(L to R): Glen Holding & Nick Hamilton

Channel Capital and Fidante have announced they have entered into a binding agreement to merge, forming a new parent entity: Channel Group.

Channel Capital is a privately-held Australian investment management services business that builds, supports and distributes boutique and global managers through its operating platform and responsible entity capability. Fidante, currently owned by Challenger, is an active multi-affiliate manager with approximately A$86 billion in funds under management across equities, fixed income and alternative assets.

The combined platform will service more than A$150 billion in assets, bringing together Channel’s operating platform with Fidante’s established multi-affiliate investment model.

This scale positions Channel Group as one of Australia’s largest investment platform and services businesses, supported by over 240 professionals across 11 global offices, with the capabilities to serve a diverse range of clients.

Under the transaction, Channel’s shareholders will hold a majority interest in Channel Group, with Challenger retaining a meaningful minority stake. This structure ensures both organisations remain co-invested in the platform, reflecting the joint conviction in the group’s long-term outlook and success.

Channel Group will centralise operational expertise across shared infrastructure, including responsible entity and governance services. Within the group, Channel Capital, Fidante and Continental Funds Group will continue to operate as distinct, client-facing businesses. This model preserves the unique identities, investment philosophies and affiliate relationships that underpin each business’ success, while enabling them to benefit from shared capabilities and operational scale.

Channel Group Chief Executive Officer Glen Holding said: “Bringing together the strength and expertise of Channel Capital and Fidante creates a highly diversified, resilient platform with the ability to invest through market cycles.

“It’s a truly distinctive proposition — one that gives boutique Australian managers the resources to grow, while offering global managers a proven, trusted gateway into the Australian market. That combination is highly differentiated in the market, and it’s what will drive the next decade of growth for Channel Group.”

Challenger Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hamilton, said: “Our announcement today takes Fidante into its next stage of growth as part of a larger and more diversified active funds management platform. This merger ensures we can remain long-term holders of Fidante, whilst benefitting from a more diversified multi-affiliate platform.

“We’re excited by the creation of Channel Group, the broader geographic reach and wider investor base it will provide to affiliates, increased career opportunities for our people, and the benefits for Challenger as a long-term holder and partner in a business we’re building together.”

Channel Group will operate across three core business lines: affiliate partnerships providing equity and revenue participation in boutique investment managers; distribution partnerships with major global firms; and institutional infrastructure services — including responsible entity, fund services and middle-office solutions — to major institutional clients.

The merged group services a broad range of Australian and global investment managers across listed and unlisted asset classes, including equities, fixed income, real assets and private markets, while connecting investors with high-quality investment opportunities.

Mr. Holding added that the merger delivers scale without compromising independence or quality: “This transaction establishes a platform with the scale and structure to support long-term growth. We have combined complementary capabilities while maintaining the brands and relationships that sit at the centre of client engagement.”

Completion of the merger remains subject to regulatory approval.

The post Channel Capital and Fidante combine, forming Channel Group appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Xavier Jeans

Channel Capital welcomes Xavier Jeans to the role of Distribution Director, further strengthening its distribution capability as the business continues to grow and deepen its commitment to education and long-term support for financial advisers across Victoria and the broader Australian wealth management market.

Based in Melbourne, Xavier will focus on servicing wealth advisers and sophisticated clients across the intermediary, private wealth, and family office channels, building on the strong relationships Channel Capital has already established across Victoria and regional locations. Xavier’s appointment reflects Channel’s ongoing commitment to deepening local engagement and continuing to support advisers as client needs and portfolio requirements evolve.

Xavier brings a decade of experience across investment product sales, due diligence, investment consulting, and asset allocation. Prior to joining Channel Capital, Xavier worked as an Investment Specialist at UBS (previously Credit Suisse) in the Global Investment Management division where he was instrumental in researching, analysing and selecting strategies for the Australian wealth business across traditional and alternative strategies. Prior to UBS, Xavier spent two years at Lonsec Investment Research as an Investment Analyst conducting fund manager research across asset classes. He also worked in a client-facing role at Shadforth Financial Group (Insignia Financial) supporting financial advisers in delivering tailored wealth management strategies for high-net-worth clients.

Luke Mandekic, Co-Head of Distribution at Channel Capital, said: “Xavier’s appointment builds on the strong foundational relationships and support we have already established with advisers across Victoria. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering meaningful support to intermediaries, with access to a wider range of specialist strategies, underpinned by strong oversight, education, and clear communication. Xavier brings exactly the right attributes and mindset, including a wealth of experience in fund research and portfolio construction, and we’re very pleased to have him join the team.”

Commenting on his appointment, Xavier said: “Channel Capital has built a strong reputation for the quality of its investment manager partnerships and its genuine commitment to adviser education and support. I’ve long admired the team’s approach and focus on creating value for advisers and their clients. I’m excited to contribute to that culture and to work closely with advisers across Victoria and regional areas.”

Channel Capital services over A$63 billion on behalf of its investment manager partners across a strong suite of traditional and alternative investment strategies.

The post Channel Capital appoints Xavier Jeans to strengthen distribution presence in Victoria appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Based in Sydney, Keenan will focus on servicing wealth advisers across regional and metropolitan markets, with a particular emphasis on building long-term relationships with advisers and practices helping them confidently navigate and unlock the opportunities within the evolving alternatives landscape.

The appointment reflects a broader shift underway in the Australian wealth market. Financial advisers are under growing pressure to deliver differentiated portfolio solutions for clients in an environment where traditional asset classes alone are increasingly challenged to meet return objectives. Alternative assets are attracting significant interest as a result, yet adviser confidence in this space remains closely tied to the quality of investment manager education, transparency, and ongoing support they receive.

Keenan brings more than 25 years of experience across some of Australia’s most prominent financial institutions. Most recently at Australian Ethical Investment, where he led the national business development team growing it from a team of three to seven before spearheading the firm’s push into private wealth and family office channels. Prior to that, he spent five years at Perpetual Investments as Senior Business Development Manager, and has held senior roles at Colonial First State, Rabobank, Citigroup, Commonwealth Bank and Deutsche Private Bank, building deep relationships across independent financial advisers, private wealth firms, family offices, asset consultants, and dealer groups throughout his career.

Commenting on his appointment, Keenan said: “I’m pleased to be joining Channel Capital at a time when the conversation around alternative asset classes has never been more relevant. Advisers are actively seeking diversified sources of risk and return, and the quality of education and support available to them in navigating these strategies is paramount. I look forward to being part of the conversations that help advisers build real conviction in this space.”

Byron Slessar, Co-Head of Distribution at Channel Capital, said: “Keenan’s appointment is a deliberate investment in the quality of support we provide to our clients. As allocations to high quality, uncorrelated strategies become an increasingly important tool in cushioning portfolios against market dislocation, the depth of insight and education advisers require goes well beyond a traditional distribution relationship. Keenan’s experience and professional standing make him well placed to deliver on that.”

Channel Capital services over A$63 billion on behalf of its investment manager partners across a strong and growing suite of public and private market alternative asset strategies.

The post Channel Capital strengthens distribution capability with appointment of Keenan Bunning appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Luke Mandekic

Channel Capital, a leading Australian multi-partner asset management firm, has collaborated with Wellington Management to bring the CC Wellington Multi-Sector Credit Fund (the Fund) to the Australian wholesale market.

The Fund is an Australian registered managed investment scheme providing wholesale investors with access to a diversified portfolio of global credit investments, designed to deliver attractive long-term, risk-adjusted returns.

The Fund invests in the Wellington Multi-Sector Credit Fund, a sub-fund of the Wellington Management Funds (Luxembourg) II SICAV, managed by Wellington Management (Wellington), one of the world’s largest independent investment management firms.

With moderating interest rates, tighter credit spreads across major markets, and a rising need for diversified sources of yield, the Fund provides investors with an actively managed solution to potentially help address concentration risk, income challenges, and market volatility.

“Credit markets are experiencing significant dispersion in performance across geographies and sectors, creating opportunities for active managers,” said Luke Mandekic, Co-Head of Distribution at Channel Capital. “Unlike traditional credit funds, the CC Wellington Multi-Sector Credit Fund provides the flexibility to dynamically allocate across global credit markets (allowing the manager to invest where relative value is highest), across high yield corporate bonds, bank loans, emerging markets debt, and structured finance to capture opportunities and manage downside risk.”

The strategy is built on Wellington’s deep global credit expertise, combining capital appreciation with income generation through active exposure to higher-yielding credit markets and the ability to rotate dynamically across sectors as conditions evolve. This flexibility enhances diversification while seeking resilient outcomes across market cycles. By blending different credit types and maturities, multi-sector credit can reduce sensitivity to interest rate moves or credit events in a single sector.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Channel Capital to make this global Multi-Sector Credit strategy available to the Australian wholesale market, offering access to a specialised credit team with the scale, research depth, and expertise to navigate current risks and capture future opportunities,” said Caitlin Hollebone, Head of Wellington Management Australia. “We believe the Fund may suit advisers seeking a total portfolio solution that aims to deliver higher-yielding opportunities while managing risk through cycles.”

Channel Capital will provide all non-investment services for the Fund, including responsible entity services, operations, client service, and distribution. The Fund is rated “Recommended” by Zenith Investment Partners (As of 2 February 2026).

The post Channel Capital collaborates with Wellington Management to deliver global multi-sector credit solution appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Edward Moon

Channel Capital, a leading Australian multi-partner asset management firm, has launched the Apollo Asset Backed Credit Trust (AUD) for Australian wholesale investors. The trust is an open-end Australian unit trust that provides access to Apollo’s (NYSE: APO) Asset Backed Finance strategy.

Asset backed financing offers a form of private lending secured by tangible assets like aircraft, property or infrastructure as well as financial receivables like contractual cash flows. Apollo’s asset backed finance strategy primarily focuses on directly originated, investment-grade assets across a diverse range of sectors. It seeks to generate consistent income through exposure to high-quality assets and contracted cash flows, with structural protections and low historical correlation to traditional corporate credit offerings.

Edward Moon, Partner and Head of Asia Pacific Global Wealth Management at Apollo, commented: “We are pleased to work with the Channel Capital team to expand access to Apollo’s asset backed finance strategy in Australia, a priority market for Apollo where we are focused on meeting the evolving needs of Australian investors, corporates and retirees through creative capital solutions and customised products. Secular changes in financial markets continue to position the asset backed finance market for future growth, and we believe the strategy offers an attractive value proposition, leveraging Apollo’s differentiated origination capabilities, structuring expertise and robust risk management framework.”

Luke Mandekic, Co-Head of Distribution at Channel Capital, added: “For investors seeking consistent returns with enhanced credit protection, asset backed finance can offer a valuable complement to traditional fixed income allocations. These strategies are known for their defensive characteristics, often structured with strong collateral protection to reduce default risk and improve recoveries. Asset backed finance can provide investment-grade equivalent risk with the potential for enhanced yields, and a lower volatility profile.”

Channel Capital offers the trust and will provide all non-investment services, including responsible entity services, operations, client services, and distribution and marketing.

The trust offers monthly applications and redemptions, has been independently rated “Recommended” by Zenith Investment Partners, and is expected to be widely available across major investment platforms.

The post Channel Capital launches Apollo Asset Backed Credit Trust appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Joseph Smith

Channel Capital Group (“Channel”), a leading partner to global investment managers, is pleased to announce its appointment as Responsible Entity for the CBRE Global Property Securities Fund (an actively managed fund investing in a diversified portfolio of listed global real estate companies), and the CBRE Global Infrastructure Securities Fund (an actively managed fund investing in global listed infrastructure securities across a range of geographic regions and infrastructure sectors).

This follows Channel’s successful onboarding of the CBRE Global Real Assets Fund in December 2023, further expanding the partnership between Channel and CBRE Investment Management Listed Real Assets, LLC (“CBRE IM Listed Real Assets”), the listed real asset solution within CBRE Investment Management, (“CBRE IM”), a global leader in real asset management.

In addition to its responsible entity services, Channel will also provide all non-investment services, including operations, client services, and distribution and marketing for the two funds.

Joseph Smith, Chief Investment Officer, Listed Real Assets Strategies, CBRE IM Listed Real Assets, commented: “Our partnership with Channel presents an exciting opportunity to broaden client access to our listed real asset solutions. Real estate and infrastructure are fundamental to building balanced, resilient portfolios that can weather economic challenges, while delivering long term income and growth.

Long term structural investment themes are fuelling demand for real assets, and we believe that listed REITs currently represent very attractive total return potential within both equities and real assets.”

Glen Holding, Managing Director of Channel, said: “This partnership strengthens our investment offering by expanding across both private and public markets within real assets, working alongside one of the world’s leading real asset managers. As the Responsible Entity, Channel remains dedicated to maintaining strong governance, operational excellence, and exceptional client-focused service.”

Both funds are independently rated “Highly Recommended” by Lonsec, reflecting their strong investment process, experienced management team, and robust track record, and are also rated “Recommended” by Zenith Investment Partners.

The post Channel Investment Management Limited appointed Responsible Entity for two CBRE Investment Management Real Asset Funds appeared first on AdviserVoice.

James Reynolds

Channel Capital, a leading Australian multi-partner asset management firm, has launched a European private credit fund for Australian wholesale investors. The West Street European Private Credit Fund (AUD) is an open-end Australian unit trust that accesses Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s European Private Credit strategy, which was introduced in offshore wealth markets in late 2023.

The fund aims to deliver risk-adjusted returns through exposure to directly originated senior secured debt with borrowers. The focus is on high-quality, mid-to large cap companies with stable cash flows and leading market positions in recession-resilient industries such as healthcare and software.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s private credit business is one of the world’s largest private credit platforms with over US$110 billion in assets across direct lending, mezzanine debt, hybrid capital and asset-based lending strategies.

James Reynolds, Global Head of Direct Lending at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said: “We have been an active investor in European private credit since 1996 and continue to see the market as a source of returns for investors. Australian investors are increasingly interested in private credit opportunities internationally and through this fund from Channel Capital, they will be able to access the direct lending markets in Europe for diversification.”

Channel Capital offers the fund and will provide all non-investment services, including responsible entity services, operations, client services, and distribution and marketing.

Luke Mandekic, Co-Head of Distribution at Channel Capital, added: “Far from being a niche asset class, European private credit offers exposure to a deep pool of leading global businesses. Many large European companies within the portfolio generate a significant portion of their revenues from outside Europe, adding to portfolio diversification. The European private credit market is rapidly growing, driven by the demand for alternative financing sources, creating a dynamic environment for investors.

“The West Street European Private Credit Fund (AUD) provides an attractive opportunity for Australian investors to access a diversified portfolio backed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s cycle-tested private credit platform, which leverages the extensive network and sourcing capabilities of Goldman Sachs.”

The fund aims to generate income through exposure to a portfolio of high-quality assets. It offers monthly applications and redemptions, and is expected to receive research ratings and broad platform access shortly.

The post Channel Capital launches European Private Credit Fund appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Joshua Ivanyi

Channel Capital is pleased to announce the appointment of Joshua Ivanyi as Distribution Director for its Melbourne office, in response to growing demand for its investment manager strategies.

These strategies, featuring both local Australian boutique firms and globally renowned asset managers, provide investors with access to a wide range of asset classes, including traditional and private market assets like private equity and private credit.

In his role, Joshua will manage and develop relationships with advisers, family office, and wholesale clients across Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. With over 11 years of experience in the financial services industry, Joshua brings a proven track record of building deep connections with independent and aligned financial advisers, as well as high net worth investors.

Prior to joining Channel Capital, Joshua served as a Business Development Manager at Macquarie Asset Management for three years, representing a diverse range of asset classes. His career also includes eight years at Vanguard Australia, where he held various roles in Distribution, Marketing, and Risk Management. Joshua commenced his financial services career at Deloitte, providing consulting and risk management services to clients in the financial, manufacturing, energy, and resources sectors.

Luke Mandekic, Co-Head of Distribution at Channel Capital, said: “We are thrilled to have Joshua join the team in Melbourne. With Joshua on board, we have added even more valuable experience to serve our clients and expand our presence. As we continue to carefully assess markets to identify where the most attractive opportunities lie and how investors can best access these, we hope to deliver more innovative investment solutions that provide strong risk-adjusted return potential for our wholesale and intermediary clients.”

The post Channel Capital strengthens team with appointment of Joshua Ivanyi as Distribution Director in Melbourne appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Henry Lyons

Channel Capital has appointed distribution director Henry Lyons to its Melbourne office as its investment manager stable and product suite continues to grow within the institutional and family office sector. Henry will be responsible for building strategic relationships with institutional clients and consultants across Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

Henry has ten years’ experience in financial services, joining Channel Capital from Dimensional where he was most recently responsible for managing institutional client relationships in the southern regions of Australia. His involvement in the investment community also includes being an active member of the CFA Professional Learning Committee and previously Chair of the ASFA Emerging Leaders Committee (Victoria).

Channel Capital’s head of distribution, Andrew King said: “Henry’s appointment is a continuation of our commitment to deepen our relationships with institutional clients and to meet the increasing client demand for a number of our capabilities across key private and public asset classes.  Expanding our team regionally will ensure that our clients benefit from a more personal and local experience. Henry is a highly regarded and experienced individual within the institutional sector and we’re very fortunate to have him join Channel Capital.”

The appointment of Henry Lyons follows that of Sam Mirls, who was recently hired as Distribution Director for Channel Capital’s Brisbane office.

Channel Capital is a multi-partner asset management business dedicated to building and supporting a unique group of investment managers worldwide. Channel Capital provides a range of services including incubation, operations, distribution, marketing and responsible entity services to eight investment management firms with associated assets of A$18 billion as of 30 June 2021. The Channel Capital Group also comprises three subsidiary companies − Channel Investment Management Limited, Channel Capital Cayman, and more recently Eolas Capital LLC – a New York based firm that provides tailored capital and business infrastructure solutions for specialist and boutique investment managers.

The post Channel Capital expands team with the appointment of Victorian based Institutional Distribution Director appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Sam, who is originally from Brisbane and has more than eight years’ experience in financial services, joins from GSFM Pty Ltd where he was a Business Development Manager responsible for adviser relationships throughout NSW. Sam has held roles as an Associate Director at FIIG Securities and served as a Private Wealth Adviser at Wilsons Stockbroking & Advisory, providing investment advice across a number of asset classes.

Channel Capital’s head of distribution, Andrew King said: “Sam’s appointment is a continuation of our commitment to invest in long term relationships with Queensland clients and to meet the increased demand we are seeing across our private and public asset classes. Sam is a well-regarded individual within the advice and wealth space and we’re very fortunate to have him join Channel Capital. As the growth of our investment offering continues, we aim to attract high quality talent to support the needs of our clients. We’re very excited to have Sam as part of the team.”

The appointment of Sam Mirls follows that of Phelim O’Neil, who was also hired as a Distribution Director for Channel Capital’s Sydney office earlier this year.

Channel Capital is a multi-partner asset management business dedicated to building and supporting a unique group of investment managers worldwide. Channel Capital provides a range of services including incubation, operations, distribution, marketing and responsible entity services to eight investment management firms with associated assets of A$18 billion as of 30 June 2021. The Channel Capital Group also comprises three subsidiary companies − Channel Investment Management Limited, Channel Capital Cayman, and more recently Eolas Capital LLC – a New York based firm that provides tailored capital and business infrastructure solutions for specialist and boutique investment managers.

The post Channel Capital expands team with the appointment of Queensland based Distribution Director appeared first on AdviserVoice.