Candriam has launched the Candriam Alternative Investments platform, bringing together several of the firm’s absolute return, multi-asset and hedge fund teams. The move is a strategic evolution responding to the growing demand for diverse alternative investment solutions in today’s market environment, the asset management firm announced.
With more than €23b of assets under management (AUM) across this new integrated platform, the core objective is to “optimise synergies between each specialised team, aiming to deliver consistent positive returns across various market cycles”, Candriam said.
The manager will also seek to increase its efforts in ESG integration within its alternative investments and plans to launch new innovative ESG-focused absolute return solutions.
Nicolas Forest, chief investment officer of Candriam, said: “We are confident that the appetite for alternative strategies will continue to grow, offering an attractive option for diversification and favorable risk-return profiles. The unification of our alternative investments represents an exciting evolution for Candriam, bringing together our deep expertise across different teams and solutions.”
He added that Candriam’s aim is to provide “even richer insights and more innovative alternative solutions to our clients”.
New appointments
To lead the new platform, Candriam has appointed Steeve Brument as global head of alternatives. He was previously head of multi-asset quantitative strategies and deputy head of multi-asset at Candriam and holds a 25-year career in the industry, including a 20-year track record as fund manager at the firm.
In his new role, Brument will work with a team of 34 investment professionals dedicated to alternative investment solutions. He will report directly to Forest and will also become a member of Candriam’s executive committee.
Additionally, Grégoire Thomas has been appointed as head of equity market neutral, within the alternative investments division. Thomas brings more than 20 years of industry experience at firms including Millennium, Bank of America and Société Générale, and has an in-depth expertise in index arbitrage and market neutral strategies.
Following a 20-year career at Candriam, Emmanuel Terraz, global head of absolute return and quantitative equity will be leaving to embark on a new chapter, Candriam disclosed.
Thomas will assume the role of lead fund manager for the equity market neutral and index arbitrage strategies, alongside the existing fund management team.