French asset manager Ostrum launching US$500 million Asian infrastructure debt fund
- Ostrum Asset Management is building an investment team in Hong Kong
- Infrastructure spending in Asia-Pacific estimated at US$22.6 trillion by 2030
A French asset management company is targeting infrastructure projects in Asia-Pacific, including the Belt and Road Initiative, where the funding needs are estimated at US$22.6 trillion by 2030.
Ostrum Asset Management, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers with €257.6 billion (US$290.3 billion) in assets under management, said that it was planning to raise up to US$500 million this year through a dedicated Asian infrastructure debt fund.
The company said it plans to invest the funds through its recently set up Hong Kong subsidiary and has been building a team to oversee its investments and Asia expansion.
Charles Regan, managing director of Ostrum AM Hong Kong, said his team would focus on investment opportunities in infrastructure projects such as electricity, renewable energy, transport, aircraft loans and natural resources.
Regan joined Ostrum this year after leaving investment manager Windward Capital Asia, which he co-founded.
The new fund will target both institutional investors and private banking clients, and other retail investors.