AMP Capital, the Asia-Pacific investment management house, has strengthened its Asia fixed income business with the appointment of a new head.

Based in Hong Kong, Sonia Baillie begins in mid-September 2013, reporting to Mark Beardow, head of fixed income in Sydney. Baillie became part of AMP in August 2010, when she took on leadership of the credit research and analysis team in Sydney, and brings over 17 years of credit market experience to the role.

In addition, the company also transferred Nam Nguyen from Sydney to Hong Kong this month to help provide analytical support to the macro markets team and guidance in constructing fixed income portfolios. He continues to report to Simon Warner, the Sydney-based head of macro markets.

Both Baillie and Nam will focus on Asian rates and currency strategies. Baillie's old role will be officially assumed by Helen Pericleous, who has been acting in this position while the former was on maternity leave since July 2012. Pericleous reports to Jeff Brunton, head of credit markets.

AMP Capital's Hong Kong presence continues to grow, with 13 investment professionals now operating on the ground. 

"As Asian investment markets grow in significance, our clients have increasingly been searching for yield and diversification. Our portfolio currently reflects this demand, with growing allocations to Asia," said Beardow in a statement.

AMP records some A$130 billion ($120 billion) in funds under management.