Vanguard, which globally manages $2.4 trillion in mutual fund, separately managed account and ETF assets, has launched its intermediary business in Hong Kong to expand access to its products to investors throughout Asia.

The US-headquartered investment management firm will soon announce the listing of its first locally domiciled product offering in Hong Kong, according to a statement.

Shelly Painter, Vanguard Asia regional managing director, is leading the team in Asia. The Hong Kong operation was established two years ago to serve institutions in Asia and has now expanded to more than two dozen professionals serving retail investors through financial intermediaries. Linda Luk, managing director of retail and intermediary sales, heads the group that focuses on intermediaries.

Vanguard’s presence in the Asia Pacific region began in 1996 when it opened its Australia office, followed by Japan in 2000 and Singapore in 2003.

The firm is owned by Vanguard’s US-domiciled funds and ETFs. Those funds, in turn, are owned by their investors.

James Norris, Vanguard International managing director, said: “As we work to bring our investment approach – including a focus on low investment costs – to more investors around the world, Vanguard’s commitment to building our presence in Asia through the expansion of our regional hub in Hong Kong is a natural step. We believe we can help position more investors in Asia for greater long-term financial success.”