The announcement represents the sixth Fund to be launched in the Multi Asset range since December 2009 after the Balanced, Balanced Income, Cautious, Cautious Income and Growth Funds were introduced.

The Defensive MAF is managed by Martin Perry and aims to preserve the capital value of a portfolio predominantly through holding lower-risk assets such as government bonds, but will also look to gain exposure in other asset classes such as high quality corporate bonds, commercial property and equities. 

All of the Funds in the Multi Asset range are structured as a Non-UCITS retail scheme (NURS), providing greater investment flexibility than a UCITS vehicle but offering the same level of protection to UK investors.

Guy Hudson, Head of Client Services at Heartwood, commented: “The launch of the Defensive MAF further enhances our growing range of Multi Asset Funds, which offer clients a rich and diversified set of investment opportunities within a single investment vehicle.

“Since December 2009, the Heartwood Multi Asset Funds have experienced substantial demand from clients and have attracted a greater than anticipated share of new client monies due to their tax and investment efficiencies. We have every reason to believe that the Defensive MAF will enjoy a similar level of success amongst both clients and advisers.”

Over £567m is currently invested in the Multi Asset Funds (as at 31/01/12) resulting in a year on year increase of 16%. The Funds now account for more than 47% of Heartwood’s discretionary assets under management and 89% of discretionary clients.

Noland Carter, Heartwood’s Chief Investment Officer, said: “We have a long and established track record of managing global multi-asset-class portfolios with a range of risk-return characteristics. We launched our defensive model to clients in 2009, and since then it has produced annualised performance of 8.7%, so we are delighted to be able to offer a defensive strategy in fund format. We now have a comprehensive set of Funds to complement our existing offering on a segregated basis, making our expertise available to a wider range of investor. Our range of lower risk strategies provides a compelling proposition in this volatile environment.”

The Multi Asset Fund product range is suitable for the majority of Heartwood’s diverse private client base, which includes FTSE directors, senior City professionals, entrepreneurs, charities and wealthy families, and through IFAs to a broader client base.

Heartwood’s investment management capability is the centrepiece of the firm’s offering and is provided either on a standalone basis or as part of Heartwood’s integrated wealth management service. As at the end of January 2012, Heartwood’s total funds under management and administration were approximately £1.4 billion.

ENDS

Contacts:

Patrick Evans - Citigate Dewe Rogerson
020 7282 2913 patrick.evans@citigatedr.co.uk      

Constanze Ullmann – Citigate Dewe Rogerson
020 7282 1043 Constanze.ullmann@citigatedr.co.uk