Nikko AM affiliate Ark Invest will spearhead the new SMA, which will be made available to Morgan Stanley wealth managers and focus on a “basket of stocks that represent key disruptive innovation themes”.
A statement from Nikko AM described the new product as the “first of its kind in Australia” and will be launched at a series of Morgan Stanley events across Australia this week.
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Australia head of product Matt Nicholls said the offer could be a competitive advantage for the Wall Street firm.
“Morgan Stanley has an exclusive distribution agreement with Nikko AM to access the Ark Invest SMA, which means we can offer our clients unique opportunities for investing in baskets of stocks that represent key disruptive innovation themes. Diversification in underlying exposures and key thematics is integral to our client’s success,” Mr Nicholls said.
Ark Invest chief investment officer Catherine Wood commented that it was important that investors and advisers have exposure to innovative companies with strong long-term growth prospects.
“Today, technology is disrupting our world at an accelerated rate,” Ms Wood said. “Disruptive innovation impacts and concerns all of our lives and changes the way the world works, from communication and transportation, through to education and healthcare.”
