The fund aims to generate absolute long-term returns by investing responsibly in emerging markets. This focus has meant, for example, that the strategy has never invested in Chinese education, media or internet businesses because of the governance compromises this requires. It is managed by Skerryvore Asset Management, which is a boutique of Bennelong’s UK arm, BennBridge Ltd.
Glen Finegan, lead portfolio manager at Skerryvore, said alignment of interests is critical to successful investment in emerging markets.
“Investing alongside managers and owners who control their own destinies and share our belief in a long-term approach is a fundamental tenet of our investment philosophy.
“As fair-minded and far-sighted emerging market investors, we look at companies first and foremost from the perspective of quality and alignment.”
Chief Executive Officer of Bennelong Funds Management, Craig Bingham, said Skerryvore is a world-class team with a deep understanding of emerging markets and a proven track record.
“The team’s insights into emerging markets companies, coupled with a commitment to sustainable, high-quality investing, will provide Australian investors unique access to companies with dynamic growth potential from some of the world’s advancing economies.
“Skerryvore has seen strong growth in assets thanks to support from institutional clients across Australia, Europe and North America. This fund launch enables the Australian financial adviser market to gain access to this high-quality boutique investment team.”
The fund typically holds between 40 and 80 stocks. Its benchmark is the MSCI Emerging Market Index, and the minimum suggested investment timeframe is five to eight years.
