For the first time, Singapore investors will be able to gain direct access to the absolute return Life Settlements fund, the London-based company said.
Because it is registered for sale in Singapore as a so-called ‘restricted scheme’, only accredited investors there may access the fund directly.
The development follows last month’s acceptance by the local financial regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, of EEA’s registration application.
EEA opened its first regional office in Singapore earlier this year, as part of the company’s Asia-focused growth strategy, according to Peter Winders, EEA marketing director.
“The successful registration of the EEA Life Settlements Fund, added to our local presence in Singapore, means we now have a solid base from which to grow our business in Asia,” Winders said.
In addition to the Life Settlements Fund, EEA has a comprehensive range of specialist products. In Singapore, the company will also be focusing on developing its carbon-trading and environmental asset management and advisory business.
EEA also offers hedge funds and managed futures strategies.
EEA Fund Management was founded in August 2003 as Epic Equity Advisors by Simon Shaw to manage equity portfolios and energy and environmental assets. Its first product, listed on London’s AIM market a month later, was Climate Exchange plc, at that time the London Stock Exchange’s first investment fund aimed at making a profit through the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the life settlements fund, launched in November, 2005, EEA also operates two equity-based hedge funds and one futures fund, among other products, and manages or advises on $1.8bn in assets, according to its website.