The CEO of L1 Group, formerly known as Platinum Asset Management, has stepped down with immediate effect, and the asset manager has announced his replacement.

There have only been a “handful” of opportunities in the last 20 years when infrastructure has looked as cheap relative to equities as it does now, according to Lazard, making it a viable option to provide portfolio security amid market volatility.

Fund manager GSFM has appointed a former Macquarie Group business development manager to a newly created role in Queensland as the firm eyes further growth opportunities.

UK fund manager Aberdeen Investments has launched an emerging market equity strategy for Australian investors, broadening the reach of an existing strategy.

Technology firm Iress and investment manager Challenger have formed a strategic partnership to launch an adviser solution to better serve their retiring clients.

Private equity manager Scarcity Partners has backed a specialist investment manager focused on metals and mining, seeking to meet investor demand for real assets.

While M&A has ramped up nationwide, three advice heads have explored Western Australia’s emergence as a region of interest among medium-sized firms vying for growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive market.

A failure to maintain operations and governance models could prove problematic for private managers in the future as their funds grow in popularity with a retail and wholesale audience.