Despite the constraints of strict regulations, the firm believes that the time is right for offering its clients a wider range of investments.

Nedgroup Investments, a global asset manager with over $20 billion in assets under management, is launching an in-house multi-boutique platform. It will feature a growing range of active investment strategies.

Tom Caddick, managing director of Nedgroup Investments (International) said: “It's harder for boutiques to set up now because of the onerous regulatory requirements and the difficulty of raising sufficient capital. We want to facilitate startup boutiques to better serve the needs of our clients and provide a wider range of investment opportunity. We can create a more diverse fund management sector for the benefit of the end investor. I’m thrilled to launch our innovative structure with two conviction managers I have known and respected for over 20 years.”

Fixed-income veterans David Roberts and Alex Ralph will run an active global bond fund as the first launch of these in-house managed strategies.

Roberts said: “I have returned to active investing because market conditions are too compelling to ignore. I have always had conviction to invest when risk and reward are in the client’s favour. After a couple of years when return expectations were negative, we are back in an environment where fixed income is once again a diversifier, a very attractive alternative to equities. The old normal.”

Ralph said: “Many have been waiting a decade for this type of entry point and the possibility of earning significant, long-term positive returns without the need to venture into the dark, equity-like corners of the bond market.”

Addressing the attractions of the firm, Roberts commented: “Nedgroup Investment’s has a long-standing belief in the benefits to investors of boutique models and they share my client-centric approach. Those were the deciding factors for me. It is rare these days to find a business willing to innovate and support a boutique from inception.”

Apiramy Jeyarajah, who joined Nedgroup Investments as chief commercial officer in April 2023, added: “Starting an investment boutique is increasingly difficult. We are excited to offer clients access to compelling teams, complementing the existing boutiques on our platform. Nurturing opportunities with experienced fund managers will help investors benefit from increased choice and a competitive edge.”

Nedgroup Investments is a global asset manager with over $20 billion AuM. Its international business is led from London and its global headquarters are in Cape Town.