UK - Swisscanto, the asset manager, has widened its European presence and is now planning to target UK pension fund investors.

Rob Barratt, now business development director at the UK operation having held a similar role at HSBC Asset Management, noted the firm has been running assets in the UK for Swiss clients for over 20 years, in bond and money market funds, but is only now seeking to tap UK business opportunities.

Swisscanto already has a presence in Germany, but has recently broadened its reach to also cover Spain and Italy as well as the UK following a strategic review.

Under the new UK offering, Swisscanto will manage specialist fixed income and global equity mandates for UK institutions.

Gitu Panjabi has also been appointed as director of consultant relations to look after investment consultant and multi-manager relationships.

Swisscanto, with approximately €35bn in assets under management, is known largely for its conservative approach to investing, and was one of the asset houses which chose not to invest in asset-backed securities which helped create the credit crunch.Swisscanto expands its pensions potential

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