The UK-based asset management company has boosted its multi-asset capabilities with a double hire.

London-based Baring Asset Management has hired James Ind and Merrick Styles to its global multi-asset team.

Ind will join the London team in September as a member of the strategic policy group and the equity research sub-group. In his new role, he will be responsible for the development of a long short strategy. He brings experience in managing multi-asset funds and equities at GLG Partners, Russell Investments and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers.

Styles joins from Amundi where he was co-head of investments for its UK business. Also based in London, he will take up his role as a member of the SPG and the economic research sub-group in October. He will also become chairman of the asset class research sub-group and lead manager of the Baring Euro Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund, replacing Hartwig Kos, who is leaving the firm.

“I am pleased to welcome James and Merrick to the firm as we continue to invest in building our multi-asset franchise through hiring the best talent,” said Barings' head of multi-asset, Marino Valensise, whom both Ind and Styles will report to.

“These additional resources will allow us to expand our product set while continuing to deliver performance in our existing strategies.”