Wealth manager JBWere has announced the launch of two new fixed income strategies for wholesale clients, backed by UBS Asset Management (UBS AM).
The new funds aim to meet the growing demand for sophisticated defensive assets in an environment of heightened market uncertainty.
According to JBWere, these provide Australian investors with timely access to expertly managed portfolios that combine both domestic and global exposure, responding to an evolving financial landscape marked by moderating inflation and the easing of monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve.
The products include the UBS JBWere Australian Credit Fund and the UBS JBWere International Credit Fund, both designed to enhance the defensive component of a multi-asset portfolio.
They will be available exclusively to wholesale clients of JBWere from December 2025.
“These new funds underscore JBWere’s commitment to offering high-quality investment solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients, specifically those wanting high-quality defensive investment strategies,” said Michael Saadie, NAB Private Wealth Executive and JBWere chief executive.
He noted the timeliness of the offering, with Australian investors having already allocated a record $6.26 billion to managed fixed income funds in the first half of the year.
“Now, with the US Federal Reserve easing and inflation moderating, there is a timeliness to clients having access to expertly managed portfolios that deliver both global and domestic exposure and a strong defensive profile,” Saadie said.
The executive also highlighted the value of partnering with UBS AM for the funds, having conducted a global search for the right partner.
“Our clients will benefit not only from UBS AM’s renowned investment expertise and oversight in this space but also from the competitive investment management fees we’ve been able to secure for this exclusive product offer,” he explained.
“Investors can seek confidence in the heritage and track record of both brands, and we particularly value UBS AM’s expertise in developing credit products in an environment that is likely to be conducive to solid alpha generation.”
Alison Telfer, country head of Australia and New Zealand at UBS AM, agreed that fixed income funds would serve as a tactical investment solution in wholesale client portfolios.
“These strategies are a tactical investment solution for investors who seek stability and growth in today’s complex market environment, and act as a sophisticated example of how a private wealth adviser like JBWere can work with asset managers like UBS for tailored strategies,” she said.
“The rigorous investment oversight that comes with all of UBS AM’s investment strategies, combined with this initiative’s alignment to JBWere’s Asset Allocation Framework, offers JBWere clients the confidence that they are investing in a top-tier portfolio solution specifically designed for their needs and backed by UBS AM’s local and global expertise.”
The products will be structured as an Australian Unit Trust and will be onboarded to the JBWere Multi-Asset Platform.
JBWere manages around $49.6 billion in funds under management, with over $60 billion in assets under advice.
Last month, it bid farewell to Maria Lykouras, who served as chief executive for over two years, following a restructure of the private wealth business.
Its chief investment officer, Sally Auld, has also moved to NAB as a chief economist, succeeding Alan Oster.
