Investment management specialist Blackfinch Group has launched two new funds, IFSLBlackfinch NextGen Infrastructure and IFSL Blackfinch NextGen Property Securities, which will invest in companies at the forefront of powerful ‘next generation’ global growth themes.
The funds will be managed by Fund Manager George Nikolaou and Blackfinch’s Chief Investment Officer (Listed Investments), Dr Dan Appleby. They will invest in listed companies benefiting from long-term trends including the rapid growth of digitalisation and the explosion in data traffic, ageing demographics and the increasing urbanisation of populations around the globe.
The two funds, which launched on Monday 30th October, will complement Blackfinch’s existing multi-asset investment capabilities, including the group’s recently launched Tailored Portfolio Service (TPS).
Blackfinch has appointed the Marlborough Group’s Investment Fund Services Limited (IFSL) as the Authorised Corporate Director (ACD) for the new funds, which are available on a range of major platforms.
Dr Dan Appleby, Chief Investment Officer (Listed Investments) at Blackfinch, said:
“Our new funds provide investors with exposure to infrastructure companies and real estate investment trusts [REITs] whose growth is being driven by powerful trends that are changing the way people around the world live and work.”
“We believe these trends will transform infrastructure and property investing over the years ahead and our funds provide investors with an exciting opportunity to focus on the strong growth potential of these next-generation themes at what is still an early stage.”
“The funds represent an exciting evolution in our offering at Blackfinch. As an organisation, we’re committed to closely monitoring the world around us and looking for opportunities to support sustainable positive change by adapting the range of investments we bring to market.”
“IFSL were a natural partner for the launch of our new funds. Alongside their deep knowledge of the funds industry, they also share our absolute commitment to providing successful outcomes and service of the highest quality for clients.”
Allan Hamer, CEO of IFSL, said:
“We’re delighted Blackfinch chose to appoint IFSL as ACD for their new funds. It’s an important role, acting as an independent steward helping to safeguard the best interests of a fund’s investors, and we take our responsibilities very seriously.”
“We have a highly experienced team at IFSL who not only provide robust oversight and governance, but can also offer guidance and support at every stage in the process of designing, launching and successfully operating funds.”
“As a group, we’re committed to working with like-minded businesses to support their growth by helping them deliver first-class outcomes for their clients.”
“We’re looking forward to a long-term partnership with the team at Blackfinch who share not only our commitment to providing the best-possible service for clients, but also the all-important ‘can-do’ attitude we apply to everything we do.”
IFSL Blackfinch NextGen Infrastructure will invest in listed infrastructure companies that have strong sustainability credentials and are benefiting from three key themes:
● Digitalisation – including companies providing mobile phone towers, data centres and fibre-optic networks.
● Energy transition – including companies providing renewable energy generation, energy storage and grid transmission networks.
● Sustainable urbanisation – including companies providing social and healthcare infrastructure, essential transportation and sustainable waste disposal.
The fund is in the Investment Association’s Infrastructure sector and has an ongoing charges figure (OCF) of 0.91%. It will take a global approach, with a minimum of 75% of the portfolio invested in developed markets.
IFSL Blackfinch NextGen Property Securities will invest in REITs and other listed property companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials. These REITS and other companies will be benefiting from four key themes:
● Digitalisation – including companies providing data centres, e-commerce logistics sites and cold storage logistics.
● Sustainable urbanisation – including companies providing sustainable residential accommodation, student housing, grocery units and self-storage facilities.
● Ageing demographics – including companies providing care homes, GP surgeries, out-patient or in-patient medical facilities and life sciences campuses.
● Emerging middle classes – including companies providing high-grade workplaces, residential accommodation units and other commercial property assets in developing nations.
The fund is in the Investment Association’s Property Other sector and has an OCF of 0.90%. It will take a global approach, with a minimum of 75% of the portfolio invested in developed markets.
Blackfinch Investments Ltd is the named sponsor and appointed investment manager for both funds.
Blackfinch’s Dr Dan Appleby added: “The launch of the NextGen funds is complemented by the TPS established by Blackfinch earlier this year. The TPS offers financial adviser firms the opportunity to design their own product range when they feel they have outgrown their current centralised investment proposition.”
“We can employ to maximum effect the multi-disciplinary investment expertise available across the group to shape innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of our financial adviser community, so that businesses, communities and individuals can thrive.”
