High conviction global equities boutique, Swell Asset Management, has launched a retail trust, giving financial advisers and clients access to the group’s investment capabilities for the first time.
The Swell Global Fund replicates the group’s highly successful absolute return strategy, which recently surpassed $100 million in funds under management, after a period of strong inflows and stellar outperformance.
In the five years to July 31, 2021, the Swell Global Portfolio has delivered an annualised return of 20.67 per cent, outperforming the MSCI World Index by 5.61 per cent (after fees).
Previously only accessible to wholesale investors, including high net wealth investors and family offices, the launch of Swell’s retail trust coincides with the appointment of Stephen Poole to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
The Swell Global Fund, which invests in a concentrated portfolio of around 15 companies, has appointed Perpetual as responsible entity and Mainstream Group as fund administrator.
According to Lachlan Hughes, Swell Chief Investment Officer, the decision to launch a retail fund, after six years of managing money exclusively for wholesale investors, was driven by increasing retail demand for an active strategy that didn’t hug the index and delivered strong returns.
“Since our inception, we have built a track record of consistent performance,” he said.
“In the past 12-18 months, during one of the most tumultuous periods in history, our robust investment systems, processes and philosophy have proven resilient and performed strongly. We continue to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of our conservative approach.”
Mr Poole added: “Our aim is to make it easy for investors and advisers to access our capabilities.”
“We want to facilitate choice and allow investors and advisers to choose how they invest with us, be that a wholesale fund, separately managed account or a retail trust.”
The Swell Global Fund is currently available to advised clients on the Hub24 platform.