While traditional bond portfolios were still attracting a lot of institutional money – more than any other asset class in 2010 – concerns about prices, volatility and duration were prompting more interest in alternatives such as loans. Paul Hatfield, CEO of loans and mezzanine debt specialist Alcentra, said there had been high levels of inquiry in the loans market since last December. “Loans solve the duration issue,” he said, because investors make money whether interest rates rise or fall.
UBS small cap stars bound for incubator
Two of the three portfolio managers from UBS Global Asset Management’s Australian small caps team are understood to be in advanced discussions with a boutique incubator.
Private equity consultancy seeks partner
The private equity consultancy which broke away from Wilshire Private Markets last year is considering putting on a fourth partner, after raising five mandates from four institutional investors.
Uncomfortable talk for fund CIOs
As uncomfortable as it may be to admit, super funds have agency risk internally as well as externally. This is one of the contentious topics to be discussed at the second Fiduciary Investors Symposium in Manly next month.
Join a Dysfunctional market discussion
The Paul Woolley Centre for the Study of Capital Market Dysfunctionality will hold a half-day workshop for super fund executives, managers and academics at the University of Technology Sydney on May 12.
Pillar Administration gets twofer from competitor
Peter Beck
IFM hunts sales exec to launch new office
Industry Funds Management (IFM), the $28 billion asset manager owned by 33 not-for-profit superannuation funds, is searching for a distribution specialist to open its next office outside of Melbourne.
…but its admin business is firing
Russell Investment’s member administration business has experienced positive growth since the launching of a new administration model in January.
Russell must search for new super boss…
Russell Investments has seen its director of superannuation poached after 16 years with the company.
UniSuper beams more capital into global tech
UniSuper has invested more than $200 million in a second mandate focused on global technology stocks as it searches for alpha in equity markets worldwide.
Private equity stuck in the doldrums
The global rate of private equity fundraising remains at its slowest since 2003, however there are some positive signs for the asset class with more general partners holding interim closes on funds during the first quarter of 2011.
