AMP Capital names Sonia Baillie as head of Asian fixed income

AMP Capital is expanding its presence in Hong Kong, with the appointment of Sonia Baillie as Head of Asian Fixed Income.

Ms Baillie’s appointment is in line with the increasing importance of Asian investment markets and the growing demand for yield from clients.

Ms Baillie joined AMP Capital in August 2010 heading up the Credit Research and Analysis team in Sydney. She has over 17 years’ credit market experience and has strong analytical, business and financial modelling skills.

She will commence her role in Hong Kong in mid-September 2013 reporting to Head of Fixed Income Mark Beardow in Sydney.

In addition, Portfolio Analyst Nam Nguyen has been transferred to the Hong Kong office this month. Mr Nguyen joined AMP Capital in 2007 and is responsible for providing analytical support to the Macro Markets team as well as constructing fixed income portfolios. He will continue to report to Head of Macro Markets Simon Warner based in Sydney.

Ms Baillie and Mr Nam will be responsible for Asian rates and currency strategies.

AMP Capital Head of Fixed Income Mark Beardow said: “We believe an on-the-ground presence in Asia will enable our team to develop superior insights required to deliver outstanding investment outcomes for our clients.

“These strategic appointments reflect the rapidly-developing capital markets across Asia for both local and hard currency fixed income. Given the importance of China and Japan for Australia, forming more developed insights into the Asian market is key for our investment strategy.

“As Asian investment markets grow in significance, our clients globally have increasingly been searching for yield and diversification. Our portfolio currently reflects this demand, with growing allocations to Asia,” Mr Beardow said.

AMP Capital’s presence in Hong Kong continues to grow with 13 investment professionals now operating from the Hong Kong office.

AMP Capital Managing Director Asia Kerry Ching said: “AMP Capital has seen its foothold growing rapidly in its first year of operation in Hong Kong. With Asian equities and fixed income expertise on the ground, we will be able to bring a comprehensive set of customised investment solutions to Asian clients.”

Senior Portfolio Manager Helen Pericleous has been acting in Ms Baillie’s role heading up the Credit Research and Analysis team while Ms Baillie was on maternity leave since July 2012. Ms Pericleous will now continue in this role, reporting to Head of Credit Markets Jeff Brunton.