Pacific Corporate Group Asset Management, the US private equity asset management and advisory firm, has opened a Singapore office which is to be overseen by Jean-Noël Odier, who was appointed managing director in October last year.

The launch of PCG AM’s Singapore arm is part of international expansion plans which the firm says is a response to increased demand for private equity investments.

"Recently, international investors have been actively increasing their allocation to the asset class,” said David Fann, president and chief executive of PCG AM.

Mr Fann sees the Singapore office as a “perfect hub for servicing clients in Asia, the Middle East and Australia”, adding that few private equity asset management firms have established a physical presence in Asia-Pacific.

Mr Odier, who is to focus primarily on PCG AM’s international business development, was previously based in Hong Kong where he was responsible for BNP Paribas’ wealth management platform for family offices and UHNWs in Asia-Pacific.

PCG AM provides research and investment services in private equity funds, direct investments and co-investments, along with portfolio construction and specialised fund products.  PCG AM oversees the investment of $9 billion annually, operating through offices in San Diego, Boston and New York, along with Singapore.