SWITZERLAND - Asset manager and consultant Swisscanto saw its assets managed for institutional clients climb 13.6% to CHF21.7bn (€13bn) over the last financial year.

Assets under management for the total group increased by 8% to CHF63.2bn to June 2007, the end of the company's fiscal year.

Swisscanto noted the breaking of the CHF60bn mark was achieved by "market performance and the launching of new products such as absolute return, as well as climate and capital protection funds".

Alongside revealing its financial results, Swisscanto today also launched a "water equities" fund.

Assets placed in the fund are being invested in sustainable companies assocaited with water supply, water treatment, water technologies and water services, hydropower and water efficiency, as well as agriculture and forestry.

These latest development follows a move by Swisscanto in July to promote Othmar Simeon to managing director, replac Oskar Leutwyler who left the company earlier this year.