Chris Cuffe
The Third Link Growth Fund is entering an exciting new chapter, with plans to transition investment management to Hearts & Minds Investments.
The proposed transition to Hearts & Minds represents a natural evolution for the Fund, bringing together two organisations that share a commitment to creating positive social impact.
Founded in 2008 by Chris Cuffe AO, Third Link Growth Fund was established with a unique vision: to bring together some of Australia’s leading investment managers to generate strong long-term returns for investors while supporting Australian charities.
Since inception, the Fund has delivered annualised investment returns of 9.22% and donated over $25.3 million to Australian charities, demonstrating the power of combining investment expertise with philanthropy.
Chris Cuffe, Founding Director and Portfolio Manager of Third Link Growth Fund, said “Hearts & Minds is a natural home for Third Link. The two organisations share a commitment to bringing together leading investment managers, creating value for investors and using investment success to support the community. This transition will preserve the elements that have made Third Link distinctive while giving the Fund access to the broader resources and reach of Hearts & Minds.
“I have been involved with Hearts & Minds since the establishment of its listed investment company, Hearts and Minds Investments Limited (HM1), which listed on the ASX in November 2018 and of which I am the current Chair,” added Cuffe.
HM1 provides investors with exposure to a high-conviction global equities portfolio built from investment ideas contributed by leading fund managers on a pro bono basis. In place of traditional investment management fees, HM1 supports leading Australian medical research organisations. Together with the annual Sohn Hearts & Minds Conference, Hearts & Minds has now donated more than $96 million to Australian medical research.
Richard Howes, Managing Director of Hearts and Minds Investments Limited, added, “Third Link has an impressive record of combining investment performance with charitable impact. We are pleased to have the opportunity to build on that foundation and to broaden the Fund’s reach. We are grateful to Chris Cuffe for what he has built and for agreeing to transfer management of the Fund for nominal consideration in order that we can continue to pursue philanthropic objectives in relation to the Fund and ensure its long-term sustainability. We welcome Third Link’s investors, managers and team into the Hearts & Minds community.”
As part of the transition, the Fund is expected to be renamed the Hearts & Minds Australian Equities Growth Fund, subject to the necessary approvals.
The Fund’s underlying investment strategy and commitment to working with leading Australian equity managers will continue, with the transition providing an opportunity to build on its established track record and expand its reach to a broader investor audience.
“This next chapter represents an opportunity to build on everything that has made Third Link distinctive over the past 18 years, while benefiting from the broader resources, investment expertise and distribution network of Hearts & Minds.
“We extend our sincere thanks to our investors, underlying fund managers and charity partners for their ongoing support and contribution to Third Link’s journey,” noted Cuffe.