AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) recently announced the merger of its Alternative Solutions and Structured Finance teams to create a single global alternative credit platform under the leadership of Deborah Shire, Head of Structured Finance.
Commenting on the announcement, John Porter, Global Head of Fixed Income & Structured Finance at AXA IM, said: “AXA IM’s Structured Finance team has been a pioneer in the disintermediation of credit markets since its inception in the late 1990s and today provides a length of track record across credit cycles, volume of assets under management, and a breadth and depth of expertise that few asset managers can rival. We believe that by combining the talent, resources and skillset of our Alternative Solutions team we can create a simpler and more agile structure to the benefit of our clients.”
The merger will create a single alternative credit platform with a presence in Paris, London and Greenwich (Connecticut). The combined team will encompass 100 professionals providing management and advisory services to over €31 billion of assets covering loans, private debt, collateralised loan obligations, insurance linked securities, asset backed securities, fund of hedge funds and impact investing.
Porter added: “Deborah has more than 20 years of experience across alternative asset classes and under her leadership our structured finance offering has experienced strong growth with assets under management rising by 29% since she took over in September 2014 and capital raised to date this year of €3.5 billion. We are confident that under her direction our alternative credit platform will continue to grow and excel in delivering innovative solutions to meet clients’ needs.”
Deborah Shire said: “AXA IM’s integrated alternative credit platform will offer better visibility and a wider range of investment opportunities to our existing and future clients. In the context of a low rate environment investors are increasingly looking for high yielding and diversifying assets to provide returns but they also want peace of mind i.e. transparency and a trusted partner who aims to deliver consistently throughout credit cycles. I believe our disciplined management style combined with our strong fundamental credit skills and market knowledge will enable us to continue to earn our clients’ trust. I look forward to working with my colleagues to expand AXA IM’s footprint as a market leader in the alternative credit space.”
Eric Lhomond, previously Global Head of the Alternative Solutions team, has decided to leave AXA IM in order to pursue a new opportunity.
Julien Fourtou, Global Head of MACS & TSF, said: “Eric has worked across the AXA Group for over 17 years. He spent the last two years at AXA IM leading our Alternative Solutions team which encompasses fund of hedge funds, impact investing and alternative credit solutions. We would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his significant contribution and to wish him all the very best for the future. Eric will be working closely with the team to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.”