Tag : anthony fasso

A top-level reshuffle at the fund house – which has led to the exit of CIO Mark Beardow – will see Anthony Fasso return to Australia and help look for M&A opportunities for the firm.

The volume of Asian infrastructure deals has hit record levels and is set to grow yet further with the advent of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and other similar projects.

Australia's AMP Capital expects to hit the $1.5 billion target for its Global Infrastructure Fund by mid-year with the help of flows from Asian institutions, including Japanese pension funds.

Commodities trading means Australian investors already feel exposed to China, notes State Street Global Advisors. But China's inclusion in MSCI's EM index would force investors to act.

Drawing on computer modelling and human fundamental research, the Australian fund house has launched its first Asia-focused quantitative long/short fund with $25 million.

The mainland JV between AMP Capital and China Life has raised $2 billion within weeks from its initial money-market fund, riding a wave of popularity for the strategy.

AMP will take a 15% stake in its new joint-venture with China Life, with the insurance company owning the rest. The JV may eventually apply for QFII quota.

The Australian firm has already raised $305 million, mostly from Asian institutions, and intends to have a final close by the first quarter of 2014.

Asset owners are being tipped to boost exposure to infrastructure and real estate from a low base, but with such strong demand for scarce assets, overbidding is a risk.

The fund manager gives international CEO Anthony Fasso responsibility for its dominant Australian client base. It comes as the firm officially opens its Hong Kong office.

The firm has hired Kerry Ching from Fidelity IM to run Asia sales and distribution as it looks to build its Hong Kong office into a regional hub.

The Australian asset manager signals its regional aspirations by appointing Fidelity’s former Hong Kong chief Kerry Ching. She started at the firm today.