CFM boosts Australian team to meet growing investor demand for alternatives

Craig Stanford

Global alternative beta manager Capital Fund Management (CFM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Stanford to the newly-created role of Director, Investor Relations for Australia. Mr Stanford is based in Sydney and reports to Steve Shepherd, Head of Asia-Pacific at CFM.

Mr Stanford brings with him over 20 years of experience in investment management, having worked in various asset management firms in London, including ABN Amro. His former role was Head of Alternative Investments at Morningstar in Sydney.

“CFM is a leading alternative investment manager, with a track record dating back to 1991. In fact, I have known the firm, people and products for some time, and first invested with them over a decade ago. CFM has always sought to understand the needs of investors and educate them as to the role of alternative investment strategies as both portfolio diversifiers and return generators. Their academic focus and long term approach really appeal to me, and it’s a huge privilege to now be working with them,” commented Mr Stanford.

Mr Shepherd said that “the Investor Relations role is crucial for CFM as it continues to expand its presence in Australia”.

“We were looking for someone with strong relationships and a solid understanding of the local institutional and retail markets, who could also understand and communicate what can come across as very high level, scientific topics”.

“Fortunately, we have found the perfect fit in Craig, with his in-depth understanding of alternative strategies and their benefits. Just as importantly, Craig is able to translate our sometimes highly complex approach into tangible themes, and has a great deal of experience with institutional investors in Australia, the UK and South Africa,” said Mr Shepherd.

Mr Stanford’s appointment follows the establishment of a local permanent office in Sydney late last year in order to service its burgeoning institutional businesses in Australia. Mr Stanford will be responsible for growing the Australian business working with institutional investors and wholesale investors, including Financial Advisors and platforms.. He will work closely with Mr Shepherd and Mark Yetman, who joined CFM as Director of Investor Relations last year.

Mr Stanford said CFM’s approach to the Australian market demonstrated its long term commitment to the market and local investors. 

“Even before opening their permanent office in Sydney, CFM had worked to establish a strong presence in the Australian market, and were highly regarded by their investors. Now, with a staffed  permanent office based in Sydney, we have the opportunity to work alongside investors to demonstrate how alternative beta can fit into their portfolio,” said Mr Stanford. 

Currently, CFM Australia has over US$9.7 billion in funds under management. Demand is also growing from wealth management and dealer groups, as well as family offices, and CFM’s funds are already available on many of the major platforms.

In conclusion, Mr Shepherd said that Mr Stanford’s appointment is an important next step in the relationship between CFM and Australian investors.

“The portfolio diversification benefits of alternative beta strategies can’t be underestimated, particularly in volatile times, so I’m pleased that we are now able to offer them to more investors,” he said.