Threadneedle Investments expands its presence in Asia with the launch of its first dedicated fund managed from Singapore.

Threadneedle Investments, the international asset management firm, has launched a new Asia-focused fund that, for the first time, will be managed from Asia.

The Threadneedle (Lux) Developed Asia Growth and Income Fund is the first in a series of Asian funds that the company is launching in Singapore, according to a statement. The fund will focus on investing mainly in a range of equity securities of firms listed or domiciled in the developed markets in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, or those exercising the predominant part of their economic activity in such markets. It may also invest in other securities, including convertible debt, real estate investment trusts and money market instruments.

It will be co-managed by Ng Soo Nam, head of Asian equities, and Christine Seng, Asian equity fund manager.

"[The Fund] marks a significant first step as we embark on our next phase of accelerated growth in the region and the launch of our local investment and manufacturing capabilities of Asian assets. Singapore will be our first investment hub outside of the UK and US," said Raymundo Yu, Asia-Pacific chairman. 

Threadneedle, which is wholly-owned by Ameriprise Financial, manages some $148 billion in assets as at 31 December 2013 worldwide. It was established in London in 1994 and currently has a presence in 17 countries.