HSBC Asset Management makes two key institutional hires

10 August 2022

HSBC Asset Management (“HSBC AM”) has appointed François Xavier Douin as head of its Institutional Business in the Nordics and Ali Karmali as Head of its Institutional Business for the Middle East and Africa. Both will report to Maria Ryan, Head of Institutional Business UK, Nordics, Middle East and Africa.

François Xavier has more than 30 years’ asset management experience, most recently spending over 20 years at J.P. Morgan Asset Management focussing on institutional markets in the Nordic region. Prior to this he held roles at Lazard Asset Management and Paribas Asset Management.

Ali has more than 20 years of institutional experience. He joins from First Sentier Investors (formerly First State Investments) where he spent 19 years, nine as Head of Middle East & Africa out of the UK, UAE and Singapore. Prior to this he held various roles covering the institutional business and asset consultant relationships across Australia and New Zealand.

Maria Ryan said: “I am delighted to welcome Francois Xavier and Ali to the team. The Nordics and Middle East are key markets for our long-term growth strategy given the very strong alignment of our investment capabilities and client needs. We’ve accomplished a lot recently as clients continue to choose us due to our strength in both Core and Alternative asset classes. Their combined depth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve our business in both regions.”

HSBC AM manages USD595 billion in assets under management (AUM) with 58 per cent of total AUM accounting for institutional clients. In May 2022, its UK-focused direct lending capability raised USD1 billion in commitments from institutional investors in its first year. To support the increasing interest and needs from investors, HSBC AM has continued to grow its alternatives business by bringing in an Infrastructure Equity team and launching a new unit, the Capital Solutions Group. Alongside this it has launched multiple sustainable funds including an Asia focused ESG bond fund and suite of ETFs that track the MSCI Climate Paris Aligned Indices.

Source: HSBC