JBWere, UBS join forces to launch active fixed income funds

National Australia Bank’s (NAB’s) wealth management subsidiary, JBWere, has unveiled two new active fixed income products, backed by UBS Asset Management, targeted towards its wholesale clients.

Available from December, the UBS JBWere Australian Credit Fund and the UBS JBWere International Credit Fund offers wholesale investors adds a defensive layer to balanced, multi-asset portfolio.

NAB Private Wealth Executive and JBWere CEO, Michael Saadie, said the partnership with UBS Asset Management followed a global search process.

“These new funds underscore JBWere’s commitment to offering high-quality investment solutions tailored to the specific needs of our clients, specifically those wanting high-quality defensive investment strategies,” he said.

“Australian investors allocated a record $6.26 billion to managed fixed income funds in the first half of the year. Now, with the US Federal Reserve easing and inflation moderating, there is a timeliness to clients having access to expertly managed portfolios that deliver both global and domestic exposure and a strong defensive profile.

“Our clients will benefit not only from UBS AM’s renowned investment expertise and oversight in this space but also from the competitive investment management fees we’ve been able to secure for this exclusive product offer.

“Investors can seek confidence in the heritage and track-record of both brands, and we particularly value UBS AM’s expertise in developing credit products in an environment that is likely to be conducive to solid alpha generation.”

The two funds will be accessible via JBWere’s Multi-Asset Platform (MAP), as UBS Asset Management will be responsible for issuing the products, acting as the trustee and providing some investment management solutions.

“We are thrilled to have developed this fixed income offering for JBWere’s wholesale clients,” UBS Asset Management’s Country Head of Australia and New Zealand, Alison Telfer, said.

“These strategies are a tactical investment solution for investors who seek stability and growth in today’s complex market environment, and act as a sophisticated example of how a private wealth advisor like JBWere can work with asset managers like UBS for tailored strategies.

“The rigorous investment oversight that comes with all of UBS AM’s investment strategies, combined with this initiative’s alignment to JBWere’s Asset Allocation Framework, offers JBWere clients the confidence that they are investing in a top-tier portfolio solution specifically designed for their needs and backed by UBS AM’s local and global expertise.”