The company said it had made a “significant investment” in Singapore through which it is aiming to grow both its institutional and wealth management client base across the Asia Pacific region.
In a statement, Martin Currie said the hub will help it to develop its business in the region as well as provide an equity research presence and the ability to conduct local equity trading.
Willie Watt, chief executive of Martin Currie said: “Around 50% of the assets we manage are invested across Asia, so a more established presence will help our investment teams deliver for our clients and further deepen our market position for new business acquisition.
“By moving some of our trading to Singapore we will be able to execute our investment strategies more efficiently and effectively going forward.”
The company added that it is a “long term strategic decision driven by the changing shape of its current and predicted client base”. Specifically, the company said the combination of focus on Asian, Japanese and emerging market equities, along with the strong savings culture and growing affluence means the region is “increasingly a core market”.
Martin Currie’s seven-strong Singapore team is headed by Paul Danes who is investment director and chief executive of the Singapore office.
Kimon Kouryialas, the regional head, along with Mike Gibb – who relocated to Singapore, establishing a director-level focus on business development – are focused on building the company’s offering for clients across the territory.
Meanwhile, Liping Tan has joined as an equity dealer from Prusik Investment Management and Steven McCole, head of Asia Pacific dealing, has relocated from the company’s head office in Edinburgh to lead the dealing capabilities in Singapore.
