Polar Capital CEO Outlines US Growth Strategy
Polar Capital's chief executive, Gavin Rochussen, has announced plans to expand the firm's presence in the United States by hiring portfolio managers and analysts based in the country. The move aims to boost assets under management from the region, according to an interview with Financial News.
Rochussen stated that the London-based asset manager intends to build a team of US-based investment professionals to manage money for American clients. The company currently manages around £17 billion in assets, with a significant portion coming from European investors.
Details of the Expansion Plan
The expansion will focus on hiring experienced portfolio managers and analysts who can manage equity and credit strategies. Polar Capital already has a small US office in New York, but Rochussen emphasized the need to grow this presence to capture more market share in the world's largest asset management market.
“We are looking to add investment professionals in the US who can manage money for US clients,” Rochussen said. “This is a natural next step for us as we seek to diversify our investor base and reduce our reliance on European clients.”
Impact on the Firm's Strategy
Polar Capital, which specializes in thematic and sector-focused funds, has seen strong performance in its technology and healthcare funds. The US expansion is expected to leverage these strengths while also tapping into new investment opportunities in the region.
The CEO noted that the firm is keen to attract talent from US competitors and believes that Polar Capital's entrepreneurial culture will appeal to investment professionals. The new hires will be based primarily in New York, with potential for additional offices in other US financial hubs.
Rochussen added that the expansion is part of a broader strategy to double assets under management over the next five years. The firm has already made progress in attracting institutional investors from the US, but aims to deepen its footprint through local talent.
