Rockefeller Asset Management (RAM), a division of Rockefeller Capital Management, today announced that it has created its first international office in London to expand its European market presence and to better serve clients across the U.K., Europe, and Asia, according to a news release.
John “Chip” Montgomery, who heads RAM’s business strategy and corporate development, has been named president of the newly established international unit. The 30-year financial services veteran will oversee the firm’s non-U.S. market strategy, including the plans to open a London-based international distribution hub as well as building out a U.K.-based team in 2022, the release said.
“Our commitment to European investors is growing and we are excited to take the initial steps in our non-US expansion plan. To ensure that we are doing this in a first-class way, it is paramount that we are on the ground in the region, partnering with allocators and asset owners,” Montgomery said in a statement. “We see our thematic strategies and engagement process have quickly resonated with investors across Europe and other geographies. We are in the early stages of building an international asset management franchise for Rockefeller Capital Management and are pleased with our progress thus far.”
RAM, which has institutional clients across nine European countries, launched several funds over the past two years, surpassing $2.5 billion in assets from European investors, the release noted. It launched a UCITS ICAV, an Ireland-domiciled UCITS structure, and two ESG improvers and engagement-driven funds registered for distribution in 15 countries. In December, RAM also launched its third equity UCITS fund, focused on climate change.
UCITS funds are a type of mutual fund that complies with European Union regulations and holds securities from throughout the region.
David Harris, president and chief investment officer of RAM, attributed the company strong growth in Europe to “leveraging ESG-integrated equity research capabilities, a 30-year history of sustainable investing built around the Rockefeller name, decades of shareholder engagement experience and a unique network of scientific advisors who participate in the research process.”
Rockefeller Capital Management, headed by president and CEO Gregory Fleming, launched with about $18 billion under management in March 2018 with the backing of hedge fund Viking Global Investors. As of September 30, the firm has about $85 billion in client assets across its three business segments, the Rockefeller Global Family Office, which includes both the private wealth management and family ofice businesses, Rockefeller Asset Management and Rockefeller Strategic Advisory.
“Our asset management business has generated real momentum across Europe, and we are excited to continue to serve our international clients with a full suite of sustainable investment products and a growing local presence,” Fleming said.