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Cohen & Steers Launches Real Assets Strategies Fund in South Africa

Cohen & Steers, Inc. has recently announced an exciting development for investors in South Africa. The investment management firm, which specializes in real assets, now offers three of its SICAV funds: the Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, the Global Real Estate Securities Fund, and the Diversified Real Assets Fund. This launch comes after receiving the green light from South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) under Section 65 of the Collective Investment Schemes Control Act (CISCA).

This approval allows the funds to be marketed and distributed to eligible investors in South Africa, paving the way for broader access to Cohen & Steers' robust investment strategies. Sean Cooney, Head of U.K. Wealth at Cohen & Steers, remarked on the growing interest from South African investors, who are keen on diversifying their portfolios in today’s complex economic landscape. He stated, “We are pleased to offer direct access to several of our key real asset strategies, helping investors build stronger, more resilient global portfolios.”

Expanding into South Africa aligns with Cohen & Steers' international growth strategy. David Conway, Head of International Wholesale Distribution, emphasized the firm’s commitment to global expansion, noting that the assets of its SICAV funds have grown over 500% in the past five years, with availability now extending across the UK, EMEA, and Asia. He added, “This expansion into South Africa represents a natural progression of our international strategic growth plan, further strengthening our client partnerships and increasing assets under management.”

Cohen & Steers, founded in 1986 and headquartered in New York City, is recognized as a leading global investment manager specializing in real assets and alternative income, which includes a diverse range of investment vehicles such as listed and private real estate, preferred securities, infrastructure, and commodity equities. With offices in major financial cities worldwide, including London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore, the firm is well-equipped to cater to an international clientele.

The introduction of these funds in South Africa is significant, especially as investors increasingly seek medium to long-term investments that provide diversification, inflation protection, and alternative sources of return. The real asset sector, in particular, has gained traction for its potential to deliver improved performance during volatile periods in the financial markets.

It is essential for potential investors to recognize that investing in Collective Investment Schemes in Securities (CIS) involves risks. The value of these investments may rise or fall, and past performance does not guarantee future results. As Cohen & Steers prepares to welcome South African investors into its fold, the firm is keen to emphasize the importance of informed decision-making. Necessary documentation, including the prospectus of the Cohen & Steers SICAV and relevant Key Investor Information Documents (KIIDs), is readily available for those interested in assessing their options.

Cohen & Steers continues to make strides towards making its investment strategies accessible to a broader audience, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in the realm of real assets. Investors looking to deepen their involvement in global markets now have a valuable opportunity to engage with funds that focus on real assets, which have been shown to offer a hedge against inflation and market fluctuations.

In conclusion, the expansion into South Africa marks a pivotal moment for Cohen & Steers as they aim to provide investors with a wider range of options to cultivate a diversified and resilient portfolio. With the combination of innovative strategies and a commitment to client-centric investment practices, Cohen & Steers is poised to make a significant impact on the South African investment landscape.