Schroders adds to Aussie equties team

Schroder Investment Management Australiahas bolstered its domestic equity investment capabilities further following former head of Australian equities Ken Lambden’s move to London last year to assume global responsibility for equities.

Morgan Stanleyequity research analyst David Wanis will join the group in early February, following on from the appointment back in December of senior portfolio manager Steve Guiban from Macquarie Funds Management.

Although Sydney-based Schroder director, Greg Cooper says Wanis’ appointment was more opportunistic than part of any plan to boost the team following Lamden’s transfer.

“The guys had dealt with David on the sell side of the business and felt he was a competent individual who would add value to the team,” Cooper says.

At Morgan Stanley Wanis was an equity research analyst, and as regional team leader was responsible for healthcare and the lead analyst on Australian healthcare, technology and property stocks.

Local responsibility for management of the team and day-to-day portfolio construction rests with Martin Conlon, however Lambden retains overall responsibility for operations in his role as head of global equities.

Schroders manages $7.3 billion in Australian equities on behalf of both international and local clients, with local clients accounting for the lions shares ($6 billion) of funds.

The fund manager closed its book to institutional monies some time ago with regard to domestic equities, however in the area of fixed interest it is in the process of launching the Schroders Fixed Income Fund into the retail space.