This article was originally published on Advisor Voice on the 6th of June 2018.
Global quantitative asset manager CFM (Capital Fund Management) has announced the appointment of Mark Yetman to the newly-created role of Director, Investor Relations for Asia-Pacific. Mr Yetman will be based in Sydney and will report to Steve Shepherd, Head of Asia-Pacific at CFM, who will relocate from Tokyo to Sydney to support the continued growth of CFM’s Australian office.
Mr Yetman’s appointment and the establishment of Capital Fund Management LLP Sydney branch will enable CFM to better service its growing institutional and retail businesses in Australia. Mr Shepherd said that the addition of Mark to the firm will bring a positive boost to CFM’s Australian efforts.
“The investor relations role is a crucial position as we continue to build our presence on the ground in Australia. Happily, we have found the perfect fit in Mark, who has a detailed understanding of alternative beta strategies and their benefits. In addition, Mark has a great deal of experience with institutional investors as well as financial advisers in the Australian and the wider Asia-Pacific markets, and has a track-record of successfully growing a business,” said Mr Shepherd.
Prior to joining CFM, Mr Yetman spent 13 years at Dimensional Fund Advisors, most recently as Vice-President, Head of Institutional Sales. During his time at Dimensional, Mr Yetman was instrumental in raising and retaining assets under management, and transforming Dimensional into one of the top-10 US-based managers operating in Australia.
Speaking about his role at CFM, Mr Yetman said he is excited to be joining a company known as a pioneer in alternative beta strategies.
“CFM has a track-record of over 27 years at the cutting edge of alternative beta strategies and, in my opinion, offers some of the best funds in the market. The robust academic focus really appeals to me, and I am also looking forward to working with the excellent team of people I have met at CFM.
“At the moment we have over US$11 billion in funds under management, principally from institutional investors. However, demand from wealth management and dealer groups, as well as family offices, is growing exponentially now that our funds are available on seven major platforms: Macquarie Wrap, Netwealth, Colonial First State, BT Financial, Hub 24, Mason Stevens and Powerwrap. I have a keen focus to further improve our distribution, and therefore access, to alternative beta strategies for both institutional investors and advisers,” said Mr Yetman.
In conclusion, Mr Shepherd said that the opening of the new office, and the appointment of Mr Yetman are the next developments in CFM’s continued commitment to Australian investors.
“The portfolio diversification benefits of alternative beta strategies can’t be underestimated, particularly in volatile times, and I’m pleased that we can offer them to more investors,” he said.