Swiss-based LGT Capital Management, the asset manager that is part of Liechtenstein’s LGT Group, has opened in Frankfurt its first European distribution office outside of Switzerland.

The German operations will be headed by Marcus Perschke, the firm said. Perschke has previously been responsible for the distribution activities of M&G International Investments in Germany.

The launch of the German operation is part of the firm’s expansion strategy.

The German market plays a “central role” for the firm, said Christian Pellis, member of the management board at LGT Capital Management.

LGT Capital Management offers services to private and retail banks and their clients, insurance firms, and other financial advisors. The firm said it is especially focusing on the growing market of retirement provision.

The products offered in Germany will focus on asset protection and defensive strategies, said Perschke. This is in line with the wishes of many investors following the financial crisis, he added.

LGT Capital Management is based in Pfäffikon, in the Swiss canton of Zurich. LGT Capital Management has about SFr17 billion (around $16 billion) in assets under management.