Blackwattle, a new generation Australian investment manager, has recently launched with initial seed capital commitments of over $60 million to offer investment solutions across Australian equities, and in time global markets. Blackwattle has been established to create a better investment management model, providing investors with greater alignment, attractive returns, and enhanced transparency.

From August 2023, Blackwattle launched its first four funds: ASX Small Cap Quality, Mid Cap Quality, Long-Short 130/30 Quality, and Large Cap Quality Funds — and expects to expand into global equity and alternative assets at a later date. Ray David and Joe Koh will head up Blackwattle’s Long Short 130/30 Quality and Large Cap Quality funds bringing more than 40 years of combined investment experience. Tim Riordan and Michael Teran will head up the Mid Cap Quality Fund after previously managing a similar fund for over five years at Aware Super.  The Small Cap Quality Fund will be managed by Robert Hawkesford and Daniel Broeren, who together have more than 40 years of investment experience at Ellerston and Watermark.

Apex Group will provide Blackwattle with technology-enabled Fund Administration, Transfer Agency, Middle Office and Custody Solutions. Fund Administration is at the core of Apex Group’s single-source solution, delivering timely, accurate and independent services, underpinned by market leading technology platforms. Apex Group’s Transfer Agency and Middle Office services enable efficient and compliant daily investment management including transparent investor communication and reporting.

According to a Total Economic Impact (TEI) report by Forrester Consulting, clients of Apex Group’s single-source solution achieve, on average, cost benefits of $5.39m, with a net present value of $2.75m over a three-year period.

Nick Bradford, Head of Business Development – Australia and New Zealand at Apex Group comments: “We are delighted to be supporting Blackwattle, who have brought a refreshing approach to the market which has been received enthusiastically by the Australian investment community. Our fund solutions will free up the time and resources of the Blackwattle investment team, enabling them to focus on building on their proven investment ability and track record of outperformance, to become leaders within the Australian market.”

Michael Skinner, Chief Investment Officer at Blackwattle further comments: “From day one at Blackwattle we are committed to open and transparent communication with our investors so it essential that we get the fundamentals established, including daily investment management tasks. Apex Group’s solutions will enable our teams to operate efficiently, giving them the time and bandwidth to focus on their core purpose of delivering strong returns for our investors. We value Apex Group’s single-source model, which allows us to access all the Fund Administration, Transfer Agency, Middle Office and Custody Solutions we require, via one local relationship with an experienced local team.”

Jarred Rubin, Chief Executive Officer at Blackwattle adds: “For us, it is essential that any service partner has the flexibility to accommodate our innovative business model, now as well as in the future. The team at Apex Group share our entrepreneurial mindset and have demonstrated their ability to support us as we scale and provide the services, we will need to achieve our ambitions for future growth across multiple assets.”