and financial services while providing research and comment across banking, insurance and fund management sectors.

Mr Duffield is expected to use his strong knowledge of the US industry and academic circles to help the ACFS to meet rising research quality standards in investment performance markets.