FundRock, a leading European third-party UCITS Management Company (ManCo) and Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM), has launched a new operation in Luxembourg that will provide fund distribution solutions to non-EU asset managers.
It is one of the first examples of a super ManCo expanding to distribution services.
Asset managers, for which FundRock or its affiliates act as ManCo/AIFM, will be able to access FundRock’s fund distribution solutions through the recently established FundRock Distribution SA (FundRock Distribution), which has received authorisation as an investment firm from the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) in Luxembourg.
FundRock Distribution’s services will support asset managers from the US, UK, Asia and other third country jurisdictions in distributing funds across the EU region. FundRock Distribution will also leverage the Group’s existing partnerships with all key fund distribution platforms, thereby offering asset managers streamlined and cost-effective market access and proximity to European investors.
The new initiative, led by managing director Arnaud Gérard, CFA, launches with a strong client base from countries including Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. To meet the market demand, FundRock is building a centre of excellence, recruiting its own experts institutional/wholesale team throughout 2021.
This announcement adds to the strong momentum of the FundRock business, following its acquisition by Apex Group Ltd. In recent months, FundRock has surpassed the milestone of EUR100 billion AUM, as well the launch of its French private equity and real estate AIFM which will assist international and domestic professional investors in accessing French investment vehicles.
“FundRock’s dual role as a super ManCo and a MiFID approved investment adviser/distributor, means that it is now strategically placed to represent asset managers through its deep understanding of clients’ investment strategies and portfolios. We are pleased to have received regulatory authorisation from the CSSF, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to helping our clients meet the highest regulatory standards,” says Arnaud Gérard, Managing Director, FundRock Distribution SA.
Xavier Parain, Head of FundRock, adds: “Today’s announcement is the most recent example of FundRock’s continued innovation to meet the evolving needs of our clients and support their growth. We are proud to be leading the way in the industry, as one of the first super ManCo’s to offer distribution services. FundRock Distribution is complementary to our existing business lines and further strengthens FundRock’s compelling client offering.”
