Global Institutional Funds Manager IFM Investors, with A$113 billion (CHF 78 billion) funds under management, today announced the opening of its Swiss operations in Zurich. Owned by 27 pension funds, IFM Investors’ operating model challenges traditional profit-based fund managers and ensures that the interests of investors and the investment manager are truly aligned.
IFM Investors Chief Executive Brett Himbury said: “Our ownership and heritage make us unique. Launched more than 20 years ago by aligned Australian pension funds to remove any conflicts of interest in the traditional funds management model, we focus on optimising returns for our investors. Our ownership model liberates our global team to focus on investors, which in turn has driven strong outcomes for the retirement savings of more than 15 million working people globally whom we ultimately serve”.
Public and corporate pension fund investors in Switzerland have already invested close to CHF 500 million with IFM investors. “IFM Investors’ decision to establish a Swiss office, is a demonstration of our local commitment to one of the largest existing investor markets in Europe. We recognise the importance of the Swiss retirement market and its increasing allocation to non-traditional assets by long-term investors,” Mr Himbury said. The new office in Zurich, the firm’s ninth globally, represents IFM Investors’ third office in Europe after London and Berlin.
Anna Demarmels has been appointed to head the Swiss operation and lead business development efforts. She brings more than 15 years’ experience across asset management and financial markets, the last six of which has been leading IFM Investors’ activities in Switzerland Ms. Demarmels joins Executive Director Infrastructure Werner Kerschl in Zurich, and will be building up a team locally.
“IFM Investors is pleased to appoint an executive of Ms. Demarmels’ experience to lead our Swiss office. Her appointment further illustrates IFM Investors’ commitment to its Swiss-based clients which are increasingly seeking access to world-class infrastructure investment opportunities,” Mr. Himbury said.
IFM Investors existing offices are located in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul, with approximately half of the firm’s investment professionals based outside of Australia.
