Chris Larsen
Global funds management behemoth DWS Investments — the mutual fund arm of DeutscheBank’sAsset Management division — has announced its intention to officially launch into the Australian retail market.
The October 8 launch will coincide with a rebranding strategy of Deutsche Bank’s retail asset management business, when all existing Deutsche Bank funds within the Australian retail market will be rebranded DWS Investments.
As a result of DWS’ entry into the local market, Deutsche Bank will be organised into four business lines. Retail will be the responsibility of DWS Investments and will cover managed funds and structured products. Alternatives, covering real estate, infrastructure, private equity and hedge funds, will come under RREEF, while insurance and institutional remain with Deutsche Asset Management (DeAM).
According to deputy head of asset management Chris Larsen, the official launch of the DWS brand in Australia will also see the funds manager introduce a range of new products, including a Global Climate Change fund, a Global Small Companies fund and a Global Emerging Markets fund.
“DWS Investments brings outstanding expertise in all of the key global markets, which presents Australian investors with the opportunity to participate in the international trends shaping our future,” Larsen said.
The October entry of DWS follows a soft launch earlier this year in March, when the DWS Global Equity Agribusiness Fund was announced.
Larsen confirmed that the rebranding of Deutsche Bank retail products would not impact investment management teams or investment processes for existing Deutsche-branded products sold in Australia.
