In response to anticipated growth in Mercer's investment consulting business, the multi-manager has made three new appointments in its Australian equities and real estate research and consulting teams.

Clare Armstrong has been appointed to the Australian equity research team as senior Australian equities researcher.

She will join a team of nine full-time researchers in Australia and New Zealand and report to Mercer Asia Pacific head of manager research Marianne Feeley.

Prior to her appointment Armstrong spent 10 years at Goldman Sachs JB Were as head of managed investments research.

"Investing in Australian equities is a key strategy for Australian investors and enhancing the depth of the research team will ensure we are able to dedicate the appropriate resources to cover this major local asset class in detail," Feeley said.

Mercer has also expanded its focus on real estate research.

Experienced property valuer John Wills has been appointed to the role of senior real estate researcher for Australia and New Zealand. He will focus on unlisted property research and consulting assignments.

Former Blackrock investment research team member Fred Tang will fill the position of senior real estate researcher for Hong Kong and focus on research and consulting assignments for clients with active Asian real estate requirements.

"Real estate is a sector that has been significantly affected by the global financial crisis," Mercer head of real estate research Asia Pacific Jennifer Johnstone-Kaiser said.

"These two new appointments will ensure that we have the resources to meet demand, as well as offer investors insight from across the Asia Pacific."