How long have you worked in fund selection, and what do you enjoy most about the role?
13 years. My favourite thing about the role is identifying and testing new investment opportunities for inclusion in our strategies.
Are there any product gaps in your current offering that you are looking to address in 2026? Why are you looking to add exposure to these investment sectors?
For the year ahead we will be looking to increase our exposure and options within quality global equities. This is a sector that has relatively underperformed over the last 12 months but has historically outperformed the broader market with less downside potential given the strength of the underlying businesses.
Private markets have seen increased allocations in the wealth space over the past year. How have you expanded your private markets offering, and in which sectors? How has this asset class been received by end clients?
Whilst we have been exploring a number of opportunities in private markets, given the growth and yields available in public markets we have not utilised these options within our strategies as of yet. If yields continue to compress within public fixed income markets, we will look to explore the use of private credit where such opportunities offer superior risk adjusted returns.
Looking ahead to 2026, which key asset allocation calls do you expect to be rewarded, and why?
Despite the nervousness around market valuations, we believe the current growth trajectory around equity markets to be intact so think investors who maintain sensible exposure to the AI theme will be rewarded. Alongside this, meaningful exposure to high quality gov and IG corporate debt at low-mid duration is likely to offer attractive returns and downside protection if we do see market volatility increase.
In the city where you work, which restaurant would you most recommend to visitors, and why?
Couqley, JLT. An old school classic tucked away in JLT. Great steak frites.
What is the best book you have read in the past year, and what did you enjoy most about it?
The Arabs: A History by Eugene Rogan
Expanding my very limited knowledge of the region.