Cambridge Strategy scores Aussie mandate

London-based boutique currency risk manager Cambridge Strategy Asset Management has secured its first alpha mandate with an Australian industry super fund.

According to a spokesperson with Cambridge Strategy, the Australian industry super fund in question has declined to be named and was not available for comment.

Cambridge Strategy’s first foray into the Australian market was influenced in part by three of its principals, who are either Australian or have worked here in the past.

Cambridge Strategy chief executive officer Peter Henricks said the mandate was the firm’s first step towards building a larger business in Australia.

“The initial focus of our entry into the market is institutional superannuation funds, but over time we aim to make our offerings more widely available.”

Henricks said the firm’s specialist skills allowed it to focus on developing markets as a source of alpha, while its strong risk management credentials are well suited to the sophisticated Australian market.

“Coupled with an awareness here of currency as an asset class, Australia has deep attractions for the future growth of our firm,” he said.

“Most of our competitors have funds that focus on G-10 currencies without targeting the areas with true inefficiencies, such as developing markets.”