Melbourne-based global equities fund manager, Cooper Investors has appointed Equity Trustees to be the responsible entity (RE) for its two global funds in response to strong interest from advisers and clients.
The firm’s funds, the CI Global Equities Funds and the CI Global Equities Fund (unhedged), which were only available by direct investment to wholesale investors would now be offered to retail investors via platforms.
Cooper Investors, which had approximately $11 billion in funds under management (FUM), started in 2001 by managing six pooled wholesale trusts investing in both domestic and international equities for clients which included large pension and superannuation funds, listed Australian companies, governments and high net worth families.
However, according to Cooper Investors’ managing director, Peter Cooper, the firm recently saw strong interest in its global funds among high net worth investors and their financial advisers.
“In response we have taken steps to make it easier for them to invest in these two funds,” he said.
“In taking this initiative, we were conscious that, as a specialist global equities fund manager, we must maintain our focus on investing.
“We believe the appointment of Equity Trustees as the RE is the best way to facilitate this investment offering to a wider audience at this time.”
To support the further availability of the funds, Cooper Investors has appointed Andrew Hall, a previous head of distribution at K2 Asset Management, to lead its retail distribution capability.
