Acadian and CFS conclude 14-year exclusive arrangement


Acadian Asset Management and Colonial First State (CFS) are concluding their exclusive retail distribution arrangement on 31 December, 2019, which has been in place since 2005.
The end of the partnership would not impact the range of Acadian funds offered to retail investors or to investors in those funds of which CFS would remain the trustee and administrator.
Andrew Hair, Acadian Australian chief executive, said Acadian had been growing consistently over the past few years and receiving increasing investor interest.
“The end of the partnership is a natural progression to bring all distribution in-house alongside what we already do with our institutional strategies,” Hair said.
“With our focus on strong returns for risk, down-side protection and environmental, social and governance (ESG), we believe that our strategies are well placed for advisers and other intermediaries.”
George Walker, head of investment sales at CFS, said they would continue to evolve its alliance partnership model, and whole and retail offering to improve member outcomes.
“Our partnerships with leading global investment specialists allow us to diversify our business and provide world-class investment options for our customers,” Walker said.
“The end of this partnership is a natural progression as Acadian has achieved sufficient growth and scale to assume responsibility over its distribution.
“Over time, we will look to expand our stable of alliance partners which includes Baillie Gifford, Affirmative Investment Management, Aspect Capital, Generation, and Milliman.”
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