#USA #New York #investment strategy #Fiera Capital #OAKS EM Select

Fiera Capital Corporation, a prominent independent asset management firm, has recently made headlines with its announcement of a $100 million seed investment aimed at bolstering the Oaks EM Select strategy. This initiative is designed to enhance their presence in key emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia, Greece, Vietnam, Mexico, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The seed funding is strategically sourced from one of the largest U.S. pension plans, renowned for its meticulous defined benefit allocations, which underscores Fiera's ambition to tap into the vast potential of these neglected markets.

The Oaks EM Select strategy, which began its operations in the UK in 2021, is spearheaded by experienced portfolio managers Stefan Böttcher and Dominic Bokor-Ingram. Their mission focuses on identifying promising, yet under-researched securities within emerging markets that are often overlooked by mainstream investors. According to Fiera, this innovative approach aims to meet a growing demand for diversification away from the traditional 'Big Six' emerging markets — which typically include China, Taiwan, Korea, India, Brazil, and South Africa. The firm believes that by targeting undervalued regions with strong growth dynamics, they can generate better risk-adjusted returns for their investors.

In a statement, Senior Portfolio Manager Dominic Bokor-Ingram emphasized the firm's confidence in its capability to identify and capitalize on unique opportunities that are generally underserved by sell-side research. He remarked, "We believe that this seed investment reflects a belief in our portfolio management team's proven ability to uncover and capitalize on opportunities in markets that are typically under-allocated and underserved by sell-side research." The Oak EM Select strategy is structured as a pooled fund under Delaware law, providing an effective framework for custody and administration while ensuring a streamlined investment process for clients.

As Fiera Capital heads into 2025, its strategy remains centered on pinpointing and leveraging promising opportunities that align with its investment philosophy. The firm acknowledges the need for innovative strategies within the fluctuating global investment landscape, especially within emerging and frontier markets. Therefore, they are committed to taking a leadership role in this sector.

Fiera Capital has positioned itself as a noteworthy player in the investment management industry, delivering tailored multi-asset solutions across both public and private markets for a diversified clientele that includes institutional investors and private wealth clients. With a solid footprint across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Fiera capitalizes on its robust expertise and diversified offerings to realize its mission: creating sustainable wealth for clients through innovative investment management science. The firm is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker FSZ, showcasing its established presence in the financial landscape.

In summary, Fiera Capital's $100 million investment constitutes a strategic leap toward enhancing their emerging market capabilities, with a clear focus on regions often underrated yet brimming with potential. This ambitious maneuver reinforces the firm's determination to expand its influence and contribution to the global investment ecosystem, particularly in high-growth emerging economies. With the managed portfolio expected to grow, investors and market analysts alike will be closely watching how Fiera navigates this new chapter and what returns it can deliver as it ventures into these promising markets.