IFM Investors (IFM) has opened an office in Singapore to capture growth opportunities in Apac. The move reinforces IFM’s commitment to the region and positions the firm to pursue investment opportunities and continue to win institutional capital across target markets throughout Asia, according to the Australia-based A$291.6bn ($204.8bn) Australia-based global pension capital investor

The new office will also support the expansion of IFM’s private market capabilities across Asia, especially in diversified credit, through local origination and execution capabilities.

Asia is viewed as an increasingly important growth market for institutional capital – including pension capital, sovereign wealth funds, and insurers – supported by relatively underpenetrated private markets, rising demand for flexible finance solutions, and growing investor interest for diversification.

IFM is owned by 15 Australian industry superannuation funds and one UK pension fund. It benefits from Australia having one of the world’s fastest growing pension systems which currently manages A$4.5trn in funds and is projected to reach A$8.3trn in the 2030s.

Hiran Wanigasekera, executive director and co-head of APAC diversified credit at IFM said: “Opening an office in Singapore reflects IFM’s strong conviction in Asia as a long-term investment destination and our commitment to building an enduring investment presence in the region on behalf of working people and retirees globally.”

“We also believe Asia Pacific private credit is at an inflection point, with the market growing nearly fourfold from a low base over the past 15 years. It is this strong projected growth which makes it an increasingly compelling asset class that we believe can bring key structural benefits to global portfolios during this increasingly volatile time in markets.”

IFM is well positioned to support businesses across the region and originate private market deals, drawing on three decades of deep diversified credit and infrastructure expertise, and an ownership model which supports a strong alignment with institutional clients, a long-term approach to investing, partnership building and market development, according to the firm.

The office opening follows IFM’s partnership with the Australian Government, which saw a A$175m commitment through Export Finance Australia to IFM’s Asia Pacific private credit capabilities to support businesses with strong growth potential in Southeast Asia across industrials, manufacturing, services, renewable energy, telecommunications and real assets. The investment was made under the Australian Government’s Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SEAIFF), established to deliver on Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.