Linda Stangherlin

I Squared Capital (“I Squared”), a leading independent global infrastructure investment manager, today announced the expansion of OpenInfra, its global private wealth platform, into Australia through the launch of the evergreen ISQ OpenInfra AUT Fund (“the Fund”)^[1].

Alongside the launch, I Squared has appointed Linda Stangherlin as a Director, Investor Relations, to lead the platform’s growth across the region. Based in Sydney, Linda brings more than 20 years’ experience across investment management and wealth, with expertise in alternative investments, portfolio construction and adviser engagement.

The launch of OpenInfra in Australia builds on I Squared’s established global investment platform with over A$85 billion (US$60 billion) in assets under management and a portfolio of over 100 companies around the world^[2].

I Squared’s singular focus is infrastructure investing. Founded in 2012, the firm has built its reputation by combining a middle-market focus with global reach and hands-on operating capabilities. For private wealth investors, that means a chance to diversify their portfolio by investing alongside a specialist manager in infrastructure assets that serve the needs of millions every day around the world.

In the Australian investment market, infrastructure is emerging as a particular area of growth with Australian institutional superannuation funds already holding approximately A$206 billion (US$146 billion) in unlisted infrastructure^[3]. The ISQ OpenInfra Index, I Squared’s proprietary research from a survey of hundreds of financial advisers working with alternative investments, found that private infrastructure has become one of the most sought-after allocations in the private wealth market, having evolved to become a core portfolio allocation. The survey found that three quarters of financial advisers expect to increase private infrastructure exposure by 2027, with an equal share saying they prefer to work with specialised infrastructure managers to build exposure.^[4]

Gautam Bhandari, co-founder, Global Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner of I Squared Capital said: “We believe that we are in the early stages of a global infrastructure supercycle – indebted governments and the urgent need for investment in AI and essential services make this a clear investment opportunity for individual investors. As private wealth investors look for specialist managers with deep sector expertise and a proven investment track record, infrastructure offers a middle ground that can offer equity upside, credit-like yield and real assets with inflation-linked revenues.”

Irina Zilbergleyt, Managing Director and Global Head of Distribution and Product Strategy for OpenInfra at I Squared Capital, added: “We are pleased to bring OpenInfra to Australia and provide eligible investors with access to I Squared’s global infrastructure platform. The launch builds on I Squared’s longstanding presence in the Australian market where we have partnered with leading Australian superannuation funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurers through our institutional business since 2014. We are extremely proud of and grateful for these partnerships which underscore the strength of our relationships in Australia and our capabilities as a leading global infrastructure manager.”

Following the opening of its Sydney office in 2022, I Squared has committed more than A$2.1 billion (US$1.5 billion) to businesses operating across Australia, including ANZA Power, a renewable energy platform; Octa, an integrated energy transition platform; SoilCo, an organic waste processing platform; and Rentco, a provider of heavy-duty transport rental equipment.

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