The new active large-cap equity division of IFM Investors will offer Australian long-only active equity, Australian long-short equity and Asia market neutral capabilities, according to a statement by the firm.
"These capabilities will complement IFM Investor’s existing strategies in Enhanced Passive Australian and Global Equities and Australian Small Cap Active Equities," said the statement.
IFM Investors chief executive Brett Himbury said the new equities capability would "fill a gap" in the firm's current suite of offerings.
"This is a transformational opportunity for IFM Investors. In announcing this active equity expansion we are further able to meet investor demand for good-value core equity exposure, including being able to now offer Asian Active Equities to clients," Mr Himbury said.
"By expanding our active equities capability into large-caps we can assist our investors with well-priced, high-quality products in a low yielding environment.
"The financial, strategic and positional strength of IFM Investors is further expanded by this deeper diversification into liquid asset classes," he said.
The Active Large Cap Equity team will be based in Sydney and headed by Lachlan Davis, who will report to IFM Investors executive director for active equities Neil Carter.
"Our new team members are highly investor-focused and will make a strong contribution to the organisation over time," Mr Himbury said.
