Saigon Asset Management, the Vietnam-based investment manager, has finally filled a year-long empty position after naming Hoang Nguyen as its new chief investment officer.

Prior to his new post, Mr Nguyen was an investment manager at Zurich Financial Services in Switzerland, where he oversaw $4.89 billion worth of assets.

The appointment comes at a time SAM is introducing a new range of funds that focus on Vietnamese equities and real estate. Apart from serving as the investment manager of internationally-listed Vietnam Property Holding and Vietnam Equity Holding, the company also offers mergers and acquisitions advisory services for foreigners seeking to invest in the country.

"The details of the new funds are being finalised," said SAM chief executive officer and chairman Louis Nguyen in statement. "We are launching them now based on what we see as demand from investors seeking to invest in Vietnam through more innovative vehicles with less fees and carry."

SAM currently manages around $125 million worth of assets, which include listed securities, private equity and real estate.