Brandywine’s new Asia chief talks strategy, hiring plans

The global asset manager has acquired Australian alternatives fund house RARE Infrastructure. The move comes as traditional and alts managers increasingly converge, and boutique houses look for global tie-ups.

The US fund house is exploring entry to two new markets in Asia and is looking to build a fund manufacturing capability in Hong Kong, its management reveals.

The fund house is moving to register two corporate bond funds and a more unusual product in Hong Kong. Legg Mason affiliate Western Asset is also overweight China, bucking a recent trend.

Legg Mason's acquisition of Scottish equities boutique Martin Currie comes after the US fund house closed its Esemplia Emerging Markets affiliate last year.