Liontrust unveils global strategic bond fund for Mabbutt as inflows triple

Inflows tripled at Liontrust in 2012 and the group plans to diversify its business with the launch of a global strategic bond fund for its new credit arm.  

Net inflows for 2012 stood at £253 million, helping assets under management rise to £2.53 billion as at the end of December. The group attributed this to strong fund performance, with eight of its nine actively managed funds outperforming their respective sector averages since launch or fund manager inception.  

The group also confirmed it would be launching a global strategic bond fund for new hire Michael Mabbutt, who joins the firm from Thames River as head of global credit in February.  

The Liontrust Global Strategic Bond fund, which will launch next month subject to regulatory approval, will be supported by Felix Martin, who follows Mabbutt from Thames River next month. 

Commenting on the decision to enter the fixed income market, Liontrust chief John Ions (pictured) told the market: ‘We are continuing to maintain the momentum through Michael Mabbutt joining Liontrust on 2 January 2013 as head of global credit and the launch of a Dublin-based Global Strategic Bond fund in February 2013.  

‘Michael has a long, proven track record of delivering strong performance for the investors in the funds that he has managed. The fund will have the flexibility to invest across all areas of global credit and currency that will prove an advantage if bond markets experience a more challenging. The move into Credit also diversifies Liontrust away from its current focus on UK, European and Asian equities.'