Jim Roland

Federated Hermes, a global leader in active investment management, has announced, at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong, its plans to open an office in the city to capitalise on the region’s rapidly growing wealth market.

The announcement marks a strategic expansion as the firm deepens relationships with private banks, family offices, wealth intermediaries and institutional investors across the Asia-Pacific region.

Subject to regulatory and other necessary approvals, the planned Hong Kong office will further strengthen Federated Hermes’ established Asia‑Pacific footprint, which includes existing regional offices in Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney. The firm has maintained a presence in the region since 2010.

The Hong Kong expansion reflects Federated Hermes’ strategic focus on Asia’s wealth and retail distribution segments, where the firm sees significant opportunity as client portfolios grow more sophisticated and distribution models shift towards long-term partnerships. This builds on the firm’s established institutional presence across the region.

Federated Hermes’ Asia strategy centres on a consultative distribution model. The firm works to align its investment capabilities, research insights and global networks with the evolving needs of wealth clients navigating increasingly complex market environments.

“Asia continues to be one of the fastest-growing wealth markets globally, with clients increasingly seeking partners who can support more sophisticated investment strategies and portfolio construction,” said Jim Roland, Head of Distribution for Asia Pacific at Federated Hermes. “Establishing a presence in Hong Kong enables us to work even more closely with partners and clients on the ground, providing localised service and expertise.”

Hong Kong’s position as a premier international wealth and asset management hub makes it a natural location for Federated Hermes’ expansion. The office will enhance the firm’s on-the-ground client coverage and support its long-term regional growth strategy across both wealth and institutional channels.

The move underscores Federated Hermes’ commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, where demographic trends, wealth creation and evolving investor sophistication continue to create opportunities for active investment managers with differentiated capabilities.

Federated Hermes will focus its efforts this year on securing licensing approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and completing the required registrations.

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Elizabeth White

Federated Hermes, a global leader in responsible investment solutions, has strengthened its Australia business with the appointment of Elizabeth White to its Australian and APAC distribution team.

In the newly created role as Associate Director – Business Development, Australia, White will be based in Sydney and report to Gary Horton, Federated Hermes’ Head of Distribution for Australia and New Zealand. She will be responsible for alignment and distribution of Federated Hermes’ products to meet the needs of wholesale, private bank and family office clients across the region.

Federated Hermes offers clients an extensive suite of equity, fixed income, and private markets solutions as well as access to EOS, Federated Hermes’ world-leading stewardship service that advises on more than $1.4tn in assets to deliver corporate engagement and proxy voting services.

White has two decades of experience both domestically and offshore, with expertise in, sales, and investment roles across all asset classes, and with client groups from institutional to ultra-high net worth.

Her previous employers have included NMG Consulting, Credit Suisse Private Bank, First Sentier Investors (formerly Colonial Global Asset Management), APN Funds Management (now DEXUS) and Macquarie Bank.

Gary Horton, Head of Business Development, Australia and New Zealand, Federated Hermes, said: “Our Australia business has enjoyed strong growth over the past three years as we have successfully identified the Federated Hermes strategies that are best suited to local institutional investors – helping us to win a growing number of mandates. Elizabeth’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the Australian market make her an invaluable addition to the team. I look forward to working closely with her as we further strengthen demand and support for our thriving local client base.”

Jim Roland, Head of Business Development, Asia Pacific, Federated Hermes, added: “We are delighted to welcome Elizabeth to our Australia and wider regional team as we continue to build our footprint and offering in this strategically important location. Elizabeth’s appointment is a clear indication of our continued commitment to Australia and New Zealand, and our ambition to support the evolving needs of our clients, including leading superannuation funds private banks and, financial institutions.”

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Jim replaces Jake Nilsson who has taken on a new role as Head of Private Market Sales, ex-North America, based in London.

Currently based in London where he leads the Institutional Client Group, Jim will relocate to Federated Hermes’ Singapore regional headquarters. In his new role he oversees the firm’s sales and distribution efforts across Asia Pacific including Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia and Japan.

Since his appointment in 2014 Jake Nilsson has overseen the growth of the Federated Hermes team in the Asia Pacific region with offices in Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo serving institutional and wholesale clients.

“APAC is an important, dynamic and growing market for Federated Hermes and we have a fantastic team across the region which is a testament to the work Jake has done. I’m looking forward to building on our momentum,” Jim said.

Paul Ulhman said, “We have accomplished a phased growth plan for expansion across Asia Pacific over the last five years, shown by our recent office openings in Australia and Japan and a significant increase in AUM. Looking ahead, Jim and his team will be focusing efforts on aligning our product offerings to the needs of clients across Asia Pacific.”

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