London-based Lam announced his new role on social media.

He has previous experience across multi-asset trading and his past roles include stints as a multi asset trader at Manulife Investment Management and BNP Paribas Asset Management.

Read more: Fireside Friday with… TT International’s Jean-Charles Sambor 

In addition, Lam has also previously served as an FX and futures trader at Amundi, as well as a finance analyst at KBC Financial Products, and an operational analyst at Citi.

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The emerging markets fixed income sphere is recovering and we expect inflows back to the asset class after years of investor exodus. The combination of Fed tightening, China uncertainties and the war in Ukraine has been a perfect storm for emerging market debt and we anticipate a rebound across all sub-asset classes: FX; rates; EM sovereigns and corporates.

We believe that dollar strength is largely behind us as the Fed embarks on a rate cutting cycle. Consequently, EM currencies should recover. EM credit remains relatively cheap compared to developed markets, while the rates outlook appears benign as many EM central banks have either started or will follow the Fed in their easing cycles. We also see plenty of opportunities in the special situations space after years of dislocation.

What key factors are affecting flows into the area? 

Inflows to the asset class should be supported by the Fed easing cycle, resilient fundamentals in EM versus DM, and US election risks subsiding towards the end of the year. Given the sound technical factors and the structural under-allocation to EM debt by large investors, we believe that inflows could be significant. For a sizeable and diverse asset class, EM debt is extremely under-owned. 

Which regions are at the fore of the firm’s focus, why? 

Asia is increasingly dominating the investment landscape, with a vast and diversified credit space, and India benchmark inclusion on the local currency debt side. We are finding some very interesting opportunities in special situations within Asia. There could also be some intriguing alpha opportunities in less liquid and under-researched frontier markets, across both hard and local currency markets.

How is your firm shifting strategies to maximise opportunities in the space?

In a general sense, the asset class has the capacity to provide high returns alongside diversification benefits. We believe it is a particularly good fit for active investors with a contrarian slant. EM investment styles and processes are becoming increasingly bifurcated between large passive or quasi-passive investors and very nimble ones that can exploit a volatile environment and sudden changes in flows or investor asset allocations. 

Why are EM bonds set to be important for desks going forward?

While EM debt is likely to enjoy strong tailwinds overall, volatility is here to stay and having the right skillsets for each area will be key to success. Indeed, EM is a mosaic of sub-asset classes rather than a unified universe. It requires very different skills to trade EM FX versus rates or credits as the liquidity and price discovery mechanisms vary markedly. Desks that are designed to be nimble and opportunistic should be able to provide alpha through skilful execution.

The post Fireside Friday with… TT International’s Jean-Charles Sambor appeared first on The TRADE.

Chris Stoate

FINBOURNE’s dashboards and an open API environment will help TT International professionals to unlock data held within existing systems, and quickly surface and centralise reconciled data for application across operations, according to the firm.

“With over 30 years’ experience in high alpha specialist investing, we recognise that transformation, driven by clean, high-quality data, is vital to our continued success and future growth,” said Chris Stoate, head of risk, operations and technology at TT International.

“Implementing FINBOURNE’s technology underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional client service, streamlined integration and access to real-time and quality data to support our goals.”

Through the development and the corresponding data integration, enhanced real-time insights, and improved processes, TT International will be able to make better investment decisions alongside transforming its operating model.

Read more: FINBOURNE Technology increases funding total to over £100 million

“Asset managers are increasingly seeking technology that enhances efficiency, transparency and decision-making capabilities,” said Thomas McHugh, chief executive and co-founder at FINBOURNE Technology.

“We are delighted to support TT International to deliver unparalleled client service by providing the flexibility to innovate and scale to their strategic plan.”

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The deal, expected to close in March 2020, is the first-ever overseas buy-side acquisition by the Japanese investment bank, which aims to boost its emerging market equities and pension fund clients globally.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, but according to Reuters, a source revealed that SMFG will pay around 20 billion yen, or £153 million, for TT International. The asset manager has offices in London and Hong Kong, managing $8.4 billion in assets as of July this year.

TT International added in a separate statement that it will retain its brand, staff, investment autonomy and existing management structure following the acquisition. Tim Tacchi, who founded TT International in 1988, will also remain managing director of the company once the deal is closed.

“By acquiring all of TT International’s business, which have strengths in Asia and China and emerging market equities and also cover a wide range of pension investors in Europe, North America and Asia, [SMFG] will expand its overseas asset management business,” SMFG said.

SMFG added it is currently undertaking efforts to strengthen its asset management business. In April, the firm merged Sumitomo Mitsui Asset Management with Daiwa SB Investments to form Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management.

“Going forward, [SMFG] intends to strengthen its management capabilities and cultivate investors overseas through alliances, investments, and acquisitions of overseas management companies,” the Japanese bank concluded.

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